Close
newsletters Newsletters
X Instagram Youtube

Top care, low costs: Türkiye leads in medical tourism

Türkiye ranks among the top 10 destinations for foreign patients, alongside Mexico, India, Thailand, Brazil and Singapore (Photo generated by AI)
Türkiye ranks among the top 10 destinations for foreign patients, alongside Mexico, India, Thailand, Brazil and Singapore (Photo generated by AI)
July 18, 2024 05:40 PM GMT+03:00

Health tourism, the practice of traveling abroad for medical treatment, has expanded significantly in recent years. This industry is divided into three categories: medical, thermal and elderly-disabled tourism.

Traditionally, patients traveled from less-developed countries to advanced medical centers in developed nations.

However, the trend has shifted toward seeking affordable medical treatments abroad.

Türkiye's rise in medical tourism

Türkiye has positioned itself as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism. Offering high-quality medical facilities, thermal spas and wellness services often bundled with luxurious hotel accommodations, Türkiye attracts patients from Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.

Türkiye is a top-10 destination for foreign patients, alongside Mexico, India, Thailand, Brazil and Singapore.

In the first quarter of 2024, 428,072 people came to Türkiye to receive healthcare services(Infographics via TurkStat)
In the first quarter of 2024, 428,072 people came to Türkiye to receive healthcare services(Infographics via TurkStat)

Quality, accreditation

Türkiye ensures strict adherence to quality, technical, and medical standards. The Turkish Ministry of Health oversees 55% of the country's 1,200+ hospitals, many accredited by international organizations like JCI, JACHO and ISO.

Popular medical procedures

Türkiye is renowned for various medical specializations, including:

  • Cosmetic surgery: Procedures like rhinoplasty and liposuction.
  • Dental care: Advanced dental treatments.
  • Cardiology: Heart bypass operations and other heart-related procedures.
  • Orthopedics: Spinal surgeries and joint replacements.
  • Oncology: Cancer treatments.
  • Hair transplantation: Leading techniques in FUE and DHI.
  • Robotic surgeries: Notable advancements in urology and cardiology.

Social media influence

Social media platforms play a crucial role in promoting Türkiye's medical tourism. Trends like 'Türkiye Teeth' on TikTok highlight the affordable and high-quality dental care available in Türkiye, further boosting the country's reputation as a medical tourism hub.

Medical care at fraction of Western costs

One of the primary reasons for Türkiye's popularity in medical tourism is the cost advantage. Treatments in Türkiye can be up to 60-80% cheaper than in countries like the United States and the U.K.

Medical Procedures

Procedure

UK Hospitals

Türkiye

Average savings

Coronary Angioplasty

$13,000 - $15,000

$5,000 - $6,000

60% - 65%

Hip Replacement

$13,500 - $14,500

$6,500 - $7,500

45% - 50$

Prostrate Removal (Prostatectomy)

$7,000 - $8,000

$5,500 - $6,500

15% - 20%

Knee Replacement

$16,000 - $17,000

$7,000 - $8,000

50% - 60%

Hemorrhoids Removal

$3,000 - $4,000

$1,500 - $2,500

45% - 55%

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Procedure

UK Hospitals

Türkiye

Average Savings

Face Lift (rhytidectomy)

$11,000 - $12,000

$3,000 - $4,000

65% - 75%

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty)

$7,000 - $8,000

$3,000 - $4,000

50% - 60%

Breast Reduction

$8,000 - $9,000

$3,500 - $4,500

50% - 60%

Liposuction (lipoplasty)

$5,000 - $6,000

$2,000 - $3,000

55% - 65%

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

$5,500 - $6,500

$3,000 - $4,000

40% - 45%

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

$8,000 - $9,000

$3,000 - $4,000

55% - 60%

Eye / Ophthalmology

Procedure

UK Hospitals

Türkiye

Average Savings

LASIK Eye Surgery

$1,500 - $2,500

$1,000 - $1,500

20% - 25%

Cataract Removal

$4,000 - $5,000

$1,000 - $2,000

55% - 65%

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

Procedure

UK Hospitals

Türkiye

Average Savings

Root Canal (per canal)

$300 - $400

$100 - $150

55% - 65%

Tooth Whitening

$900 - $1200

$400 - $500

50% - 60%

Dental Implants

$3,000 - $4,000

$900 - $1500

70% - 75%

Gold Crowns

$800 - $850

$200 - $250

70% - 75%

Comparison of Türkiye, U.K. medical costs (https://www.health-tourism.com/)

  • Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG): $15,000-$20,000 in Türkiye vs. $70,000-$120,000 in the United States.
  • Cosmetic surgeries: $2,000-$4,000 in Türkiye vs. $10,000+ in other countries.
  • Liposuction, Orthodontics, Lasik, Breast augmentation: Up to 60% savings compared to Western countries.
In the first quarter of 2024, revenue generated from health tourism visits amounted to $849,663 thousand. (Infographics via TurkStat)
In the first quarter of 2024, revenue generated from health tourism visits amounted to $849,663 thousand. (Infographics via TurkStat)

Travel, accessibility

With its strategic location, cultural appeal, and government support, Türkiye is set to remain a top choice for international patients seeking medical treatment abroad.

Average travel times (in hours):

  • U.K. (London): 4
  • Mexico City: 3
  • Santiago: 16.5
  • Bogota: 14
  • Rio de Janeiro: 13
  • Buenos Aires: 15.5
  • Los Angeles: 14

Medical visa information

A medical visa may be required for those visiting Türkiye for medical treatment. These visas typically have a validity of up to 90 days and can be extended based on the treatment period.

Documentation required:

  • Valid passport
  • Visa application form
  • Medical insurance
  • Letter from the Turkish medical institution confirming the treatment
July 18, 2024 05:40 PM GMT+03:00
More From Türkiye Today