Türkiye is strengthening its position in the global medical tourism sector as rising international patient arrivals, expanding healthcare infrastructure and integrated wellness experiences continue attracting visitors from around the world. During the first quarter of 2026, the country welcomed 302,487 international patients and generated more than 761 million in health tourism revenue, reflecting continued demand for specialised healthcare services alongside travel experiences. As destinations including the UAE, Singapore, Thailand and Mexico continue investing in medical tourism, Türkiye is expanding its international profile through modern hospitals, specialist expertise and tourism infrastructure that supports healthcare-related travel.
Türkiye Records Continued Growth in Medical Tourism
Medical tourism continues becoming an increasingly important segment of Türkiye’s visitor economy.
The latest figures highlight growing international demand for healthcare services ranging from specialised medical procedures to wellness-focused travel. Visitors combine treatment programmes with accommodation, local transportation and leisure activities, contributing to broader tourism activity throughout the country.
This integrated approach supports both the healthcare and hospitality sectors.
Istanbul Leads International Healthcare Travel
Istanbul remains Türkiye’s primary gateway for medical tourism.
The city combines internationally recognised hospitals with extensive international flight connections, hotels, cultural attractions and visitor services. Patients travelling for treatment often have access to museums, historic landmarks, shopping districts and waterfront areas before or after scheduled medical appointments, depending on their healthcare plans.
Its accessibility continues supporting international patient arrivals from multiple regions.
Ankara and Izmir Expand Healthcare Services
Beyond Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir continue strengthening their roles within Türkiye’s healthcare tourism network.
Both cities offer advanced medical facilities, specialist clinics and supporting hospitality infrastructure while providing travellers with opportunities to experience local culture, cuisine and heritage during longer stays.
Growing regional healthcare capacity broadens medical tourism options across the country.
Antalya Combines Wellness with Coastal Tourism
Antalya continues attracting visitors through a combination of healthcare services and Mediterranean leisure tourism.
Travellers often combine wellness programmes with beach holidays, resort accommodation and cultural attractions throughout the region. The city’s established tourism infrastructure supports visitors seeking longer stays while recovering or participating in wellness-focused experiences.
This combination continues strengthening Antalya’s international appeal.
Medical Tourism Continues Evolving Worldwide
Medical travel remains an important tourism segment across several countries.
Destinations including the UAE, Singapore, Thailand and Mexico continue investing in healthcare infrastructure, specialist services and international patient programmes while expanding tourism facilities that complement healthcare travel.
The continued development of medical tourism reflects broader international demand for accessible healthcare and integrated visitor experiences.
Connectivity Supports International Patient Travel
Türkiye’s aviation network continues supporting international medical tourism.
Major airports in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya provide direct connections with Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa, allowing patients to access healthcare facilities through extensive international airline networks.
Efficient transportation remains an important factor in healthcare-related travel planning.
Tourism Extends Beyond Healthcare
Many international visitors extend their stay beyond medical appointments.
Historic landmarks, coastal destinations, gastronomy, cultural experiences and shopping opportunities allow travellers and accompanying family members to experience Türkiye’s broader tourism offering during their visit.
Longer stays contribute to hotels, restaurants, transport providers and regional tourism businesses.
What Travellers Can Expect
Travellers considering medical tourism in Türkiye can access healthcare services alongside well-developed tourism infrastructure across destinations including Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and Bursa. Visitors planning healthcare-related travel should review treatment plans, documentation requirements, travel insurance coverage and accommodation options before departure while coordinating directly with healthcare providers.
As global medical tourism continues expanding, Türkiye is strengthening its position through advanced healthcare facilities, international connectivity and integrated visitor experiences. With 302,487 international patients and more than 761 million in health tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2026, the country continues demonstrating how healthcare services, wellness experiences and tourism infrastructure can work together to support international travel while providing visitors with opportunities to combine treatment, recovery and cultural exploration within a single journey.
