Medical Tourism Overview in Turkey

Turkey has become one of the world's top medical tourism destinations, ranking among the top 5 globally with approximately 1.2 million international patients visiting annually for medical procedures. Beyond dental and hair transplant tourism, Turkey attracts patients for ophthalmology (LASIK at $800-1,500), orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery, oncology, fertility treatments (IVF at $2,500-4,500), and bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve at $3,500-5,500).

The cost advantage is substantial across virtually all medical categories. Eye surgery (LASIK) costs 60-70% less than in Western Europe, cardiac surgery costs 50-70% less, and fertility treatments cost 40-60% less. Turkish hospitals have invested heavily in the latest medical technology, with many facilities housing equipment comparable to or newer than leading Western hospitals. Approximately 50 Turkish hospitals hold JCI accreditation, one of the highest numbers globally.

The Turkish government has designated health tourism as a strategic sector, creating USHAŞ (International Health Services Inc.) to coordinate and promote medical tourism. Medical tourist visa processes have been streamlined, and many hospitals have dedicated international patient departments offering end-to-end services in multiple languages. The favourable exchange rate of the Turkish lira has further enhanced Turkey's cost competitiveness, making it an increasingly attractive option for patients from Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.