It is no secret that the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom is under immense pressure due to years of budget cuts and austerity measures. Recent reports have shown that the NHS is struggling to keep up with public health demands, with one in six patients waiting more than four weeks for surgery. This has led many UK residents to seek medical treatment abroad, where they can receive high-quality care without long wait times.

One of the most popular destinations for UK medical tourists is Turkey, where hospitals and clinics offer a wide range of treatments at competitive prices. In particular, Turkish hospitals have become increasingly popular for weight loss surgery, with many UK patients seeking out a gastric sleeve and bypass procedures in particular.

Reasons for the Popularity of Turkey as a Medical Tourism Destination

There are several reasons why Turkey has become such a popular destination for medical tourists from the UK. First and foremost, the quality of care at Turkish hospitals is on par with what you would find in other developed countries. But unlike in the UK, where patients often have to wait months or even years for surgery, Turkish hospitals can typically offer appointments within a few weeks.

What’s more, the cost of medical treatment in Turkey is significantly lower than what you would pay in the UK. Gastric sleeve surgery—which typically costs upwards of £10,000 in the UK—can be found for as little as £5,000 in Turkey. This represents a saving of 50% or more, which is certainly not an insignificant amount of money.

Another factor that has contributed to the popularity of Turkey as a medical tourism destination is the ease with which UK patients can travel there. With multiple direct flights from major airports across the country, getting to Turkey is easy and convenient. And once you’re there, you’ll find a nation that is friendly and welcoming to foreigners.

Here are more reasons why most people, especially in the UK, are turning to Turkey for their cosmetic surgery needs.

1.  Quality of Care

Another reason that UK patients are choosing to receive medical care in Turkey is the quality of care. Turkish hospitals are well-equipped with the latest technology and treatments, and they offer a high standard of care. Many Turkish doctors have been trained in the UK or other Western countries, so they are familiar with Western standards of care. Clients, regardless if they come from another country or are living already in Turkey, will find that they receive excellent care from highly skilled doctors and nurses who are well-trained in dealing with medical emergencies.

Additionally, many Turkish hospitals have partnerships with international healthcare providers, so patients can be confident that they will be able to access the best possible treatment available. You can expect a very professional and thoughtful level of care whatever your procedure is – a laser-like focus on your every need as if you are scheduled for cardiac surgery.

2.  Accessibility for Medical Tourists

Turkey is also a very accessible country for UK patients. There are direct flights from most major UK airports to Istanbul, and once in Turkey, patients can easily travel to other parts of the country to receive treatment. Often Turkish hospitals offer pick-up and drop-off services from the airport, making it even easier for patients to receive the care they need while they prepare their selves for surgery.

3.  English-Speaking Staff

Language is another factor that makes Turkey an attractive destination for UK patients. English is widely spoken throughout Turkey, so patients will not have any trouble communicating with their doctors or nurses. Their medical staff is specifically trained to assist foreign patients, so they can be sure that they will receive the help they need. This is important as it helps to ensure that communication between patient and doctor is clear and concise. It also helps to put patients at ease during what can be a stressful time.

4.  Culture

Turkey is an attractive destination for UK patients because of its culture. Turkey is a welcoming and hospitable country, and patients will find that they feel right at home there, even if they’re miles away from their home country. Experiencing Turkish food is a one-of-a-kind experience – it’s not just delicious and healthy, but also has a unique and interesting history. Turks are passionate about their culture and their food, and visitors will be able to learn a lot from the locals while they are in Turkey.

5.  Shorter Wait Times

Another factor that is driving UK patients to seek medical care in Turkey is the wait times for treatment. In the UK, patients often have to wait months or even years for certain procedures, such as hip replacements or cataract surgery. However, in Turkey, patients can often receive treatment much sooner. This is because there are more hospitals and doctors available in Turkey than in the UK, and the country’s healthcare system is also well-developed, at par with the best in the world.

6.  Privacy

Privacy is another concern that UK patients have when it comes to seeking medical treatment at home. In the UK, patient records are stored electronically and can be accessed by a variety of government agencies and third-party organizations. Though most of the time they usually require the expressed consent of the patient if a particular agency needs access to their medical records, Turkey, on the other hand, follows a stricter protocol in maintaining the confidentiality of patient records. Clients can be certain that their personal information will remain private when they seek medical care in the country. 

7.  All-Inclusive Medical Treatment Packages

Finally, many medical tourism providers in Turkey offer all-inclusive packages that include everything from transportation to accommodation. This takes away some of the stress and hassle associated with planning a trip for medical treatment abroad. This also means that from the moment the patient confirms and books their flight to turkey, up until their return home and follow-up care, they have already begun their medical tourism journey. They will have nothing to worry about other than their recovery. 

Most Common Cosmetic Procedures Availed in Turkey

Because of the reasons that were mentioned earlier, Turkey is now rapidly becoming a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly for those looking to undergo cosmetic procedures. This is due in part to the high quality of healthcare available in the transcontinental country, as well as the relatively low cost of these procedures as compared to other locations.

Here are some of the most commonly availed aesthetic procedures in hospitals around Turkey:

1.  Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure among UK medical tourists in Turkey. The procedure involves the placement of implants to increase the size and/or shape of the breasts. The implants are usually made of silicone and can last for up to ten or more years.

2.  Liposuction

Liposuction is a popular body contouring procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from specific areas of the body. Common areas treated with liposuction include the thighs, abdomen, and arms.

3.  Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves the reshaping of the nose. Rhinoplasty can be performed for both cosmetic and functional purposes.

4.  Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is another sought-after cosmetic procedure that removes the excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can also help improve vision and give the face a more youthful appearance.

5.  Facelift

A facelift is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves the tightening of facial skin to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin. A facelift can help improve the overall appearance of the face and can sometimes help restore lost volume in the cheeks. 

Is Turkey Safe as a Medical Tourism Destination?

In recent years, Turkey’s medical tourism industry has become an increasingly popular way for people around the world to receive quality cosmetic procedures at a fraction of the cost of what they would pay in their home countries. Turkey, in particular, has become a hotspot for medical tourism, with its world-class hospitals and highly trained doctors. But you may still have reservations if Turkey is truly safe as a medical tourism destination. Hopefully, the following information may convince you otherwise.   

A Majority of Hospitals Meet International Standards

One of the main concerns people have about medical tourism is whether or not the hospitals in the destination country meet international standards. In Turkey, the majority of hospitals are accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International), which is the gold standard for hospital accreditation. This means that these hospitals meet or exceed international standards for patient safety, quality of care, and infection control. In addition, many of Turkey’s leading hospitals are also accredited by EURAS (European Accreditation System for Quality in Health Care), another internationally recognized accreditation system.

Highly Trained Doctors and Nurses

Another important consideration when choosing a medical tourism destination is the training and experience of the medical staff. In Turkey, all doctors and nurses must complete a minimum of 5 years of medical training before they can practice. Furthermore, many hospitals require their doctors and nurses to have additional certifications in specific areas. As a result, you can rest assured that you will be receiving top-notch care from highly trained and experienced medical professionals.

To Wrap It Up

In recent years, Turkey has become one of the most popular medical tourism destinations for UK patients. This is due to several reasons, including the high quality of care, affordability, and variety of procedures available. Some of the most common cosmetic procedures sought by medical tourists in Turkey are facelifts, hair transplants, rhinoplasty, and other weight loss methods. In terms of safety, Turkey is generally considered to be a safe country for medical tourists. However, it is always advisable to do your research and choose a reputable provider such as The Health Store Turkey. If you are considering undergoing treatment abroad, our team can help you every step of the way – from finding flights and accommodation to arranging your consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist you with your medical tourism needs.