Healthcare in Turkey has improved drastically from what it once was. Turkey has advanced as the region's leading provider of healthcare services. Currently recognised as a focused healthcare destination with superior technological advances, Turkey treats thousands of foreign patients from the Middle East and European bordering countries every month. Turkey has continued pursuing medical superiority and solid expertise to create a foundation in creating quality care for patients. The healthcare system is striving to become a global competitor with other health service providers so it can not only reach excellence regionally but also globally.
If you are planning a trip, holiday or are coming to Turkey in search of medical treatment outside your own country there are some things you should know about the healthcare system and what it means for you as a foreign visitor.
Turkish healthcare and medical system as a foreign national
The Ministry of Health is in charge of all health services in Turkey. Turkey is a strong competitor in healthcare when compared with other countries such as; the US, Germany, and England are a few. The current statistics show Turkey as a low cost health provider compared to these nations.
Here’s an excellent financial example. Let’s say you needed a heart bypass surgery:
Now don’t be put off thinking the lower price means a lower level of quality. There are around 60 internationally competitive medical faculties in Turkey, which are training thousands of Turkish and foreign medical students. This training allows Turkey to reach certification standards for physicians which in turn ensures successful medical results in a wide variety of fields. Almost every major pharmaceutical company such as, Pfizer, Glaxo-smith-Kline, Johnson & Johnson are already situated in Turkey alongside regional as well as some local manufacturers.
If you are travelling to Turkey
If you plan on travelling to Turkey anytime soon there is some key health information you should know in case of a medical emergency.
Going to Turkey for medical treatment?
If you’re planning to travel for medical treatment, Turkey is a great choice. Turkey has become a vastly respected top destination for medical tourism in Europe. Their hospitals and medical facilities have quality medical professionals, some of which are US board certified. Turkey has 375 private hospitals, and leading institutions offer a full-service attitude to international patients. If you are travelling to Turkey to be seen outside your own country’s medical facilities then here are a few key points to look at if you need to see a doctor or find one.
Don’t try to plan your trip with an exact time frame in mind. If you are delayed because of a medical need or a needed extra few days of recovery it can cost a lot of money with the airlines and other accommodations it is best to try to figure one extra day to every five days you are spending. While you are in the hospital most offer certain accommodations or rooms by your needs. There are adjustable beds, internet connections, TV, safe boxes, nurse call buttons, and air conditioning in most rooms.
If you have a friend or family member travelling with you be sure to let your doctor know if they will be staying with you as well because there is only one patient guest allowed per single room and it must be approved by your doctor. There are special needs that you may request in most hospitals and should be directed to your nurse or the hospitals receptionist. They can usually accommodate your wishes or needs such as, worship, translator, and a daily newspaper.
Turkish pharmacies are a great source of medical help
Turkey has special pharmacies called Eczane, which you can usually find on most street corners. The pharmacist has the proper training to listen to your complaints and make a diagnosis or recommendation and also prescribe treatment medication. If they believe you need to be seen by a hospital they will refer you to one. The pharmacist can also dispense medications over the counter to you that might elsewhere need a prescription from a doctor.
What to do in case of emergency in Turkey
Of course this will very much depend on type of emergency, however, for severe emergencies or accidents, make sure you call an ambulance. If you are staying at a resort or a hotel, just talk to your reception or if you can't do that call out for help. You can be sure someone will call an ambulance.
The ambulance will take you straight to the accident & emergency department of the nearest state hospital. You will immediately be seen to and there will not be a fee for attending to an emergency. The fact that you are not a Turkish citizen will not make a difference, you will be treated all the same.
If you visit a private hospital in Turkey, then there will naturally be fees applicable. Compared to private hospitals in the UK and most of Euro zone countries, fees will be less than a half of what you would pay for hourly rates. Compared to Brazil, Russia and India (part of the BRICS countries), costs of medical facilities and drugs with the private health sector are again more favourable in Turkey.
Should you take out private health insurance?
If you are a resident in Turkey you are required to opt into the public health service, the SGK. For a small monthly fee you have access to great medical care - although waiting lists for certain procedures can be long so it's generally a good idea to have your own health insurance. Premiums payable are comparable to most EU countries if not slightly under and cover tends to be very comprehensive.
If you are travelling it's always a good idea to have travel insurance with a favourable health option.
Turkey has come a long way from medieval practices and has flourished into a leading medical and healthcare region for Europe and a top competitor with even the US. They have low costs and excellent quality facilities, treatments, and technology making them an excellent place to receive top rate health care. Their doctors are usually trained abroad and a lot holding certification from the US. Being an EU candidate for membership they consistently uphold their standards of healthcare. If you’re travelling to Turkey be assured you will receive some of the best care and will be treated by some of the best trained doctors in the country. In short, if you have to be sick, Turkey is a great place to be sick.
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