Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions About Your Care

Our FAQs provide clear answers to common questions about treatment, travel, costs, and patient care to help you better understand your experience at Oasis of Hope.

Oasis of Hope Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions About Your Care

Our FAQs provide clear answers to common questions about treatment, travel, costs, and patient care to help you better understand your experience at Oasis of Hope.

1. Understanding Oasis of Hope

Oasis of Hope is an integrative cancer treatment hospital located in Tijuana, Mexico, just 25 minutes south of San Diego, California. Founded in 1963 by Dr. Ernesto Contreras Sr., Oasis has cared for over 100,000 patients from more than 60 countries. We combine conventional medicine with evidence-based integrative therapies in a faith-centered environment that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

Oasis of Hope is led by Dr. Francisco Contreras, a surgical oncologist and the son of our founder. He works alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, immunotherapy specialists, and pastoral staff.

Our hospital is located in Playas de Tijuana, a peaceful coastal community in Baja California, Mexico. We are approximately 25 minutes from the San Diego International Airport (SAN). Complimentary transportation is provided for patients and families traveling from the U.S.

Yes. Oasis of Hope is a fully licensed medical hospital regulated under the Secretary of Health of Mexico. Our medical team follows international standards of care and operates under ethical, professional, and legal frameworks equivalent to top international clinics.

We treat most solid tumor and hematologic cancers, including:

  • Breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, kidney, and brain cancers
  • Melanoma and sarcoma
  • Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
  • Recurrent and stage IV cancers

Each treatment plan is personalized based on the patient’s type and stage of cancer, general health, and previous treatments.

2. Treatments & Medical Philosophy

Oasis of Hope specializes in integrative oncology—the combination of conventional and advanced natural therapies.
Our core treatment pillars include:

  • Personalized Immunotherapy (Dendritic Cell, NK Cell, LAK, TILs)
  • Metabolic and Nutritional Therapy
  • Low-dose Chemotherapy (IPT)
  • High-dose Vitamin C & Antioxidant Therapy
  • Ozone Therapy, Hyperthermia, and Detoxification
  • Psychological, Emotional, and Spiritual Support

These treatments are designed to strengthen the immune system, target cancer cells, and improve overall well-being.

Our approach is based on clinical experience and scientific evidence, not experimental therapy.
Many of the treatments we offer—such as dendritic cell therapy and hyperthermia—are supported by peer-reviewed studies and used in cancer centers in Europe and Asia.

Yes. Many patients come to Oasis between or after conventional treatments to rebuild strength and reduce side effects.
Our physicians can coordinate with your local oncologist to create a complementary or sequential treatment plan, depending on your case.

Most patients stay for one to two weeks during the initial phase of treatment.
Afterward, patients continue with a home care program designed by our medical team to maintain and support progress.

Yes. After your visit, our Follow-up Department stays in contact through email, phone, and video consultations. Our team monitors progress, adjusts protocols, and provides ongoing emotional and nutritional guidance.

3. Patient Experience & Logistics

Each day includes a personalized schedule that may involve:

  • Morning vitals and doctor check-ins
  • IV treatments and immunotherapy sessions
  • Nutrition and juicing breaks
  • Educational lectures and devotionals
  • Relaxation, physical therapy, or counseling

Family members are encouraged to participate in meals, devotionals, and lectures to stay informed and supported.

Absolutely. Oasis of Hope believes healing happens within community and family support.
Each patient room can accommodate a companion, and we offer guest meals, lodging, and participation in all non-medical activities.

Our hospital features private and semi-private patient rooms, a full-service dining area with medically guided meals, chapel, outdoor terraces, and recreation spaces. We strive to create a peaceful, hotel-like environment where patients feel safe and cared for.

Yes. Oasis of Hope is located in one of Tijuana’s safest neighborhoods, Playas de Tijuana, close to the U.S. border. Our bilingual drivers meet you at the San Diego airport and escort you directly to the hospital. You will not need to make any arrangements or travel within the city alone. Oasis of Hope has 24-hour security. 

4. Financial & Travel Information

Treatment costs depend on the patient’s diagnosis, stage, and selected therapies.
Because every plan is personalized, costs vary—but in general, Oasis treatments are often 40–60% less than comparable care in the United States. A patient coordinator will provide a detailed quote after reviewing your medical information.

Oasis of Hope is a private hospital in Mexico, so U.S. insurance typically does not reimburse directly. However, some patients are able to submit claims for partial reimbursement through their provider. We can assist by providing itemized invoices and medical reports for your insurer.

Oasis accepts bank wires, credit cards, and certified checks in U.S. dollars. A patient coordinator will guide you through the payment process and confirm your admission once your deposit is received.

All patients and companions must bring:

  • A valid passport (or passport card for U.S. citizens)
  • Completed medical intake forms (sent prior to admission)
  • Any relevant medical records and imaging reports

Our admissions team will help ensure a smooth border crossing and return to the U.S. after treatment.

5. Faith, Family, and Support

Yes. Oasis of Hope is a Christian-based hospital where faith and medicine work hand in hand.
We begin each day with a short devotional and prayer, and Sunday services are held for patients and families. However, we welcome patients of all beliefs and backgrounds with equal compassion and respect.

Participation in devotional or prayer sessions is optional. Many patients, regardless of faith, find the environment peaceful and encouraging.

Our pastoral and counseling teams are available daily for patients and loved ones.
Family members are encouraged to attend group sessions, devotionals, and educational talks to help them understand the healing process and build resilience together.

Oasis of Hope stands apart for three reasons:

  1. Integration of science and faith — we treat the body and soul together.
  2. Personalized care — every patient receives a tailored plan, never a generic protocol.
  3. Family-centered healing — we see every patient as part of our extended family.

Our mission is simple: to offer hope, healing, and dignity to those facing the hardest journey of their lives.

Oasis of Hope Doctors

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Take the first step toward personalized, integrative cancer care designed around your unique needs. Connect with our team today to explore your options and begin your journey with Oasis of Hope.

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