Medical Tourism In Istanbul – What You Need To Know

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Are you thinking of going to Istanbul, Turkey, for some work to be done? Medical tourism in Istanbul is a booming new industry; here is what you need to know. 

Turkey Travel Blog_Medical Tourism In Istanbul

Best Medical Tourism In Turkey

You might have heard about medical tourism and Istanbul being mentioned quite a lot in the same sentence. There’s a reason for that; in fact, there are a few.

Türkiye is one of the top 10 countries for medical tourism these days, and the fact that the prices are much lower than those in the EU, USA, and UK means that more and more people are choosing to fly to Istanbul for their treatments.

Izmir is another popular city in Turkey for medical procedures, but Istanbul is, without a doubt, the top destination. Of course, that also means you can pair your procedure with a bit of sightseeing once you’ve recuperated.

With lower prices, high quality of treatment and care, and packages available that combine flights, transfers, and hotels with the treatment, it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing Türkiye for their medical needs.

While prices depend upon the treatment and any anomalies, you can usually expect to pay between 50-70% less than what you would pay in the EU. That’s a huge saving.

What Are The Most Popular Types Of Medical Procedures?

There is a huge range of medical procedures on offer for patients who travel to Turkey, but the most common include:

POPULAR MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Popular Medical Procesures

  • Botox and fillers
  • Hair transplants
  • Dental work
  • Rhinoplasty (nose job)
  • Breast surgery
  • Liposuction and weight loss surgery

Of course, you should always do careful research before you choose a clinic and before you decide to have any procedure done. You should also check in with your doctor at home and talk to them about the procedure and whether it’s a good choice for you.

It would be best if you also remembered to take copies of your medical records with you so that the doctors in Türkiye and check over things before agreeing to do your desired surgery.

You should expect to have a consultation before the surgery. There is no guarantee that your surgery will go ahead until you’ve had this consultation and the doctor has checked everything out. If they agree, you can expect to have your procedure done within days.

You only have to Google’ medical tourism in Turkey,’ and you’ll see countless entries, but remember, some are better than others. This is your health, so you need to make sure that you’re attending a clinic that is top-class and offers a high level of service. Don’t always go for the lowest price – quality is always what you should be looking for.

To help you out, let’s examine some of the most popular procedures in Türkiye and recommend some places to contact.

Brands We Use And Trust


Hair Transplants

Hair Transplants In Istanbul

The sheer number of men you see walking around Taksim with the tell-tale band around their heads, indicating they’ve had a hair transplant that day or the day before, is astounding. That tells you a lot about how popular this procedure is. Turkey is also among the top three countries in the world for this procedure, and with low prices, it’s no wonder.

You can expect to pay between $1500 and $3000 for a procedure, but that will vary depending on your personal circumstances. You can also book pages that include accommodation, transfers, etc.

CLINICS & DOCTORS TO CHECK OUT

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Young woman before and after rhinoplasty in Istanbul

Whether you want to change the shape of your nose for aesthetic reasons or you have breathing problems, nose jobs are very popular in Istanbul. This procedure is rising in popularity year after year, and after a detailed consultation, your procedure will be carried out with extensive aftercare

CLINICS & aftercare CHECK OUT
  • Dr Salih Onur Basat at ClinicPlast Istanbul in Nisantasi
  • Dr Mehmet Emre Dinc in Sisli
  • Dr Ayse Sezim Safak in Pendik

Breast Surgery

Breast Surgery In Istanbul

Breast augmentation, lifts, and reductions are much lower cost in Türkiye than in most countries worldwide. Many women attend consultations and explain their needs to their surgeons, and with detailed aaftercareavailable, it’s a prevalent procedure.

CLINICS & DOCTORS TO CHECK OUT
  • ClinicPlast in Nisantasi
  • Dr Asu Deniz Burhanoglu in Etiler
  • M.D. Huseyin Kandulu at the Private Acibadem Hospital

Laser Liposuction, Obesity & Weight Loss Treatment

Laser liposuction is extremely popular in Turkey, and it’s considerably cheaper than you will find in EU countries, the UK, and the USA. Due to the fact that obesity is on the rise worldwide, weight loss treatment is regularly requested, and many people choose to travel to Türkiye for their procedure.

CLINICS & DOCTORS TO CHECK OUT
  • Dr Ceylon Aydogan in Maltese
  • Dr Firat Tutal in Sisli
  • Istanbul Bariatric Center in Sisli

Dental Treatments

Dental Tourism In Croatia

One of the most popular reasons that people travel to Istanbul for medical work is on their teeth. You’ve no doubt heard of the fact that dental work, including implants and veneers, is much cheaper in Turkey than anywhere else. Depending upon the procedure and how much extra work may be required, you can expect to pay around $500 – $750, which is a vast 70% cheaper than the EU, USA, and UK.

There are countless clinics offering teeth whitening and other procedures, and it’s important to do your research beforehand. However, these are three of the best and ones you might like to check out:

CLINICS TO CHECK OUT
  • Dentfix Istanbul Dental Clinic, Sisli
  • Eternes Dental Clinic Istanbul, Sisli
  • Esthedent Dental Clinic, Sisli

What To Watch Out For In All Medical Procedures In Turkey

Again, always be very careful when choosing which clinic to attend. The clinics we’ve mentioned are all very highly regarded, but simply Googling your desired treatment isn’t going to give you the best results. There are many scams out there, and you’ll find people attempting to show you lower prices than they will actually charge you.

Basically, if you see a price that’s too good to be true, that’s because it is. However, bear in mind that prices for medical treatments are lower in Türkiye than in other countries. Do your research and ask as many questions as you need to before making a decision. If the clinic is reputable and professional, they will have no problems answering as many questions as you want to ask, and they will reassure you of their quality.

There are some fantastic clinics in Istanbul. It’s really not a surprise that it’s one of the best places in the world for medical tourism. So, if you’ve been thinking about having a procedure for a while and you’re sure that it’s the right thing for you, maybe Istanbul could be the destination for you.

Medical Treatment FAQs

What is medical tourism and why is Istanbul a popular destination for medical tourism?

Medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country to receive medical care or undergo medical procedures. Istanbul is a popular destination for medical tourism due to its combination of high-quality medical services, competitive pricing, and access to the latest medical technologies. The city boasts numerous medical facilities that meet international medical standards and offer a wide range of medical services.

What types of medical procedures are commonly sought after in medical tourism in Istanbul?

Medical tourism in Istanbul attracts patients seeking a variety of medical procedures, including cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, orthopedic surgeries, hair transplants, and fertility treatments. The availability of advanced medical equipment and skilled medical professionals in these fields makes Istanbul a preferred choice for these medical treatments.

How does the quality of medical care in Istanbul compare to other countries?

The quality of medical care in Istanbul is considered to be on par with, and sometimes superior to, that of many Western countries. The city is home to several hospitals for medical tourism that are accredited by international organizations, ensuring high medical standards. Additionally, many Turkish medical professionals have received training abroad, bringing international expertise to local medical services.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey for medical purposes?

Traveling to Turkey for medical purposes is generally safe, with Istanbul being a well-developed city that caters to international tourists. However, as with any international travel, it is important to stay informed about current travel advisories and to take standard safety precautions. Choosing reputable medical facilities and ensuring clear communication with medical professionals are crucial steps for a successful medical journey.

Comments (2)

  1. Looking for treatment (meds) for high blood pressure, I’ve just been diagnosed with hypertension. Also would like meds for high cholesterol – can you recommend a dr/hospital? 13 Oct – 21 Oct visit.

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