In recent years, the Turkish healthcare system has made significant progress, making the country a prominent player in the global healthcare landscape. With a combination of modern equipment, qualified medical professionals, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Turkey's healthcare system has become a popular destination for both local citizens and foreign patients.
Quality of medical services:
Turkey prides itself on providing high quality healthcare services that meet international standards. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its healthcare infrastructure, equipping hospitals and clinics with advanced technologies and state-of-the-art medical equipment. Along with this, Turkish medical professionals are thoroughly trained, many of whom have studied and trained abroad, which contributes to the formation of a pool of highly qualified doctors, surgeons and medical specialists.
Turkey's success in medical tourism is a testament to the exceptional quality of its medical services. Patients from all over the world are turning to Turkey for cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and organ transplants due to the reliability, experience and affordability of the services offered.
Accessibility of treatment for foreigners:
One of the key advantages of the Turkish healthcare system is its accessibility to foreign patients. Turkey has become a popular destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from the Middle East, Europe and other countries. Healthcare facilities across the country have special departments for international patients that cater to the needs of foreign visitors by providing seamless appointment coordination, language assistance, and personalized service.
In addition to world-class private hospitals and clinics, public medical facilities also offer services to foreign patients. The ease of access to quality healthcare combined with lower costs compared to many Western countries have made Turkey an attractive option for foreigners seeking medical treatment or procedures.
Insurance coverage:
For foreigners considering treatment in Turkey, an important consideration is the availability of insurance coverage. Although Turkey has a universal healthcare system that covers its citizens and legal residents, foreign visitors cannot automatically benefit from this coverage. It is very important for foreign patients to consult their home country's insurance company before traveling to Turkey to understand the extent of coverage for medical treatment abroad.
Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Turkey, which allows their citizens to access emergency medical care in Turkish public hospitals. However, for treatment that is not an emergency or for specialized procedures, it is advisable to have private health insurance that covers medical services in Turkey.
Medical industries in demand:
Turkey has excelled in various fields of medicine, making it a preferred destination for certain types of treatments and procedures. Some of the well-known medical fields in demand include
- Cosmetic surgery: Turkey is a global center for cosmetic surgery, attracting patients seeking procedures such as hair transplants, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. Qualified surgeons and affordable prices have made the country a popular destination for aesthetic enhancement.
- Dental tourism: Dental clinics in Turkey offer high-quality services, including dental implants, veneers, and tooth restoration, at lower prices than in many other countries.
- Organ transplantation: The country's organ transplant program is highly regarded, providing kidney, liver, and heart transplants to both local and foreign patients.
- Ophthalmology: Turkey has advanced eye care centers that offer treatments such as LASIK surgery, cataract removal, and treatment of various eye diseases.
- Orthopedics and joint replacement: Turkish medical facilities are known for their expertise in orthopedic care and joint replacement surgeries, which attracts patients seeking relief from joint-related problems.
- Infertility treatment: The country offers state-of-the-art fertility treatment clinics offering various assisted reproductive technologies, making it a popular destination for couples seeking fertility treatment.
People from Arab countries, Western Europe, the Balkan countries, and the former Soviet republics most often go to Türkiye for treatment. Turkish clinics help medical tourists from the Persian Gulf, Great Britain, Germany, and other Western European countries save up to 70% of expenses. In order to increase the benefit and attractiveness of the prices, the government canceled the VAT for tourists who receive treatment in facilities certified by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
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Foreigners and expats living in Türkiye can apply for health care in two ways: universal health insurance and private health insurance.
The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in Türkiye.
Universal health insurance covers most health problems. The Social Insurance Institution (SGK) manages general health care in Türkiye. For this, it is necessary to contact the nearest center of public social protection. If you register under this scheme, you can also enjoy discounts at private hospitals.
Private health insurance offers more benefits than SGK. This means shorter waiting times, the highest quality of care and fewer unexpected costs. In addition, it is easier to find more English-speaking doctors in private hospitals.
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If you are a citizen of a country that has a visa-free regime with Türkiye, you do not need a visa to enter for treatment. If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to Türkiye, you should apply for a medical visa.
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The procedure for obtaining a medical visa to Türkiye is quite simple and quick, and it can also be extended if necessary. You can get a visa at the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate at your place of stay;
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If you want to apply for a Turkish visa for the purpose of treatment, be sure to prepare the following documents:
- 2 photos measuring 5X7 cm with a white background;
- Original valid passport and its color copies;
- Copies of old passports with previous travel information;
- Bank statement or confirmation of financial statements;
- Confirmation of hotel reservation according to the travel itinerary;
- Confirmed return air ticket indicating the travel route;
- Medical and travel insurance;
- Letter of invitation for treatment from the Republic of Türkiye. This may include a patient acceptance letter from one of the hospitals in Türkiye and a cash check indicating the hospital prepayment;
- The cover letter includes your name, passport details and travel details, indicating the duration and reason for your visit to Türkiye. The authorized signatory must duly sign the letter. In addition, be sure to submit the letter to the Consulate General of the Republic of Türkiye;
- In addition, foreign patients must carry relevant medical reports, referral certificates and other important medical information.
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What is the validity period of the visa?
In general, the visa is valid for 30 or 90 days out of 180 days. If you want to extend your visa, you can visit the immigration officials, the embassy to find out what steps to take. Whether or not you can extend your visa depends on your original reason for visiting, the reason for the extension and your nationality.
Here are the main contact numbers for emergencies:
The universal emergency medical number in Turkey is 112. This hotline will connect you to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), known in Turkish as "Acil Sağlık Hizmetleri". When you call 112, highly trained medical professionals will answer and dispatch an ambulance to your location.
- General emergency line: 110
If you need emergency assistance in situations other than medical emergencies, such as a fire or accident, dial 110. This hotline will connect you to general emergency services in Turkey.
When calling any emergency hotline in Turkey, it is very important to clearly state the nature of the emergency, your location, and any relevant information to ensure a quick and accurate response.
Emergency medical services in Turkey
In addition to emergency hotlines, most major cities in Turkey have well-equipped hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments that provide assistance in critical medical cases. In such cases, it is recommended to go directly to the nearest hospital if it is safe to do so, especially in urban areas where medical facilities are easily accessible.
Please note that while medical personnel in Turkey often speak English, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of Turkish or to have an interpreter, especially in rural areas where English language proficiency may be limited.
According to the Citizenship Law, a child who is born in Türkiye but has not acquired the citizenship of any country by birth through his or her foreign mother or father is a Turkish citizen from the moment of birth. Also, a child found (newly born) in Türkiye acquires Turkish citizenship, unless proven otherwise.
A child born to a Turkish mother or Turkish father in a marriage in Türkiye or abroad is a citizen of Türkiye. Also, a child born to a Turkish mother and a foreign father out of wedlock acquires Turkish citizenship.
A child born to a Turkish father and a foreign mother out of wedlock can acquire Turkish citizenship, subject to compliance with the principles and procedures that ensure the establishment of parentage.
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