Turkey has emerged as a global hub for health tourism, continuing its steady growth trajectory throughout 2024. Offering a blend of high-quality healthcare services, affordable prices, and government-backed initiatives, Turkey attracted approximately 1.5 million international patients in 2024, generating a record-breaking revenue exceeding $3 billion. This achievement solidifies Turkey’s position among the world’s top destinations for medical tourism.
In 2024, Turkey’s health tourism sector demonstrated robust growth and economic resilience. Key highlights from the latest data include:
Turkey has experienced consistent growth in health tourism over recent years:
| Year | International Patients | Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 729,592 | 2.02 billion |
| 2022 | 1,381,807 | 2.21 billion |
| 2023 | 1,538,643 | 3.00 billion |
| 2024 | 1,506,442 | 3.02 billion |
The figures indicate sustained growth, especially in revenue per patient, signifying increased spending on specialized and elective medical treatments.
Turkey is renowned for several specialized treatments that dominate the medical tourism market:
The Turkish government actively promotes and regulates health tourism to ensure quality and patient safety. Notable updates include:
Regulation on Promotion and Information (2023):
Implemented strict guidelines to eliminate false advertising and unethical practices, requiring licensed intermediaries only.
Heal in Türkiye Initiative:
Launched by USHAŞ, this branding campaign centralizes promotion, showcasing accredited hospitals and clinics globally through digital platforms.
Financial Incentives:
In 2023, government support for medical tourism companies increased by 281%, allocating ₺733 million for international marketing and infrastructure improvement.
With strategic government backing, advanced medical infrastructure, and competitive pricing, Turkey’s health tourism sector is poised for further expansion. The sector’s growth strategy targets revenues of up to $5 billion annually within a few years and ambitious long-term goals exceeding $20 billion by 2028. Diversification into wellness and thermal tourism is expected to enhance Turkey’s global health tourism appeal further.