Medical Tourism in Turkey; All You Need to Know

It’s your favourite WakaWaka Doctor here again with information on medical tourism in Turkey!

Turkey is to be a very important tourist destination and this is not only because of its cultural heritage, beauty, and seaside recreation. 

When compared to other European countries, Turkey has the highest number of accredited clinics which is the reason why medical tourism in Turkey has gained popularity in recent years.

Patients from different parts of the world travel all the way to Turkey for its modern and traditional healthcare services, so, it is no surprise that Turkey is among the top ten countries for medical tourism in the world. 

Why Choose Turkey As Your Destination for Medical Tourism?

Turkey is chosen for medical tourism because of three major benefits it offers:

• affordable cost compared to other countries, 
• quick access to top-notch treatment, and 
• high-quality care. 

Let’s explore these in detail: 

Advanced Medical Technology

The private hospitals in Turkey are known to offer advanced medical treatments as they have some of the best medical technology available in the world.

Most hospitals even boast of advanced treatment technologies, modern facilities, and advanced diagnostic technologies. 

Low Cost

The cost of medical services in Turkey is much cheaper when compared to other countries like the US and the UK. For example, a CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft – could cost about $15000 – $20000 in Turkey and in the US, $70000 – $120000. 

Top-Notch Healthcare

Despite it being lower in cost, Turkey doesn’t slack when it comes to healthcare. Most of the surgeons and doctors in Turkey have been trained internationally so all their medical practices and knowledge are up-to-date. Hospitals in Turkey strive for patient satisfaction in all areas through their patient-centered approach.

What are Some Popular Medical Procedures in Turkey?

In Turkey, medical tourists can find a long list of services offered. These include:

• Spinal surgeries
• Rhinoplasty
• Heart bypass operations
• Liposuction
• Robotic surgeries like cardiology and urology. 

Of all these options, the major point of attraction for medical tourism in Turkey is DHI – Direct Hair Implantation – and FUE – Follicular Unit Extraction. 

What is the Cost of Medical Tourism in Turkey?

One of the reasons why Turkey is ranked among the top ten medical tourism destinations is its affordable prices, as mentioned above. 

The low costs make Turkey an attractive destination for medical tourism as treatments are usually 60% to 80% cheaper than in the UK or the US. The prices of the medical services offered solely depend on the treatment being given, so one cannot give an exact price.

However, here is a list that compares the rough estimate of some medical procedures in Turkey and the EU according to VisitWorld blog. 

•  Teeth whitening: this costs about $1000 to $2000 in Turkey and in the EU, $4000 to $5000.

• Knee replacement: this costs about $7000 to $8000 in Turkey and in the EU, $16000 to $17000.

• Cataract removal: this costs about $1000 to $2000 in Turkey and in the EU, $4000 to $5000.

• Rhinoplasty (nose surgery): this costs about $3000 to $4000 in Turkey and in the EU, $5500 to $6500.

Is a Visa Needed for Medical Tourism in Turkey?

Except if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country/territory like Argentina and Albania, medical tourists need to acquire a medical visa. 

This is a short-term visa in which applicants are required to provide two major things; evidence of their medical report and appointment and evidence of their financial reports for treatment. 

This type of visa is always valid for up to 90 days and can be extended depending on how long the treatment will take.

To apply for a medical visa, you can either do so at a Turkish consulate in your area or get an electronic visa online. You will need to provide necessary documents like a visa application form, a valid passport, a letter from the Turkish medical institution verifying your treatment and medical insurance. 

At the moment, there are no known travel restrictions with medical visas but it is advisable to keep up with the country’s entry requirements as this could change as a result of global health conditions.

What are the Legal and Ethical Considerations?

Patients in Turkey have legal rights which must be provided and protected as failure to do so could lead to legal consequences for the medical providers. 

These rights include the right to top-notch medical care, the right to confidentiality, and the right to informed consent. 

There are also laws that govern medical malpractice and they have been set to protect patients’ rights. 

Lastly, Turkey ensures the ethical treatment of all patients through its ethical considerations which are governed by Turkish law.

Other Things To Note

• The official language spoken is Turkish but English is also spoken in medical facilities and major cities. For other languages, hospitals in Turkey have translators to help out international patients.

• Turkey has many relaxation spots for post-treatment. This includes its beautiful scenery, beaches, and historic sites.

Final Thoughts

Turkey is one of the best places for medical tourism due to tons of advantages, most of which have been written above.

High-quality Turkish hospitals also ensure to offer complete healthcare solutions by providing post-care. From its scenery to the costs of medical services and the quality of the healthcare provided, medical tourism in Turkey is a great option.

If you like this post, check out this post on countries looking for medical doctors. Share it with a friend, it goes a long way!