Is Istanbul Healthcare Expensive

Gokce Nacar

Jul 01 593 read

Is Istanbul Healthcare Expensive?

Over the past ten years, there have been over 10 million medical tourists worldwide, with a 100 billion dollar yearly revenue. Additionally, it is predicted that medical tourism has a lower number and turnover of visitors than thermal tourism, spa-wellness, senior, and disability tourism.

The idea of health tourism in Turkey is not brand-new. People have been traveling to seek medical treatment ever since ancient Greece. Traveling from one's home to a different city or country for the treatment of various ailments distinguishes health tourism from local therapies.

Turkey Healthcare Economy

Patients don't generally select Turkey for its affordability. Many European nations and other Western industrialized nations can afford the expense of medical care and procedures in Turkey. For instance, the cost of in vitro fertilization in the US is roughly $15,000–16,000, whereas in Turkey it is $2600; the cost of laser myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism surgery in European countries ranges from 4,000–8,000 EUR, whereas in Turkey it is roughly 600 EUR; the cost of open heart surgery in European countries is 25,000 EUR, whereas in first-class hospitals in Turkey it is 10,000 EUR.

Pensioners with health issues choose Turkey to continue their lives after retirement due to the high costs of healthcare in Europe and other rich Western nations.

Turkey vs European Healthcare

Turkey is more appealing than European nations for health tourism and overseas retirement because of a variety of factors, not only low salaries. Turkey provides affordable healthcare together with top-notch services.

Health facilities and organizations need to be accredited by Joint Commission International for health tourism (JCI). Turkey is rated second in the world in this regard and has roughly 45 recognized medical facilities/hospitals. Istanbul is the location of the majority of these certified organizations. In terms of the quantity and variety of authorized medical facilities, Istanbul takes the top spot.

Istanbul and Antalya are the Turkish cities that health tourists choose to visit. Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Mugla, and Aydin are among the top 10 cities for health tourism.

Want to know more about Istanbul? Explore the health opportunities through Iamistanbul while also learning about the cultural aspect of the city!