Staying healthy in Turkey: Here’s what you need to know
Turkey is known for its high-quality healthcare system, which is a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Here's what travelers should know.
Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines
Consider vaccines for diseases like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and rabies.
Keep updated with Turkey's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the Turkish government website.
Medical facilities
In urban areas, private hospitals and specialized centers usually offer high-quality healthcare services. These are also the ones mostly used for medical tourism.
Turkey's healthcare system is highly regarded, especially in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Turkey is a popular destination for medical tourism, known for specialties like cosmetic surgery, dental procedures, and hair transplants. Hospitals catering to medical tourists often offer packages that include treatment, accommodation, and sometimes transport.
Pharmacies are abundant, and pharmacists typically provide advice and sell over-the-counter medication.
Health insurance
We’d always recommend taking out health insurance before you travel anywhere from any destination.
All the major cities in Turkey will have private medical care, but it’s expensive. You should choose travel insurance with high medical limits.
Contact your insurance provider before traveling to make sure you have the right level of coverage.
Other things to consider:
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Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption benefits.
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Medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.
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Baggage coverage.
Things to be aware of when visiting Turkey
Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to Turkey:
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Food and water safety: Issues like travelers' diarrhea are common. Stick to bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food from reputable sources.
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Heat exposure: In summer, especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, temperatures can soar, posing risks of heatstroke and dehydration.
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Animal hazards: Rabies is common in Turkey, especially in stray dogs. Consider getting a rabies shot before departure, and if bitten, seek medical attention immediately for post-exposure prophylaxis.
Medication for personal use
Follow these tips to bring over-the-counter medicines into Turkey:
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Declare all medications: Report all medication for personal use to customs authorities.
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Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and in transparent bags in your hand luggage.
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Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority, in English.
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Check for restrictions: Call Turkey's embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
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Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with your stay duration to avoid complications.
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