Why has Turkey become an international center for medical tourism?

Introduction to Medical Tourism in Turkey

At present, medical tourism in Turkey holds a strong position on the world stage, providing a variety of opportunities for those seeking quality treatment. The level of medical services in this country is comparable to European standards, and the prices for examination and treatment are significantly lower than in Russia.

A wide range of medical services

This applies to both popular and more complex medications, such as:

• neurosurgery,
• oncological procedures,
• organ transplantation,
• various cosmetic interventions.

Thanks to these advantages, Turkey consistently ranks among the top 10 most popular European destinations for medical tourism.

Government initiatives in medicine

Various government initiatives are actively contributing to the development of this service segment.

• Every year, significant funds are allocated, reaching up to 10% of the country's total gross product.
• Modern medical centers are being built in Turkey, which are equipped with the latest technologies and are able to serve a large number of patients at the same time.

This is relevant not only for large cities and well-known tourist destinations but also for small towns. If a certain area lacks the necessary equipment or medical assistance, it is usually available in a neighboring city.

The profession of a doctor in Turkey

The profession of a doctor in Turkey is considered quite respected, as local specialists earn a relatively high income, and corrupt practices in this field are minimal. The country has both public and private medical institutions.

State health insuranceSGK includes not only basic medical procedures but also provides the opportunity to receive free laser vision correction. It also covers various social benefits related to pensions, disability, and unemployment.

Features of medical care for Russians

It is worth noting that there is a particular feature in the organization of medical care for citizens of Russia:

• There is no system of district doctors in Turkey.
• If necessary, you should go directly to a medical facility or call an ambulance.

The standard health insurance in the country is based on a social insurance system known as“sigorta”, which is usually provided by employers. This gives protection and access to necessary medical services for employees.

Development of medical tourism

In light of the growing interest in medical tourism, the range of services and offerings is constantly expanding. New treatment methods are actively being developed, training for medical personnel is advancing, and innovations in technology are being implemented on a regular basis.

All this leads to a more comfortable environment for foreign patients, which strengthens Turkey's position as an important player in the international medical services arena.

Tourist reviews

Tourist reviews choosing Turkey for medical care are mostly positive. Many emphasize:

• a high level of professionalism among doctors,
• the caring attitude of the medical staff,
• availability of necessary equipment in clinics.

This makes Turkey not only a preferred destination for medical care but also creates high competitiveness compared to other countries with developed medical systems. Undoubtedly, for those seeking quality treatment at an affordable price, Turkey is an excellent choice.

General conditions of health insurance in Turkey

There is an important provision stating that if one of the spouses has health insurance, their relatives, including children, can receive medical care without additional costs. In this case, it will not be necessary to obtain separate insurance for each family member. Numerous private medical institutions offer significant discounts to holders of basic insurance, which allows for a substantial reduction in expenses for paid medical services, sometimes decreasing the overall treatment budget by several times.

For simple operations, the presence of relatives in the ward is possible, which is very important, especially when it comes to the treatment of children.

Medical insurance registration for foreigners

For foreigners who have been in Turkey for more than a year,medical insurance(private mandatory health insurance) becomes a mandatory requirement. Without this document, it is impossible to obtain permission for temporary or permanent residence in the country.

In Turkey, there are two types of public health insurance available:

• SSK— covers working citizens and foreign workers;
• Bağkur— aimed at entrepreneurs.

Until 2012, health insurance was only available to local residents and their family members who were insured through their workplace or educational institution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the aspects of medical tourism in Turkey that I have considered highlight that this country rightfully holds one of the leading positions in the European healthcare market. The high level of quality in medical services, affordable prices, and a commitment to developing infrastructure make Turkey an attractive destination for foreign patients, including Russians.

I learned that the medical system in Turkey not only offers a wide range of services, including complex surgeries such as neurosurgery and oncology, but also provides high-quality care to patients in every corner of the country. The lack of corruption among doctors, as well as significant investments by the authorities in this sector, inspires the pursuit of treatment and the improvement of health at a new level.

Advantages of the medical system in Turkey

• High quality medical servicescomparable to the European level.
• Affordable pricesfor treatment and medical supplies.
• Developed infrastructure, including new medical centers.
• Absence of corruptionamong medical professionals.

In my opinion, the government insurance program, which includes the provision of medical services for both locals and foreigners, opens new horizons for patients seeking high-quality treatment. The availability of different types of health insurance allows individuals to tailor their expenses to their specific needs, taking into account the capabilities and preferences of each person.

Types of health insurance

• State insurance:available for local citizens and foreign patients.
• Private health insurance:offers a broader reach and additional services.

It is worth noting that with the introduction of new laws, all residents of the country, including foreigners, can now access medical care, which is an important step towards improving health and quality of life in Turkey. All of this is happening against the backdrop of active international medical tourism, which continues to gain popularity.

Thus, if you are considering medical care abroad, Turkey becomes an excellent option withmodern technologies,qualified specialistsanddemocratic pricesI am confident that with each passing year, this country will only strengthen its position, attracting numerous patients from different corners of the world, and there is nothing surprising about that.