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)
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.
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% |
- 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.
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
