Guide to Medical Tourism in Turkey

Medical-Tourism-in-Turkey

Medical Tourism in Turkey: The Country

Turkey is a unique country that falls onto two separate continents. It took me traveling there to know this and to learn the differences between the two sides.  Turkey is part of Asia and Europe and is referred to as Eurasia. It borders four oceans and eight nations: Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Physician Entrepreneurs from around the world are making quality care happen in this beautiful country where history and the modern world combine. 

Turkey’s culture, joined with its rich history as the replacement state for the old Ottoman Empire, is entrancing embroidery that consolidates both eastern and western components. In the advanced age, Turkey has coordinated with the West through associations like NATO, the Council of Europe, and the G-20; starting around 2005, it has been haggling for full participation of the European Union.

Turkey is recorded as both a created country (like the US) and a local power because of its high-level economy and framework. It is additionally more common than in different nations in the district. Today, 5% of all global international trips are medical tourism-related. Around 14 million individuals travel to another country to look for medical services, including anything from Botox to hair transplants and tummy tucks.  Physian 

Turkey has become well-known for providing high-quality plastic surgeons at a fraction of the cost that you could do the same surgery in the US.  Additionally, English is widely spoken within the clinics here, and the wait time to do a procedure is significantly reduced.

Medical-Tourism-in-Turkey

Turkey is also known as one of the world’s leading Health Tourism locations, notwithstanding the accessible, modern offices, clinical sightseers’ approach, warm spas, and medical care programs that integrate five-star hotel accommodations into their bundle. Turkey is a well-known location for Medical Tourism from European nations like Russia, Ukraine, Germany, England, the Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, and different nations, as well as the Middle East and Latin America. 

From what I could tell while I was in the country, the most popular procedures were hair transplants, veneers, nose jobs, and facelifts.  While other places like Colombia or Thailand are known for butts and boobs. 

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I found that if you conduct your research properly and do an in-depth review of the doctors and clinics before arrival in the country, you will have a good experience.  Ensure you research the procedure, the doctor, and the facility, and then schedule a Facetime/Zoom form of consultation prior to ever leaving your home country.  

This not only helps you to develop your own understanding of the procedure, but it also provides a time to discuss what needs to be done with your doctor and establish a rapport with your doctor.  The last thing you want to do is to arrive in the country after 10+ hours of flying for a procedure and not be on the same page with your doctor.

Additionally, you may find a variety of larger plastic surgery centers that will incorporate a free flight with the purchase of a package from the center.  It never hurts to save a few dollars here and there without sacrificing quality. 

Why Turkey?: A Popular Destination for Medical Tourism

High-Quality Healthcare Facilities: Oh, hello state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics! Turkey’s got ’em, and many even have the stamp of approval from international big shots like the Joint Commission International (JCI). With the latest medical technologies and highly trained medical professionals on board, it’s like the VIP treatment for your health.

Experienced Medical Professionals: You know you’re in good hands when the doctors and medical staff have trained and worked in prestigious medical institutions in Europe and the United States. These folks bring a whole new meaning to expertise and experience, making sure patients get that world-class medical care they deserve.

Cost-Effectiveness: Let’s talk savings, shall we? Medical procedures in Turkey won’t burn a hole in your pocket like they might in Western countries. And guess what? This amazing cost advantage doesn’t play games with the quality of care. Turkey’s coming in hot as the dream destination for those searching for affordable yet high-quality medical treatments.

Comprehensive Medical Services: From cosmetic and dental surgeries to more complex procedures like cardiac and orthopedic surgeries, Turkey’s got the whole shebang. It’s like a medical menu where you can find solutions for almost any medical need. Need a little nip and tuck? Getting a shiny new set of pearly whites? Or maybe something a bit more, uh, intense? Turkey’s got your back.

All-Inclusive Packages: Say what?! Many Turkish hospitals and clinics are rolling out the red carpet with all-inclusive medical tourism packages. Picture this: the cost of the procedure, fancy accommodation, smooth transportation, and sometimes even some leisure activities all wrapped up with a nice bow. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, international patients, come on over, we’ve got this all figured out for you.” So convenient, so appealing. It’s like a vacation, but for your health!

Turkey’s looking pretty darn appealing for medical tourism, isn’t it? It’s like they’re rolling out the red carpet for your health needs, and who can resist that?

Cost Comparison

Affordability

One of the primary reasons Turkey has become a popular destination for medical tourism is the significant cost savings. Here’s a comparison of some popular medical procedures in Turkey versus the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western countries:

  • Hair Transplant
    • Turkey: $1,500 – $3,000
    • US: $4,000 – $15,000
    • UK: £3,000 – £7,000
  • Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
    • Turkey: $2,000 – $4,000
    • US: $5,000 – $15,000
    • UK: £4,000 – £10,000
  • Dental Implants (per implant)
    • Turkey: $500 – $1,000
    • US: $3,000 – $5,000
    • UK: £2,000 – £3,000
  • LASIK Eye Surgery
    • Turkey: $1,000 – $2,000 (both eyes)
    • US: $2,000 – $4,000 (per eye)
    • UK: £1,500 – £3,000 (both eyes)
  • IVF Treatment
    • Turkey: $3,000 – $5,000
    • US: $12,000 – $15,000
    • UK: £5,000 – £8,000

These figures demonstrate that patients can save 50-70% on medical procedures in Turkey compared to prices in the US and UK.

Cost Factors: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Deal?

Ah, the beautiful land of Turkey, where affordability is the name of the game when it comes to medical treatments. Check out these cost factors that make Turkey an absolute steal:

Lower Labor Costs: Saving Those Dollar Bills: Guess what? Turkey’s got lower labor costs than those fancy Western countries. That means the salaries of medical professionals, nurses, and support staff are all a bit easier on the wallet. Goodbye sky-high medical procedure costs, hello savings!

Favorable Exchange Rates: Cha-Ching!: The Turkish lira’s exchange rate with the US dollar, British pound, and Euro is nothing short of amazing. Who doesn’t love a good exchange rate advantage? It’s like getting more bang for your buck, or should we say, lira for your loot?

Government Support and Incentives: The Turkish Government’s Got Your Back: The Turkish government loves medical tourism, and they’re not afraid to show it. They actively support the industry by offering various incentives and investments. We’re talking modern medical facilities funded by the government, tax breaks for healthcare providers, and even streamlined visa processes for medical tourists. It’s like they’re rolling out the red carpet just for you.

Economies of Scale: Big Numbers, Big Savings: Turkey is a hotspot for medical tourism, especially for sought-after procedures like hair transplants and cosmetic surgeries. The high volume of patients means clinics and hospitals can flex their cost-saving muscles through economies of scale. Translation? Competitive prices without sacrificing quality. Who said you can’t have it all?

Lower Operational Costs: Living the Affordable Life: In Turkey, the cost of living and operational expenses like utilities and rent are generally lower compared to those Western countries. And you know what that means? The savings get passed on to you, my fearless friend! Affordable treatments?

Healthcare System in Turkey  

Turkey is effectively looking for full enrollment sooner rather than later in the European Union. To plan for this, there are rigid implementations of value and innovative and clinical prerequisites for both public and confidential medical care associations. Independent watchdogs shaped by the Ministry of Health are consistently checking specific guidelines.

Along with an Independent Turkish Medical Group, the Ministry of Health sets the neighborhood principles and rules that clinics, medical care offices, and clinical specialists comply with.  Most emergency hospitals in Turkey have neighborhood and global certifications, including the JCI (Joint Commission International), JACHO (Joint Commission on Healthcare Organizations Accreditation), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Western clinical affiliations, and office affiliations.

Additionally, many hospitals in Turkey have English-talking doctors and clinical staff authorized by the Turkish Medical Association as well as individuals from their particular associations, including the Turkish Dental Association, the Turkish Gynecologist and Obstetric Association, the Turkish Orthopedic and Grammatology Association, the Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Esthetic Surgery Association.

Europe Medical Tourism Shifts Towards Turkey

Europe’s industry is moving toward Medical Tourism in Turkey, as indicated by the head supervisor of an Ankara-based wellbeing association. Medical Tourism in Turkey is driven by the travel industry, which focuses on promoting areas like Istanbul, Antalya, and Ankara, said Ali Yakut, senior supervisor of health.

As of late, the worldwide market for clinical travel has reached $100 billion (TL 1.36 trillion) every year, with customers spending an expected normal of $10,000 per individual.  The medical procedures in Turkey range from dental procedures to well-being procedures, hair transplants, and warm spas. It offers clinical types of assistance to around 1.2 million vacationers who come from Europe.

Foreign tourists who come to Turkey most normally settle on stylish medical procedures, hair transplantation, heart medical procedures, muscular health, oncology, dental wellbeing, and in vitro treatment.

Yakut said the number of British guests coming to Medical Tourism in Turkey is expanding consistently, expanding from two or three thousand every 2010 to many thousands today. Turkey is one of the top 10 nations where British residents seek clinical treatment. With the pandemic approaching its end and Turkey’s developing clinical foundation and outcome in lodgings and cordiality, its positioning will change in a brief timeframe.

Why Turkey is an Optimal Location for Medical Tourism

One of the top 17 famous nations for Medical Tourism is Turkey. In 2018, 700,000 outsiders visited Turkey just to exploit their amazing medical treatment and care. By and large, 32% of the country’s patients are medical vacationers

You will find that most specialists who studied in Europe and America decided to practice and take up their residency in Turkey.  So, whether you are choosing to have a simple procedure, such as Botox and Filler, or a larger procedure, such as a facelift (or nose job, which is very popular in Turkey), this is definitely one of the top countries for medical tourism to choose from. 

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Common Procedures Turkey offers for Medical Travelers

  • Cosmetic Surgery: Turkey is well-known for cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), and facelifts. Istanbul, in particular, has become a hub for cosmetic surgery tourism.
  • Hair Transplants: Turkey is a popular destination for hair transplant surgeries, with numerous clinics specializing in this procedure. The cost-effectiveness and high-quality results have attracted many individuals seeking hair restoration.
  • Dental Care: Dental procedures, including dental implants, veneers, and teeth whitening, are commonly sought after by medical tourists in Turkey. Dental clinics in Turkey often provide modern facilities and high-quality services at competitive prices.
  • Fertility Treatments: Turkey offers various fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and egg donation, for couples struggling with infertility.
  • Orthopedic Surgery: Orthopedic procedures, including joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and sports injury treatments, are available in Turkey. The country’s well-equipped hospitals and skilled orthopedic surgeons make it an attractive option for medical tourists.
  • Ophthalmology: Turkey is renowned for eye surgeries, particularly laser eye surgeries like LASIK. Many tourists seek vision correction procedures in Turkey.
  • Cardiac Care: Turkey provides advanced cardiac care, including heart surgeries, angioplasty, and other cardiovascular procedures. Turkish hospitals have experienced cardiologists and state-of-the-art cardiac facilities.
  • Gastric and Bariatric Surgery: Turkey offers weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy for individuals looking to address obesity and related health issues.
  • Cancer Treatment: Turkey provides cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Some medical tourists seek alternative and integrative cancer therapies in addition to conventional treatments.
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: In addition to cosmetic procedures, Turkey is a destination for reconstructive surgeries, helping patients recover from trauma, burns, or congenital deformities

Should You Choose Turkey as your location for Medical Procedures?

Why choose Medical Tourism in Turkey? As mentioned above, Turkey is a location that is attracting highly qualified surgeons who perform procedures such as hair transplants, veneers, facelifts, and tummy tucks.  If you do your due diligence and research the doctor, the facility, the location where you will stay post-op, and any medical/travel insurance needed, Turkey is an excellent option for elective procedures.  The quality of care, the number of doctors/facilities that speak English, and their modern facilities and surgical techniques are top-notch.

Additionally, the country is gorgeous, so make sure to plan extra time into your schedule for sightseeing when you can, and always remember to Travel Till You Drop!

Book Your Trip : Check Out My Resources for Your Travel Needs

 

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.  This is my very first stop when I’m looking for my next trip. It’s a fast, easy-to-use search engine that is perfect for finding an affordable flight, a perfect hotel, and the right rental car for you in locations around the globe.

Book Your Accommodation

If you are looking for a super budget friendly location and are open to a hostel stay, make sure you book your hostel with Hostelworld. It offers the broadest range of quality hostels around the world. 

If you’d prefer a hotel or a guesthouse for stays less than 28 days, drop on over to Booking.com It’s perfect for providing excellent options, a ton of user reviews, and prices to fit every budget.

For stays over 28 days, AirBnB still remains my #1 choice. User reviews and monthly pricing allow for some incredible deals all around the world.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is but a small up-front investment that you won’t want to leave home without. After just one experience of having to delay or cancel your trip or having your luggage stolen, you’ll wish you would have made that investment.  I’ve hated my life a few times when the moment arose, and I decided to skip out.  Let’s just say, I’ve changed my ways and recommend each of the following companies to protect your ass-ets.

My favorite companies are:         

Want to Travel for Free?

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Ready to Book Your Trip?

Check out my Resource Page for the best companies to help you book your travel at reduced rates!  This list will help you get to where you’re going.  I know-I use them ALL the time!  

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About Jill

Hi, Jill Here

Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.

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