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Health Tourism: The Rise of Health Tourism Worldwide and in Turkey

Worldwide Health Tourism:

Health tourism, where individuals travel abroad for medical treatment or health services, has shown significant growth in recent years. As of 2024, the global health tourism industry is valued at $47 billion, with projections suggesting it will exceed $111 billion in the next five years.

Key drivers include challenges in accessing healthcare in developed countries and high costs. For instance, long waiting times and expensive private treatments in countries like the UK prompt individuals to seek alternative solutions abroad.

Countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea stand out in health tourism, offering advanced healthcare facilities and cost-effective treatment options. Thailand, for example, hosted 3.5 million health tourists in 2018.

Health Tourism in Türkiye:

Türkiye has become a prominent destination for health tourism due to its strategic location, modern healthcare facilities, experienced professionals, and affordable treatment options. Since 2005, Türkiye has prioritized health tourism, demonstrating rapid progress through public and private sector collaboration. The establishment of the Health Tourism Department within the Ministry of Health in 2010 and its elevation to a directorate in 2013 marked significant milestones.

According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the number of health tourists in Turkey rose from 395,000 in 2015 to 594,000 in 2018, reaching nearly 1.5 million by 2022. Similarly, revenue from health tourism increased from $638.6 million in 2015 to $2.12 billion in 2022.

Popular services in Türkiye include hair transplantation, cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, and eye surgeries, with Istanbul being a major hub. While these services are offered at competitive prices in package deals, they also come with potential risks. Procedures carried out in low-cost, inadequately regulated clinics can result in serious health complications.

Hence, individuals planning to receive healthcare services abroad should carefully investigate the accreditation and international standards compliance of their chosen medical institutions.