Health Services in Türkiye (Some Hints & Tips)

As you know, Türkiye accepts its guests from all over the world for many health-related procedures. If you are considering coming to Türkiye for both high quality and affordable medical procedures in a wide range from hair transplantation to aesthetic surgery, it would be useful to take a look at this post...

This month, when I shared the content of "Hair Transplantation in Türkiye", it attracted great attention, especially in the Balkans and the Middle East. I understand that a little more general content might be useful.

1) Don't believe every advertisement

I want to emphasize this; because your health is no joke. It may not matter if you waste your money, but you shouldn't risk your health by believing the advertisements you see. Those who are already good at their job and earn money from it do not feel the need to advertise in a way that will bother you, do they?..

2) Health institutions in Türkiye

First of all, let's divide the health institutions into two as public and private. 

A) When it comes to public institutions, you have two options: Either public hospitals or hospitals of medical faculties belonging to state universities.

B) The private ones have a little more choice, as you'd expect. Private hospitals, hospitals of medical faculties belonging to foundation universities, and clinics. The organizations you see in your ads are also in this title. We also hear that there are some fake ones sometimes...

3) Hint: University entrance score

Students who finish high school in Türkiye take a centralized exam. The medical faculties with the highest scores in this exam can give you an idea with their experience and equipment. Therefore, you may want to consider these options.

1. Hacettepe University: Founded in Ankara in the 1960s, this university offers both Turkish and English Medical Faculty education. (Bonus: Ankara University)
2. İstanbul University: Istanbul University, which was recently split in two, is another of the best options in health. You can choose Çapa or Cerrahpaşa.
3. Ege University: This well-established university in Izmir is one of the best options in the region. (Bonus: Dokuz Eylül University)
4. Koç University & Yeditepe University: Both of these universities are located in Istanbul. Previous universities were state-owned; but these two are foundation universities. Therefore, you can think that their service quality is relatively better.

Note: When searching for an institution on Google, make sure you don't end up on a fake website with a similar name...

4) Hint: Specific area of expertise

As in the rest of the World, some institutions are much more assertive in certain areas. For example, Kent Hospital in Izmir has a well-deserved reputation in cancer-related issues. On the other hand, in LASIK and other eye-related subjects, those with the word "Göz" at the end of their name can be considered. (Göz means eye in Turkish)

5) Authorized Healthcare Providers and Facilitators

This service, which is carried out under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health, is an important practice both for the prevention of illegal entry to Türkiye and for the safety of those who come for health tourism. In addition, if you come to these institutions, visa is also facilitated. The list includes more than 2500 hospitals, clinics and practices. Health Facilities Eligible to Obtain Health Tourism Authorization Certificate: https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/Eklenti/44813/0/yetkilendirilmis-saglik-tesisleripdf.pdf?_tag1=553296A3BCDDE0C478DCA77A726647CD53E2F4D7 If you want to do your transactions with a travel agency, here are the companies authorized by the relevant ministry: https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr/Eklenti/44812/0/yetkilendirilmis-araci-kuruluslarpdf.pdf?_tag1=D75A943674C0FFB8D9E96850F16934B4E35B5777

6) Transport and Accommodation

I recommend that you consult the health institution about accommodation. Companions are allowed in hospitals; but perhaps additional accommodation may be needed. Other suggestions for accommodation: Top 5 Hotel Booking Sites

You can find the following topics about transportation: İstanbul Airport Transportation Guide, İzmir Airport Transportation Guide, Domestic Flights

Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.

Attention:
If you are in doubt in an institution and want to confirm its reliability, you can call 112 in case of emergency or 184 for information or complaints.

7) Some Datas

Within the scope of health tourism, an average of 700,000 people came to Türkiye in 2019. In 2020, a decrease was experienced with the effect of the pandemic and 407,000 people came to Türkiye within the scope of health tourism. In 2021, the figure increased and more than 670,000 people preferred Türkiye. In the first nine months of 2022, 876,000 people came to Türkiye for health tourism.