Turkey's Success in Health Tourism: A Major Rise in the Industry

In recent years, Turkey has become one of the world's leading destinations in health tourism. With high-quality medical services, affordable costs, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and a unique geographical location, millions of people choose Turkey for healthcare services each year. But what are the key factors behind Turkey's success in health tourism?

What is Health Tourism?

Health tourism refers to the practice of individuals traveling to another country for medical, surgical, or rehabilitation services. This type of tourism is usually chosen for two main reasons: lower treatment costs and higher quality of care. By combining these two factors, Turkey has become a global player in health tourism.

The Rise of Health Tourism in Turkey

Turkey began to see rapid growth in health tourism in the early 2000s. This growth accelerated during the 2010s, establishing Turkey as one of the world's top health tourism centers. Modern healthcare facilities, advanced technology, expert doctors, and medical staff, along with Turkey's rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions, have made the country an ideal destination for health tourism.

In 2019, Turkey welcomed over 700,000 health tourists, marking a significant global achievement. Despite the pandemic, this number continued to rise, reaching 1.2 million in 2023. Health tourism contributes billions of dollars to the Turkish economy while strengthening the country's position in the global healthcare services market.

Factors That Make Turkey Attractive for Health Tourism

Several factors make Turkey appealing for health tourism. Chief among them is the provision of high-quality healthcare services at affordable prices. Compared to countries like Western Europe and the United States, medical services in Turkey are much more economical. For instance, dental treatments or cosmetic surgeries in Turkey can be 50-70% cheaper than in Western countries. This makes Turkey particularly attractive for fields like plastic surgery, dental treatments, and eye surgeries.

Turkey also boasts a highly developed medical infrastructure. There are more than 50 hospitals in the country accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). These hospitals provide services at the highest international standards and are equipped with cutting-edge technology. In addition, Turkey’s healthcare professionals are highly trained and experienced, with many fluent in foreign languages, including English.

Turkey’s strategic location also offers a great advantage for health tourism. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Turkey is easily accessible from these regions. Patients from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe can reach Turkey quickly and affordably due to its central position.

The Future of Health Tourism in Turkey

Turkey is developing various strategies to further enhance its success in health tourism. The government offers various incentives, such as tax breaks, investment incentives, and international promotion campaigns, to support the health tourism sector. Additionally, investments are being made to further improve the quality of healthcare services and maximize patient satisfaction.

Turkey's success in health tourism also significantly contributes to the country's overall tourism sector. Visitors coming to Turkey for medical treatments also have the opportunity to explore Turkey's historical and cultural richness during their stay. Cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Ankara offer both modern healthcare facilities and rich tourist attractions for health tourists.

Trustmed plays a crucial role in this success by providing patients with access to the best treatment options in the field of aesthetic surgery. Turkey's major rise in health tourism seems poised to continue in the future. Take advantage of the opportunities offered in Turkey's health tourism and act now!