Getting medical treatment in Turkey
Coverage of healthcare in Turkey
In Turkey, healthcare for expatriates and foreign residents is covered by two main options:
- Universal Health Insurance: This insurance, managed by the Sosyal Guvenlik Kurumu (SGK), covers all medical expenses for permanent residents, including foreign nationals. To qualify, you must have been legally resident in Turkey for at least one year.
- Private health insurance: Many insurance companies, particularly recommended for those who prefer to have access to private healthcare, offer plans specially designed for expatriates.
Healthcare for women in Turkey
In Turkey, women's health is a priority. They benefit from specific health services such as maternity care, family planning and gynecology. Prenatal consultations are free and compulsory. In addition, screening for breast and cervical cancer is strongly encouraged, and national programs are in place.
But despite these advances, inequalities persist, particularly in terms of access to healthcare in rural areas.
If you are an expatriate woman, we recommend taking out
private health insurance to benefit from more extensive and faster
access to care.
Visiting a doctor
In Turkey, there are around 2 doctors for every 1,000 people. Hospitals and doctors' offices can be found all over the country, although specialist doctors and centers of excellence are easier to find in the big cities. So you'll have no trouble finding a healthcare professional in the country.
But you should be aware that Turkish medical personnel in the public sector do not always speak good English. You are more likely to find an English-speaking doctor in the private sector.
In private facilities, you should expect to pay an average of €80 for a consultation with a general practitioner and more than €100 for a consultation with a specialist, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. To avoid paying too much for medical services, particularly for consultations with specialists, it may be worthwhile taking out a health insurance plan before you leave. That way, you'll benefit from better care and coverage.
Being admitted to hospital
Turkish
hospital standards focus on quality of care and patient safety. Hospitals strive to provide quality healthcare services through
the use of advanced medical technologies and qualified doctors in various specialties. The Ministry of Health carries out regular quality checks to guarantee a certain standard of care.
In terms of infrastructure, the country has almost 1,250 hospitals, 32 of which are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which ensures compliance with international healthcare standards.
To find one of these JCI-accredited hospitals where most of the staff and doctors are certified English speakers, go to
this dedicated page.
To find a doctor, hospital or healthcare center in Turkey,
visit the Doctors of Turkey website.
Another option to bear in mind: the international
medical network operated by your health insurer! It's generally very comprehensive and has the advantage of allowing you to benefit from attractively priced negotiated rates from certified health practitioners.
Buying medication
You will easily find many pharmacies (
eczane) in Turkey, usually open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. There are also several 24-hour duty pharmacies. Here you will find all the usual medicines, including some under the same name as in France.
If you are taking medication with you on your trip, remember to bring your doctor's prescription which you may be asked to show at customs.
Vaccines to be carried out
No vaccinations are required for travel to Turkey. However, it is recommended that you are up to date with the usual vaccination schedule. In particular, it is advisable to get the necessary booster shots for DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-polio) and MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) in children, as well as the vaccination against tuberculosis.
Depending on the geographical areas you are visiting and the conditions of the stay, vaccinations against yellow fever, viral hepatitis A and B, and rabies may be advisable.
Health risks
In Turkey, Crimean-Congo fever, a viral disease transmitted by ticks, is present in certain regions: in Central Anatolia, on the Black Sea coastal area, as well as in the forest areas near Istanbul and Ankara. To avoid the risk, it is advisable to use repellents when visiting these regions.
Also keep away from stray dogs, which are present in several Turkish cities, some of which may be carrying rabies.
You should also be aware that tap water is generally not safe to drink in Turkey. Drink only bottled water or water that has been made safe for drinking.
Lastly, to avoid the risks of typhoid fever, a bacterial disease, be sure to adopt good food hygiene (wash your hands before each meal and avoid eating raw or undercooked products). Also, follow the usual coronavirus measures and recommendations in place in the country at the time of your departure.
