Turkey is not only a popular resort for active seaside recreation, but also a popular destination for medical tourism, which has increased several times in recent years. It has the largest number of accredited clinics compared to other European countries. Learn about the popularity of the industry, its features, and a medical visa to visit Turkey.

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Turkey has been an important tourist destination for many years, attracting travelers with its beauty and cultural heritage. Located at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western worlds, the Republic of Turkey has absorbed and combined the best of Europe and Asia.

Medical tourism is no exception, which in recent years has gained popularity on a par with other types of tourism. Travelers travel to a country to receive medical care. Among the most popular procedures are complex surgical and dental operations, kidney dialysis, cosmetic surgery and organ transplantation.

The popularity of medical tourism in Turkey

Turkey is among the top ten medical tourism destinations in the world, because Turkish medical tourism has three strong advantages: low cost, high quality of service and quick access to world-class treatment.

Why is Turkey the best destination for medical tourism?

Turkey has become a popular destination for medical tourism due to its advanced medical technology, highly qualified doctors and affordable prices. One of the most popular cities for medical tourism in Turkey is Antalya, which is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and Istanbul.

Treatment in Turkey has several advantages, including:

• Affordable prices. One of the biggest advantages of medical tourism in Turkey is the cost savings. Treatment and surgery in Turkey can be 60-70% cheaper than in the United States or Europe, making the country attractive to people looking for high-quality medical care at a low cost. For example, the cost of a heart bypass surgery in Turkey is about $10,000, and in the United States - up to $100,000.
• Advanced medical technologies. In recent years, Turkey has invested heavily in medical infrastructure, which is why most hospitals and clinics are equipped with the latest medical equipment. Thanks to this, patients have the opportunity to receive high-quality treatment. Surgical intervention is also performed using the latest equipment and technologies. For example, Turkey has one of the largest robotic surgery systems in Europe, allowing for more precise surgeries and faster recovery times.
• Highly qualified doctors. Most highly qualified doctors in Turkey have significant experience in treating a wide range of diseases. Also, many of them studied in Europe and the USA, so they are fluent in English and other languages. In most cases, there is no language barrier between the doctor and the patient during treatment.
• Beautiful nature and a large number of natural monuments - in Turkey, many cities are located on the seashore, in particular Antalya. Patients can enjoy stunning sea and mountain views while recovering from treatment or surgery. These factors can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being, thereby speeding up the recovery process.

How much does medical tourism cost in Turkey?

Most medical procedures in Turkey are on average 40-50% cheaper than in the EU and USA. Below is a comparison of the cost of medical procedures in Turkey and equivalent procedures in the EU:

• Knee replacement: EU - $16,000-17,000, Turkey - $7,000-8,000, average savings - 50%-60%.
• Nose surgery (rhinoplasty): EU - $5500-6500, Turkey - $3000-4000, average savings - 40%-45%.
• Cataract removal: EU - $4000-5000, Turkey - $1000-2000, average savings - 55%-65%.
• Teeth whitening: EU - $900-1200, Turkey - $400-500, average savings - 50%-60%.
• Installation of dental implants: EU - $3000-4000, Turkey - $900-1500, average savings - 70%-75%.

Do I need a visa for medical tourism in Turkey?

Visitors to Turkey must obtain a medical visa unless they are citizens of visa-exempt countries and territories.

There are generally two types of medical visas available:

• A regular medical visa that you can get through the Turkish embassy or consulate in your area.
• An electronic visa (e-visa), which can be obtained through the online visa system of the Turkish government.

Find out the rules for issuing a medical visa to Turkey for citizens of different countries of the world at the link: USA, Canada, Great Britain, India, UAE, etc.

Prospects of medical tourism in Turkey

In the future, medical tourism in Turkey will continue to develop actively, because the country's government is actively investing in the health care sector. Turkey is also considered an ideal region for health tourism due to the convenience of transportation provided by Turkish Airlines, the national airline that operates flights to most destinations in the world (120 countries, 299 cities and 302 airports).

In 2023, Turkey plans to reach 1.5 million health tourists per year and 10 billion USD in income from health tourism.

Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and is now becoming a popular destination for medical tourism. Hospitals in Turkey offer treatment according to the most modern medical protocols using high-quality equipment. Turkey is a well-known destination for health tourism and will continue to develop the sector in the future.

Daria Rogova - Head of Insurance at Visit World

Use the insurance policy to obtain a residence permit in Turkey on our resource. Online registration at an affordable price.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Turkey;

Legal advice on immigration in Turkey;

Insurance for residence permit in Turkey.

E-Devlet: How to join Turkey's e-government service portal - read here.

Investing in Turkey: the best opportunities for foreigners - details here.

Read here how to make an appointment at a public clinic in Turkey.