Medical Tourism in Turkey

Turkey - A Mid-budget Medical Tour with a Sultan-style Bonus

Medical Tourism in Turkey is extremely popular for its affordability and the nation’s numerous perks benefitting the foreign tourists throughout their medical tour. Turkey happens to be the third country with the highest number of foreign tourist headcounts, with 1.2-1.3 million patient visits in 2024, after Thailand and India.

Turkey’s affordable tourism annually bills about $4-4.5 billion, and it also has the highest per-case revenue in Eurasia, with $3,300 per case compared to $3,100 in Thailand and $1,800 in India. Though compared to the medical tourism in USA - it is too distant, as the per-case revenue of the USA is sitting high up at $40,000.

Turkey is also known for having the second-highest Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation pool of about 50+ hospitals; the highest JCI accreditation pool happens to be in the USA. Moreover, with JCI certification, Turkey also relies on Hospital Accreditation - Turkey, ISO, etc.

The Turkish government’s support towards healthcare tourism has also added convenience in the documentation process, like 90-day Visa approval within 3 days. Secondly, acceptance of multiple currencies like EUR, Dollar, and Crypto. Moreover, the government also offers malpractice coverage up to $5 million, where the settlements can be done in 90 days, and the payment can be made in EUR upon your request.

Why Turkey Is Opted for Medical Tourism

Turkey’s growing dominance in the medical tourism industry is not built on affordability alone. While cost advantage plays a major role, the country’s ability to deliver European-grade medical services with shorter waiting periods and a smoother administrative process gives it an edge over both Western and Asian markets.

One of the biggest reasons medical tourists choose Turkey is speed and convenience. Procedures that take months to schedule in countries like the UK or Germany can be arranged within days in Turkey. This makes it particularly attractive for patients seeking time-sensitive medical procedures without compromising safety or quality.

Another strong factor is the presence of well-regulated health tourism companies and licensed medical tourism facilitators. These facilitators work closely with hospitals to offer structured medical tourism packages, often including airport transfers, accommodation, hospital coordination, translators, and post-treatment follow-ups. This organized ecosystem reduces stress for foreign patients and ensures a predictable medical journey.

Turkey also benefits from its strategic geographic location, especially for patients from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Short flight durations, visa convenience, and cultural familiarity make Turkey a comfortable destination for first-time medical tourists.

Medical Procedures for Which Turkey Is Preferred

Turkey has established itself as a global leader in medical tourism by offering internationally benchmarked healthcare services at competitive prices. The country attracts patients across both high-volume and specialized medical procedures.

Cosmetic & Aesthetic Procedures

Cosmetic treatments dominate medical tourism inflow in Turkey, making it one of the most sought-after destinations worldwide for aesthetic transformations.

• Hair transplantation
• Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping)
• Liposuction & body contouring
• Facial aesthetic surgeries

Orthopedic & Cardiac Surgeries

Turkey is equally preferred for complex orthopedic and cardiovascular procedures, combining advanced surgical techniques with cost-effective treatment plans.

• Knee & hip replacement surgeries
• Spine and joint procedures
• Cardiology & cardiovascular surgeries
• High success rates for complex cases

Dental, Fertility & Bariatric Care

Dental tourism is a major driver in Turkey, particularly among Western European patients facing long waiting times and high domestic costs. Fertility and bariatric treatments are also rising steadily.

• Full-mouth rehabilitation & dental implants
• Cosmetic dentistry
• IVF & fertility treatments
• Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery

A Comparative Example Between Turkey and Other Major Countries

Turkey’s position as a mid-budget medical tourism destination becomes clearer when its pricing is compared with other global markets offering similar healthcare services.

Medical Procedure	Turkey	USA / UK	Other Regions
Hair Transplant	$2,000 – $3,500	$10,000 – $15,000	—
Knee Replacement Surgery	$8,000 – $12,000	$45,000 (USA)	Western Europe – $18,000 to $22,000
Cardiac Bypass Surgery	$15,000 – $18,000	$120,000+	—
Dental Implant (Per Implant)	Under $1,200	$4,000+	—

Hair Transplant

• Turkey: $2,000 – $3,500
• USA / UK: $10,000 – $15,000
• Other Regions: —

Knee Replacement Surgery

• Turkey: $8,000 – $12,000
• USA: $45,000
• Western Europe: $18,000 – $22,000

Cardiac Bypass Surgery

• Turkey: $15,000 – $18,000
• USA / UK: $120,000+
• Other Regions: —

Dental Implant (Per Implant)

• Turkey: Under $1,200
• USA / UK: $4,000+
• Other Regions: —

These price advantages, combined with modern hospital infrastructure, internationally trained doctors, and streamlined coordination through medical tourism facilitators, make Turkey one of the most cost-efficient destinations for medical tourists seeking reliable outcomes.

Major Medical Tourism Hubs in Turkey

Medical tourism in Turkey is concentrated in a few key cities that combine advanced healthcare infrastructure with excellent international connectivity and patient-friendly services.

Istanbul

Turkey’s largest and most preferred medical tourism destination, hosting the highest number of internationally accredited hospitals.

• Cosmetic & aesthetic surgery
• Cardiology & oncology
• Hair transplants & dental care

Ankara

A key destination for government-affiliated hospitals and highly specialized medical treatments.

• Advanced surgical care
• Government medical institutions
• Specialized diagnostics

Izmir

Increasingly popular among international patients seeking high-quality care with a relaxed coastal recovery environment.

• Orthopedics & dental care
• Cosmetic procedures
• Post-treatment rehabilitation

Antalya

Preferred by patients combining medical treatment with leisure-based recovery in a resort-style environment.

• Dental & cosmetic tourism
• Wellness recovery programs
• Resort-style aftercare

Top Medical Treatment Hospitals and Facilities in Turkey

Turkey’s healthcare tourism ecosystem is reinforced by one of the world’s strongest accreditation networks, including over 50 JCI-accredited hospitals, along with Hospital Accreditation – Turkey and ISO certifications.

Acibadem Healthcare Group

One of the most recognized healthcare groups in Turkey, operating across multiple cities.

• Oncology & cardiology
• Orthopedics & organ transplants
• International insurance tie-ups

Memorial Hospitals Group

A flagship provider known for complex surgeries and high success rates.

• Organ transplants
• Cardiac surgery
• Advanced surgical care

Medicana Health Group

Known for combining advanced medical technology with experienced specialists.

• Multi-specialty treatments
• International patient services
• Modern diagnostic facilities

Florence Nightingale Hospitals

Ranked among Turkey’s top medical facilities for comprehensive and specialized care.

• Advanced surgical procedures
• Experienced medical specialists
• Structured international care pathways

These hospitals work closely with licensed health tourism companies to ensure transparent pricing, structured treatment plans, and continuous post-treatment support for international patients.

Ease of Travel

Turkey offers visa-on-arrival or e-Visa options for many nationalities. Combined with well-connected international airports and competitive flight options, it’s easy for medical tourists to plan their trip.