Healthcare

Healthcare in Turkey is very straightforward. Visiting Turkey does not require any inoculations or vaccinations, although it is advisable to ensure that your tetanus and typhoid and diphtheria jabs are up to date. Some visitors take the precaution against hepatitis A, advisable if you are travelling to Istanbul.

For more information regarding healthcare contact the NHS on 0845 4647

When in Turkey, especially when visiting the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, it is important to keep out of the sun from 11 o’clock until 3 o’clock when the sun is at it’s strongest. If you’re in the sun ensure you wear a high factor sun cream and a sun hat at all times, to avoid sunstroke.

Sunstroke is caused by the body’s temperature mechanisms failing to work properly; symptoms are dizziness, fatigue, a headache, rapid breathing and muscle cramps. If you are experiencing any or some of these symptoms, and/or hot, red skin, no sweating, high body temperature or loss of consciousness it is imperative you seek medical attention immediately.

Be sure to drink fluids regularly throughout the day and evening to avoid dehydration; try to match each alcoholic drink with a glass of water, as well as drinking as normal. It is highly advised to stick to bottled water for the duration of your time in Turkey.

Be sure to take some mosquito repellent with you, as mosquitoes are very common, especially over the summer months.

It is essential that you have healthcare and/or travel insurance. Check all the terms and conditions to find out what the insurance does and doesn't cover. Should the worst happen and you do have to have medical care, ensure that you keep all the receipts for any healthcare, medicines or treatments you receive.

Many people choose Turkey as a more cost-effective alternative to the UK for private healthcare treatments, such as surgery and plastic surgery. Turkish surgeons are generally as good as in the UK, yet the prices are far more favourable.

With regard to dental healthcare emergencies, the hospitals have dental departments which should be able to help you. Dental healthcare is generally much cheaper in Turkey than the UK or the USA.

There is no equivalent of the National Healthcare System in Turkey. Instead the healthcare system works by way of Turks being able to visit any doctor, providing they can pay for the healthcare treatment. Many of the Turkish doctors specialise in a certain area, and choose to practice near to the local hospital or clinic, so your search for a doctor should start there.

Don't assume that all doctors will be able to speak English, only those who work in private hospitals in major cities are required to do so.

A basic consultation will cost around £20-25, dependant on the doctor's speciality and oddly enough, level of fame.

Hospitals
All Turkish cities have hospitals, and all towns have clinics, with English speaking staff, where you will be able to seek medical attention.

Procedures
Turkey is now a firm favourite for people wanting cosmetic and non-cosmetic procedures thanks to huge queues and increasing worries about MRSA and such like. Many of Turkey's private hospitals have English speaking staff, and levels of hygiene are as good as, if not better than in the UK's standards of healthcare.

Click here to check out our handy 'Know the Lingo, Healthcare in Turkey'...