Healthcare abroad

Healthcare in Türkiye: holiday care and medical tourism

UK visitorNo free healthcareChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 21 September 2026

There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement, so you need travel insurance. The FCDO says 7 British nationals died in 2025 after medical procedures in Türkiye, most often cosmetic, dental or cardiac. Talk to a UK doctor before booking any treatment.

GHIC accepted
Some free urgent care
No free healthcare
Very high costs

RatingNo free healthcare

Emergency number112

Official advice updated21 September 2026

Areas covered3 on this page

Private hospitals in the resorts and Istanbul are modern, and many have international patient desks. Medical tourism is big business here, and standards range from excellent to dangerous. Ordinary travel insurance won't cover planned procedures or their complications.

Where care differs

Resort private hospitalsNo free healthcare
Good standard. They'll check your insurance before treatment.
Cosmetic, dental and weight-loss clinicsVery high costs
Not covered by travel insurance. Check the clinic and surgeon, and plan aftercare in the UK.
Rural and eastern areasNo free healthcare
Facilities are more limited. Serious cases are moved to city hospitals.

Medicines

Turkish pharmacies don't accept UK prescriptions, and some common medicines are controlled. Bring enough for the whole trip with a copy of your prescription.

Before you go

Emergency number: 112.
Planning surgery? Read the NHS advice on treatment abroad, and allow time to recover before flying.

Official advice: FCDO health advice for Türkiye

Stay and do

Ready to book Türkiye? Compare places to stay and things to do.

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Questions people ask

Is it safe to get teeth or cosmetic surgery done in Turkey?

Many people do without problems, but the FCDO has recorded British deaths. Talk to a UK doctor first, research the clinic, and know your insurance won't cover complications.

Does the GHIC work in Turkey?

No. There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Türkiye, so you need travel insurance.

Can I use my UK prescription in a Turkish pharmacy?

No. Turkish pharmacies don't accept UK prescriptions, so bring enough medicine for the whole trip.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.