Over the past few years, Turkey has emerged as a popular destination for medical tourism, with a growing number of British citizens traveling to the country for treatment. This trend is driven by several factors, including the popularity of Turkey as a tourist destination, the high quality of medical care available in the country, and the cost-effectiveness of medical treatment in Turkey compared to other countries.
One of the primary reasons for the popularity of medical tourism in Turkey is the high quality of medical care available in the country. Turkish hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and staffed by highly qualified medical professionals. Many Turkish doctors have received training in the United States or Europe, and speak English fluently, which makes it easier for UK citizens to communicate with them.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of medical tourism in Turkey is the cost-effectiveness of medical treatment in the country. The cost of medical treatment in Turkey is significantly lower than in the UK or other European countries, while still maintaining a high standard of medical care. This cost-effectiveness makes Turkey an attractive destination for British citizens who may not be able to afford medical treatment in their home country.
Some of the most popular medical treatments for UK citizens in Turkey include cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, and fertility treatments. Turkey is known for its expertise in these areas and has gained a reputation as a top destination for medical tourism in Europe. The cost of these treatments in Turkey is often significantly lower than in the UK, making it an attractive option for UK citizens seeking medical care.
In addition to the high quality of medical care and cost-effectiveness, Turkey is also a popular tourist destination, which makes it an appealing option for UK citizens seeking medical treatment. Many medical facilities in Turkey are located in popular tourist destinations such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum, which allows British citizens to combine medical treatment with a vacation.
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.
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Turkey for treatment.
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.
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.