Less than a decade ago, the health system in Turkey had fallen behind, compared with the rest of Europe and other high middle income countries. Health mattered, yet was seldom addressed on the political agenda.
Today, the health system in Turkey is transformed, and is fast closing the gap in health outcomes, responsiveness, and fair financing with its European neighbors.
The number of private facilities has grown significantly over the past decade. In Istanbul and the Mediterranean coastal resort area of Antalya, excellent private hospitals provide health services of the highest standard. A private hospital will give you an English-speaker to accompany you on your appointments or ensure you are seen by an English-speaking doctor.
Many doctors in private hospitals now train abroad.
Because Turkey is not a member of the European Union (yet), the Turkish lire exchange rate provides a slight price advantage when paying a hospital bill.
