# Medical tourism in Turkey: costs, hospitals & safety

> Informational only, not medical advice. Figures are sourced population data; outcome rates are population averages, not a personal prognosis. Source: CureMeridian (https://curemeridian.com/destinations/tr).

## Quick facts
- Procedures with sourced pricing: 22
- Typical savings vs home: around 75%
- Popular hospitals listed: 6
- English proficiency: Low

## Treatment cost in Turkey by procedure

| Procedure | Average cost | Typical range | Save up to |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gastric Sleeve | $4,500 | $3,500 to $5,500 | 78% |
| Shoulder Replacement | $3,100 | $2,300 to $4,000 | 75% |
| Heart Valve Repair & Replacement | $14,000 | $10,000 to $18,000 | 90% |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | $4,750 | $3,500 to $6,000 | 83% |
| Gastric Bypass | $5,750 | $4,500 to $7,000 | 79% |
| Cataract Surgery | $1,300 | $975 to $1,700 | 76% |
| Disc Replacement | $16,000 | $10,000 to $22,000 | 71% |
| Spinal Decompression | $13,000 | $8,000 to $18,000 | 57% |
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) | $11,500 | $8,000 to $15,000 | 91% |
| Microdiscectomy | $11,000 | $7,000 to $15,000 | 56% |
| Dental Veneers | $250 | $150 to $350 | 72% |
| Angioplasty & Stenting | $5,250 | $3,500 to $7,000 | 80% |
| Hip Replacement | $9,500 | $7,000 to $12,000 | 75% |
| Knee Replacement | $8,000 | $6,000 to $10,000 | 75% |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | $3,500 | $2,500 to $4,500 | 73% |
| Spinal Fusion | $13,000 | $8,000 to $18,000 | 87% |
| SMILE | $1,300 | $975 to $1,700 | 76% |
| Dental Implants | $600 | $400 to $800 | 87% |
| LASIK | $950 | $725 to $1,200 | 76% |
| Rhinoplasty | $3,000 | $2,000 to $4,000 | 71% |
| Hair Transplant | $2,250 | $1,500 to $3,000 | 78% |
| Liposuction | $2,500 | $1,500 to $3,500 | 36% |

## Safety & recovery by procedure in Turkey

| Procedure | Success rate | Serious complication | Safe to fly after |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gastric Sleeve | 90% | 4% | ~35 days |
| Shoulder Replacement | 90% | 3% | ~10 days |
| Heart Valve Repair & Replacement | 95% | 3% | ~21 days |
| All-on-4 / All-on-6 | 98% | 2% | ~7 days |
| Gastric Bypass | 95% | 5% | ~42 days |
| Cataract Surgery | 98% | 1% | ~2 days |
| Disc Replacement | 75% | 14% | ~10 days |
| Spinal Decompression | 85% | 5% | ~14 days |
| Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) | 98% | 2% | ~21 days |
| Microdiscectomy | 90% | 2% | ~7 days |
| Dental Veneers | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Angioplasty & Stenting | 95% | 1% | ~7 days |
| Hip Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| Knee Replacement | 95% | 2% | ~14 days |
| Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | 95% | 5% | ~35 days |
| Spinal Fusion | 85% | 5% | ~21 days |
| SMILE | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Dental Implants | 95% | 2% | ~3 days |
| LASIK | 95% | 1% | ~1 days |
| Rhinoplasty | 90% | 2% | ~10 days |
| Hair Transplant | 95% | 1% | ~7 days |
| Liposuction | 85% | 3% | ~21 days |

Outcome rates are sourced population averages, not a personal prognosis.

## Safety & advisories
US travel advisory: Exercise Increased Caution.

## Visa & entry
- Visa: E-Visa Available
- Main airport: IST

## Popular hospitals in Turkey
- Memorial Bahcelievler Hospital, Istanbul, rated 4.7
- Memorial Ataşehir Hospital, Istanbul, rated 4.7
- Memorial Sisli Hospital, Istanbul, rated 4.7
- Medipol Mega University Hospital, Istanbul, rated 3.3
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Atakent Hospital, Istanbul, rated 4.2
- Acibadem Altunizade Hospital, Istanbul, rated 4.3

## Frequently asked questions

### What currency is used in Turkey and how should I handle payments?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are accepted at most private hospitals and upscale restaurants, but you should carry cash in lira for taxis, small shops, and tipping. Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks where rates are poor; instead use ATMs from major banks like Garanti, İşbank, or Yapı Kredi for better rates. Tipping 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory — always leave tips in lira cash even if you pay the bill by card.

### Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey, and what about food safety?
Tap water in major Turkish cities is treated and technically meets safety standards, but most locals and hospitals recommend drinking bottled or filtered water due to aging pipe infrastructure in some buildings. Bottled water is very affordable at 1-5 TRY and available everywhere, including hospital cafeterias. It is safe to brush your teeth with tap water and to eat salads and fresh produce at reputable restaurants.

### How do I get around Istanbul to reach my hospital appointments?
BiTaksi is Turkey's most popular ride-hailing app and works like Uber, letting you book metered taxis with in-app payment to avoid fare disputes. Uber also operates in Istanbul but is limited to licensed taxis rather than private cars. Istanbul's metro, tram, and ferry system is extensive and affordable using an Istanbulkart transit card, which you can buy at any metro station. Many private hospitals also offer complimentary shuttle services from major hotels — ask your clinic coordinator in advance.

### How do I stay connected with a SIM card or mobile internet in Turkey?
Purchase an eSIM before you arrive in Turkey, as Turkish authorities have blocked access to several international eSIM provider websites from within the country since mid-2025. Tourist SIM cards from Turkcell, Vodafone, or Türk Telekom are available at the airport for 25-45 USD, though city stores offer better prices. Foreign phones can be used without IMEI registration for stays under 120 days, which covers most medical tourism trips.

### What should I expect at a Turkish private hospital as an international patient?
Turkish private hospitals catering to medical tourists typically assign an international patient coordinator who handles paperwork, translation, and scheduling. Visiting hours are generally 10:00-22:00, with one companion permitted to stay overnight in the patient room. Most hospitals accept credit card payment and can provide itemized invoices in English for insurance reimbursement. Pharmacies (eczane) near hospitals stock common over-the-counter medications, and your hospital will provide prescriptions for anything requiring one.

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Source: CureMeridian, https://curemeridian.com/destinations/tr. Hospital rankings are calculated by our algorithm and are not paid placements.