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 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.
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.
Türkiye is renowned for various medical specializations, including:
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.
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/)
With its strategic location, cultural appeal, and government support, Türkiye is set to remain a top choice for international patients seeking medical treatment abroad.
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.