Why Turkey has Become a Preferred Hub for Health Tourism

What is Health Tourism?

Health tourism, also known as medical tourism or medical travel, refers to the practice of traveling to another country or region to receive medical treatment or healthcare services. It involves individuals seeking medical procedures, surgeries, or specialized treatments that may not be easily accessible, affordable, or of high quality in their home country.

Health tourism has become increasingly popular due to several factors. These include the rising costs of healthcare in certain countries, long waiting times for medical procedures, the availability of advanced medical technologies and treatments in specific destinations, and the desire for privacy and confidentiality during medical procedures.

People engage in health tourism for a wide range of medical services, including elective procedures such as cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, fertility treatments, weight loss surgeries, organ transplants, cardiac surgeries, and various other specialized treatments. The motivations for health tourism can vary from seeking cost savings to accessing specialized expertise or seeking treatments that are not available in their home country.

Health tourists typically research and choose a destination based on factors such as the reputation and accreditation of healthcare providers, the quality of medical facilities, the expertise and qualifications of medical professionals, the cost of treatment, and the overall travel experience. They often combine their medical procedures with leisure activities, making it a blend of medical treatment and vacation.

It’s important for health tourists to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of traveling for medical treatment. They should consider factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, potential complications during or after the procedure, post-treatment follow-up care, and the availability of legal recourse in case of medical malpractice.

Overall, health tourism can provide individuals with access to high-quality medical care, cost savings, reduced waiting times, and the opportunity to explore a new destination. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly research and plan ahead, consult with medical professionals, and ensure the safety, reliability, and legality of the chosen healthcare provider and destination. In conclusion, Turkey has become a leading destination for health tourism due to its high-quality medical facilities, affordability, wide range of treatment options, no waiting period, experienced medical professionals, and beautiful location. If you’re considering traveling abroad for medical treatment, you should definitely contact us.

Why Should I Go to Turkey for Medical Treatment? 

Turkey is a leading destination for health tourism and has established itself as a prominent player in the global healthcare industry. The country has made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, technology, and medical expertise, which has contributed to its reputation as a preferred choice for medical travelers. 

In addition, the Ministry of Health in Turkey plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of health tourism services. Through legal regulations, the Ministry determines and inspects the qualifications of health institutions that offer health tourism services. This ensures that patients who come to Turkey for health tourism receive the safest and best possible service, with strict adherence to quality standards. 

1. High-Quality Medical Facilities

One of the biggest draws of health tourism in Turkey is the quality of its medical facilities. Turkey has invested heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, with many modern hospitals and clinics equipped with the latest medical technologies and equipment. The country is home to some of the best hospitals and medical centers in the world, with state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled doctors and medical staff. Many of these facilities have earned international accreditation, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of medical care.

2. Experienced and Highly Skilled Medical Professionals

Turkey is home to a large number of experienced and highly skilled medical professionals, including doctors, surgeons, and nurses. Many of these professionals have received their training in some of the world’s leading medical institutions and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This ensures that patients receive the best possible care during their treatment.

3. Wide Range of Treatment Options

Turkey is renowned for its comprehensive range of medical treatments and procedures, providing exceptional care in various specialties. Some of the prominent medical services offered in Turkey include;

• Cancer Treatments and Oncology Services, 
• Cardiac Procedures and Surgeries, 
• Dental Treatments and Oral surgery, 
• Eye Surgeries and Vision Correction Procedures, 
• Fertility Treatments and IVF, 
• General Surgery, 
• Hair Transplant, 
• Internal Medicine, 
• Organ Transplantation, 
• Orthopedic Surgeries and Joint Replacements. 

These treatments are conducted with the utilization of state-of-the-art technologies and advanced techniques, ensuring both the safety and effectiveness of the procedures.

4. Regulation Ensuring Quality and Safety in International Health Tourism Services 

The regulation that determines the service standards to be provided within the scope of international health tourism services and the qualifications of health institutions that will provide such services was published by the Ministry of Health in 2017. According to this regulation, hospitals/clinics and doctors who will provide international health tourism services are required to have certain qualifications and obtain a health tourism authorization certificate from the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health has also introduced the option of complication insurance for health tourism patients, allowing only patients who receive services from authorized healthcare institutions to obtain this insurance.

5. Ensuring Patient Safety: Complication Insurance in International Health Tourism Services

Complication insurance plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of health tourism patients. With the introduction of this innovative option by the Ministry of Health, individuals seeking medical treatment abroad can now benefit from an added layer of protection. Complication insurance is exclusively available to patients receiving services from authorized healthcare institutions, guaranteeing that they have access to comprehensive coverage in case of unforeseen complications. This valuable insurance coverage offers peace of mind to health tourists, assuring them that their medical journey is supported by a safety net, further enhancing their confidence in choosing Turkey as a destination for their healthcare needs.

6. Affordability

Another reason why Turkey has become a popular destination for health tourism is affordability. The cost of medical treatment in Turkey is significantly cheaper (up to %70) than in many other countries, including the United States, Canada, and many countries in Europe. This makes it an attractive option for those who cannot afford or do not have access to medical treatment in their home countries.

7. No Waiting Period

Turkey offers no or minimal waiting periods for many medical procedures, which can be especially beneficial for patients who require urgent or time-sensitive medical care. This is made possible by the country’s advanced medical facilities and highly experienced medical professionals who can efficiently accommodate the medical needs of patients. In addition, most of Turkish hospitals and clinics have implemented an electronic medical record system, which allows doctors and medical staff to quickly access patient information and provide a timely response to their medical needs.

8. Beautiful Destination

Finally, Turkey is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, making it an ideal destination for health tourists. Patients can combine their medical treatment with a relaxing vacation, taking in the sights and sounds of this fascinating country.

Prominent cities in Turkey that attract health tourists are

• Istanbul: Istanbul is a major hub for health tourism in Turkey. The city is home to numerous internationally accredited hospitals and medical centers offering a wide range of treatments and procedures. Istanbul is known for its expertise in areas such as cosmetic surgery, hair transplantation, ophthalmology, dental treatments, and cardiovascular procedures.
• Antalya: Antalya, located on the country’s southwestern coast, is a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly in the field of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments. The city offers a combination of high-quality healthcare services and the opportunity to enjoy its beautiful beaches and tourist attractions.
• Izmir: Izmir, the third-largest city in Turkey, is known for its advanced medical facilities and specialized healthcare services. It attracts health tourists seeking treatments in areas such as oncology, fertility treatments, orthopedics, and plastic surgery.
• Ankara: As the capital city of Turkey, Ankara is home to several reputable hospitals and medical centers. It is known for its expertise in areas such as organ transplantation, cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery.
• Bursa: Bursa, located near Istanbul, is another destination that offers a range of medical treatments. It is particularly known for its thermal spas and wellness centers, making it an attractive choice for health tourists seeking relaxation and therapeutic treatments.

These are just a few examples, and there are other cities in Turkey that also cater to health tourism. It’s important for individuals considering health tourism in Turkey to conduct thorough research, consult with medical professionals, and choose accredited healthcare providers to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience.

What are the Health Tourism Statistics in Turkey?

According to data from the Ministry of Health, in 2019, 701,046 patients received health services, within the scope of health tourism and tourist health. The amount of tourism income from foreign visitors and citizens residing abroad visiting for health and medical reasons was 1.492.438.000 USD in 2019.

In 2020, 407,423 patients preferred Turkey to receive health services as the global epidemic caused a noticeable decrease in the number of health tourists. The amount of tourism income from foreign visitors and citizens residing abroad visiting for health tourism and medical reasons decreased to 1.164.779.000 USD in 2020.

In 2021, 670,730 people received health services and the amount of income obtained was 1.726.073.000 USD.

In 2022, 1.258.382 people received health services and the amount of income obtained was 2.119.059.000 USD.

In the first quarter of 2023, 411,490 people came to our country to receive health services and the income obtained from this amounted to 453,714 thousand US dollars.

The data provided represents health tourists who receive services from health institutions authorized by the Ministry of Health. However, it is important to note that there is evidence suggesting that at least an equal number of health tourists receive services from non-authorized health institutions, seeking more affordable options. In other words, the actual volume of health tourism is estimated to be twice as high as the official data indicate, taking into account those who opt for non-authorized facilities.