International Patients at MD Anderson: Accommodation & Logistics Guide

You flew across the world for a reason. MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the best places on earth for cancer care, and getting here took courage. What comes next, finding a place to stay, navigating an unfamiliar city, managing the day-to-day logistics of a long medical stay, does not have to be as hard as the journey that brought you here.

This guide is for international patients and their families. It covers what to expect, where to stay, and how to make Houston feel a little more like home while you focus on your health.

First things first: the Texas Medical Center

MD Anderson sits inside the Texas Medical Center (TMC) in Houston, the largest medical complex in the world. It is a city within a city, with hospitals, clinics, research labs, pharmacies, cafes, and support services all within walking distance of each other.

For international patients, this is actually good news. Everything you need medically is close together. The challenge is finding comfortable housing that is close enough to make daily treatment manageable, especially if you are staying for weeks or months.

How long will you actually be here?

This is the question most international patients underestimate. A first consultation might last a few days, but ongoing treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, often means staying for weeks, sometimes months.

Some general timeframes to plan around:

• Initial evaluation: 3 to 7 days

• Surgical treatment: 2 to 6 weeks

• Radiation therapy: 4 to 8 weeks of daily sessions

• Chemotherapy cycles: often 3 to 6 months with breaks in between

It is worth planning for more time than you think you will need. Extending a hotel stay last minute is stressful and expensive. Starting in a furnished apartment gives you flexibility.

Housing options for international patients near MD Anderson

There is no shortage of places to sleep near the Medical Center. The question is which type of housing actually fits a medical stay.

Hotels

Convenient for short stays, but they get expensive quickly and feel isolating over time. No kitchen means eating out every meal, which adds up and becomes exhausting, especially during treatment.

Short-term furnished apartments

The most practical option for stays longer than two weeks. A full kitchen lets you cook familiar food, which matters more than most people anticipate. An in-unit washer and dryer means you can pack lighter. Private space means rest between appointments without the noise of a hotel hallway.

Patient housing programs

MD Anderson has a Department of International Patient Services that can assist with referrals. Some nonprofit options are available for qualifying patients. Availability is limited, so it is worth exploring these early and having a backup plan.

What to look for in international patient housing near MD Anderson

Not all furnished apartments are the same. Prioritize:

• Distance to MD Anderson: walking distance or a short ride-share is ideal. Daily appointments add up.

• A full-size kitchen: cooking your own food helps with nutrition, budget, and comfort.

• Washer and dryer in the unit: essential for long stays.

• Flexible lease terms: you should not be locked into a 12-month lease for a medical stay.

• Utilities and WiFi included: one less thing to set up when you arrive.

• A responsive team: someone who answers when something goes wrong.

Getting around Houston as an international patient

Houston is a driving city. That said, you do not need a car if you are staying near the Medical Center.

• Rideshare (Uber and Lyft): widely available and reliable throughout the TMC area.

• METRORail: the Red Line runs through the Medical Center and connects to downtown Houston and the Museum District.

• TMC Shuttles: free shuttles run between facilities within the Texas Medical Center.

• Walking: if you choose housing close to MD Anderson, many appointments are walkable.

Practical logistics for international patients often overlooked

Phone and connectivity

Pick up a US SIM card at the airport or order one before you arrive. Staying connected matters for appointment reminders, rideshare apps, and staying in touch with family back home.

Banking and currency

Notify your bank before traveling. ATMs are widely available near the Medical Center. Many housing providers and services accept major international credit cards.

Grocery and food

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. You will find grocery stores carrying ingredients from most parts of the world within a reasonable distance of the Medical Center. H-E-B, Whole Foods, and Kroger are all nearby.

Interpreter services

MD Anderson's International Patient Services team offers interpreter services and can help coordinate your care in your language. Contact them before you arrive to understand what is available.

A note on bringing family

Many international patients do not come alone. A caregiver, spouse, parent, or child often makes the journey, too. This changes what housing you need.

A private furnished apartment becomes even more valuable when there are two or more of you. Sharing a hotel room for six weeks is exhausting. A two-bedroom apartment near MD Anderson gives everyone space to rest and gives your caregiver somewhere to decompress, too.

We are here when you need us

Medical Accommodations provides fully furnished short-term housing steps from the Texas Medical Center. Our apartments are set up specifically for patients, caregivers, and families who need a real home during treatment, not just a room to sleep in.

If you are planning a stay for treatment at MD Anderson and want to talk through your housing options, we are happy to help.

Traveling for treatment? Let us help you find the right place to stay. Request housing here or call us at 888-900-2559.