Why is surgery cheaper in Turkey ?

Medical tourism is becoming increasingly popular. The availability and quality of healthcare abroad, shorter waiting lists, and affordable prices are all factors that drive Europeans to choose hospitals in the Middle East, South America, and Africa.

Turkey is one of the most sought-after destinations due to the excellent value for money offered by its medical centers. It’s no longer a secret: medical treatments are cheaper in Turkey than in Europe, especially in the field of cosmetic surgery! But why do surgical procedures cost less in Turkey? Should we be concerned about the quality of the interventions? The answer is no. Let us explain why.

Medical tourism in Turkey : do you save money despite the travel costs ?

Are you considering undergoing medical treatment or surgery in Turkey? You’ve probably wondered whether the savings on the procedure are worth it once you factor in the cost of round-trip airfare and accommodation.

In reality, traveling to Turkey is not very expensive. With certain airlines, it is possible to find very affordable round-trip flights to Istanbul. Likewise, accommodation is relatively inexpensive from a European perspective since the cost of living in Turkey is significantly lower than in Europe.

Some Turkish hospitals offer attractive packages that include the surgical procedure, hotel accommodation, and transportation to and from the airport. These packages can help you save money. Additionally, they make organizing your stay easier, allowing you to prepare for your surgery with peace of mind.

Medical tourism in Turkey also gives you the opportunity to visit Istanbul and its surroundings once you’ve recovered from your procedure. So, the money spent is not “wasted” since you make the most of your time there!

Why is surgery cheaper in Turkey ?

The price difference between Europe and Turkey can be explained by several factors.

A lower cost of living

The cost of living is lower in Turkey than in Europe. This applies to all sectors, including healthcare. Naturally, the same surgical procedures are therefore less expensive in Turkey.

However, it is important to keep in mind that while prices may seem low for Europeans, Britons, and Americans, cosmetic surgery remains expensive for Turks. Indeed, the cost of living is lower, but so are salaries. For example, a cosmetic surgery procedure costing €2,000 may be considered very affordable for a French person compared to prices in France, but it would seem very expensive for local residents.

Finally, note that the salaries of medical personnel are much lower in Turkey than in Europe. This also influences the cost of procedures, as it is a significant factor in reducing hospital expenses.

A favorable exchange rate

Europeans, Britons, and Americans benefit from a favorable exchange rate in Turkey, as the euro, the dollar, and the pound sterling are stronger currencies than the Turkish lira.

Local production

Turkey strives to minimize the importation of goods, products, and services. A large number of materials, medical equipment, and supplies are produced locally, allowing Turkish hospitals to reduce customs and transportation costs. Thanks to this significant cost reduction, they can offer more affordable prices to their patients.

Moreover, it is important to remember that resources available in Turkey and local production are cheaper than in Western countries. For example, the United States also emphasizes local production in the medical field, but raw materials, manufacturing, and domestic transportation remain expensive.

Significant financial investment in healthcare

In Turkey, healthcare is a rapidly growing sector. As a result, the country invests heavily in medical infrastructure and equipment. Consequently, Turkish hospitals and clinics have access to state-of-the-art technology, advanced medical techniques, and highly qualified doctors, surgeons, and nurses, all while maintaining affordable prices.

So, should you worry about the quality of surgeries in Turkey ?

The initial concern for Europeans is often a potential decrease in quality due to lower prices. However, in reality, affordable prices in Turkey are in no way linked to the quality of care. As we have seen, surgery is cheaper in Turkey due to the lower cost of living and the reduced expenses for hospitals, particularly through local production of medical equipment and supplies.

On the contrary, surgeries performed in Turkey are of very high quality. In fact, Turkey is considered one of the destinations offering the best value for money in the medical tourism sector!

Indeed, surgical procedures in Turkey comply with international safety and hygiene standards. Furthermore, the equipment used in Turkish hospitals is state-of-the-art. Doctors and surgeons receive international training to gain expertise and familiarize themselves with the strictest safety regulations. They return to practice in Turkey once their training is complete, ensuring the highest level of care for patients. For all these reasons, surgical procedures in Turkey have a very high success rate.

If you still had doubts about medical tourism in Turkey, you can now set your mind at ease. Yes, surgery is cheaper in Turkey, particularly in the field of cosmetic surgery, which is expensive and not reimbursed in France. But no, this is not due to lower quality. Turkey is the best destination if you want to benefit from an optimal price-quality ratio for rhinoplasty, hair transplants, breast augmentation, or dental implants.