It’s well known in the healthcare sector that some countries offer more affordable medical treatment than others, especially cosmetic surgery. As technology improves and treatments become safer, medical tourism increases. Now, it’s common to see people getting passports to travel for breast augmentation in Turkey instead of vacationing in Europe.
Indeed, Turkey has emerged as a preferred destination for individuals seeking hair transplants, nose jobs, and other cosmetic surgeries, owing to its affordability, accessibility, and, typically, high success rates. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure or other healthcare treatment there, here is everything you should know about the state of the medical tourism industry in Turkey.
What Does Healthcare Look Like in Turkey?
Turkey provides significantly lower rates for medical procedures compared to many Western countries. In addition to affordability, it offers specialty services that enhance the overall experience for medical tourists. These services include access to thermal spas, luxurious five-star resort accommodations, and comprehensive wellness facilities. This combination allows individuals travelling for procedures such as breast augmentations to turn their medical journey into a rejuvenating vacation experience.
Surrounded by Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, Iraq, and Syria, and three seas (the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black), Turkey isn’t as easy to access as other, more drivable countries. However, the government’s goal of joining the European Union has made it step up its quality and medical standards, which the Ministry of Health monitors. All healthcare facilities, practitioners, and hospitals must follow these standards and guidelines.
Within these facilities, you’ll find certified staff, many of whom can speak English, which makes it more attractive to travel to a foreign country for a medical procedure. Yet, if that wasn’t enough, Turkey has many medical facilities accredited by the Joint Commission International. Medical tourism-focused hospitals have board-certified staff and the latest medical technology.
A History of Medical Care
Turkey’s history as a healthcare expert dates back to Roman civilisation. Over the past thousands of years, the country’s reputation for top thermal spas cemented itself in Turkey’s culture. Since then, its expertise has evolved to include the latest in modern healthcare facilities, particularly in procedures and services devoted to medical tourists. Now, it’s quite ordinary and expected for hotels in Turkey to receive visitors coming to the country for procedures such as:
- Plastic surgery
- Eye care
- General and cosmetic dentistry treatments
- Fertility and sterility treatments
- Stem cell transplants
- Sleep disorder therapy
- Surgery for obesity and bariatric care
- Renal dialysis
High-quality facilities offer these and many other medical treatments, top providers, and nursing care at surprisingly affordable costs.
Comparing the Costs
Let’s compare the average costs of some typical procedures performed in Turkey with those performed by their counterparts in the United Kingdom (UK). Note: All prices are in USD.
- Breast augmentations in Turkey: $3,000-$4,000 versus $7,000-$8,000 in the UK
- Knee replacements in Turkey: $7,000-$8,000 versus $16,000-$17,000 in the UK
- Facelifts in Turkey: $3,000-$4,000 versus $11,000-$12,000 in the UK
- Liposuction in Turkey: $2,000-$3,000 versus $5,000-$6,000 in the UK
- LASIK eye surgery in Turkey: $1,000-$1,500 versus $1,500-$2,500 in the UK
- Root canal in Turkey: $100-$150 versus $300-$400 in the UK
But where Turkey really shines in savings is in areas like dental implants, which can cost upwards of $4,000 per implant in the UK and are only between $900 and $1,500 in Turkey, a savings of 75%. With costs like these to tempt those seeking medical care to check out Turkey, the next question is: Are they protected from malpractice?
Turkey’s Malpractice Laws
As mentioned earlier, Turkey’s medical standards, including malpractice coverage, strive to be on par with or higher than the global average. In the past, many healthcare providers didn’t carry malpractice insurance. However, calls for reforms have changed this. Now, insurance is mandatory for private and government-owned facilities. Still, even with malpractice insurance on the board, lawsuits against practitioners in Turkey remain low compared to other countries.
Pros and Cons of Medical Tourism in Turkey
Evaluating Turkey against other countries, it’s clear that the state of the industry is healthy and continues to improve. Wherever you go, though, there are always benefits and drawbacks to receiving healthcare, whether it’s in your native country or outside its borders.
Advantages of Medical Tourism in Turkey
If you decide to travel to Turkey for your next medical procedure, the abundance of JCI-accredited medical centres will reassure you. These health facilities prioritise the well-being of medical tourists and do not compromise on quality. From the infrastructure and services to the highly trained and efficient staff, your experience will be positive.
Other advantages to consider when booking medical care in Turkey include competitive prices for most services, with rates on par with or better than those of other Western countries. Visitors come for medical services, but while there, they enjoy the warm hospitality the country is known for as the gateway between the East and West hemispheres.
The Downsides of Heading to Turkey for Medical Care
But as with any trip to a new country, medical tourists may experience some downsides during their travels to Turkey for healthcare services. Turkey’s native language is Turkish, and it is spoken by 90% of the population; Arabic, Greek, Armenian, and many other languages are spoken fluently. If yours isn’t one of them, you may find it challenging to communicate outside healthcare facilities. Obtaining your medical records can also be an obstacle, and if you need documentation to justify your visa or job absence, this may be an issue.
The cost of travel may offset the savings in healthcare expenses. While every European airline provides services to some of Turkey’s five major airports, getting there from other countries, like the United States, may require extra flights and layovers. Most visitors need a valid passport and a visa to enter the country. You can obtain visas upon arrival or from the Turkish consulates in your country of origin. Be sure to find the rules regarding your country before scheduling your medical procedure and booking your accommodations.
The State of Turkey’s Medical Tourism Industry
Turkey’s medical tourism industry is at a pivotal point, offering a unique combination of affordability, quality, and patient-focused care. Turkey’s reputation as a leading destination solidifies as more people seek cost-effective alternatives for cosmetic and healthcare procedures. With its array of accredited healthcare facilities and highly trained professionals, patients can expect a level of care that meets international standards.
Furthermore, the ongoing improvements in medical practices and regulatory frameworks position Turkey as a safe choice for medical tourists. The nation’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services, alongside its welcoming environment, creates an appealing atmosphere for those seeking treatment abroad.
Individuals considering medical procedures should weigh the financial benefits and the chance to experience Turkey’s rich culture and hospitality. With continued growth in the medical tourism sector, Turkey is emerging as a viable option for anyone looking for comprehensive and affordable healthcare solutions.
