Turkey is a popular tourist destination that connects Asia and Europe, with many attractions such as mosques and historical sites.
Istanbul, in particular, is famous as a city many tourists visit. Still, there have been reports of travelers getting into trouble due to injuries or illnesses during their trip because they did not have medical insurance.
For example, the following high charges may occur if you receive treatment at a hospital in Turkey without insurance.
| Details of the illness | Medical expenses claimed |
| Fell on cobblestones, dislocated ankle, and fractured ankle bone. Spent 8 days in the hospital, underwent surgery, and was medically transported with a doctor accompanying the family. | $40,170 |
| Visited the hospital late at night due to abdominal pain, diagnosed with bile duct stones and bowel obstruction. Spent 11 days in the hospital, underwent surgery, and was medically transported with a nurse escort. | $26,550 |
| Fell on stairs in Cappadocia, suffered a cervical fracture and spinal cord injury, spent 42 days in the hospital, and underwent surgery. The family rushed to the hospital, and the patient was medically transported by charter flight with a doctor and nurse. | $280,000 |
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Medical insurance is essential to protect against illnesses, injuries, or other issues while traveling or studying abroad.
This article explains the medical standards, costs, and healthcare systems in Turkey.
- Medical Standards in Turkey
- Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Travel to Turkey?
- Examples of High Medical Costs for Travelers in Turkey
- Case01: Hospitalization and Surgery for a Subdural Hematoma
- Case02: Hospitalization and Surgery for a Femoral Neck Fracture
- Case03: Hospitalization and Surgery for a Dislocated Ankle
- Case04: Emergency Transportation and Hospitalization for a Stroke
- Case05: Medical Transfer by Charter Plane from Cappadocia
- Case06: Hospitalization and Surgery for Abdominal Pain
- Travel Insurance Services for Travelers to Turkey
Medical Standards in Turkey
The medical standards in Turkey, especially in major cities and tourist areas, are considered relatively high.
In large cities like Istanbul and Ankara, there are numerous hospitals and clinics equipped with modern medical facilities, where specialized treatment can be received. Many doctors and medical staff speak English, reducing concerns about language barriers.
However, in rural areas or smaller towns popular with tourists, such as Cappadocia, medical facilities may not be as well-equipped or of the same quality as in urban areas. In such cases, patients may need to be transferred to major hospitals in urban areas, leading to high transportation costs that contribute to the overall medical expenses.
While the medical standards in Turkey provide a level of reassurance for tourists and travelers, it is important to have medical insurance in place to cover potential emergencies or accidents.
Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Travel to Turkey?
In some countries, having medical insurance is mandatory when entering the country.
For example, in the Czech Republic, proof of medical insurance is required upon entry, and travelers may face fines if they don’t carry the insurance certificate with their passport during their stay.
For more information, please refer to the page; Which Countries Require Travel Insurance When Entering the Country?
On the other hand, medical insurance is not required for travel to Turkey. However, if you are applying for a visa to Turkey, having medical insurance is mandatory.
Even for short-term travel without a visa, it is recommended that travelers get medical insurance, as medical costs can be high in unexpected accidents.
Examples of High Medical Costs for Travelers in Turkey
In Turkey, the cost of treatment for a fracture is approximately $550, a private hospital room costs about $480 per day, and an ICU stay can cost around $ 2,520 per day.
Here are some examples of high medical costs experienced by travelers in Turkey
Case01: Hospitalization and Surgery for a Subdural Hematoma
After experiencing a headache on a bus, the patient was transported by ambulance.
They were diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and underwent surgery, spending 28 days in the hospital. A medical transfer was conducted with a doctor and nurse escort.
The total bill for hospitalization and surgery amounted to $58,500.
Case02: Hospitalization and Surgery for a Femoral Neck Fracture
After falling in a restaurant and injuring the hip area, the patient was diagnosed with a femoral neck fracture and spent 9 days in the hospital for surgery.
A medical transfer was conducted with a nurse escort.
The total bill for hospitalization and surgery amounted to $44,900.
Case03: Hospitalization and Surgery for a Dislocated Ankle
After tripping on cobblestones, the patient was diagnosed with a dislocated ankle and fractured ankle bone.
They spent 8 days in the hospital and underwent surgery, followed by a medical transfer with a doctor’s escort.
The total bill for hospitalization and surgery amounted to $40,160.
Case04: Emergency Transportation and Hospitalization for a Stroke
The patient lost consciousness at the Topkapi Palace and was transported by ambulance.
They were diagnosed with a stroke and spent 20 days in the hospital. A medical transfer was conducted with a doctor’s escort.
The total bill amounted to $28,240.
Case05: Medical Transfer by Charter Plane from Cappadocia
After falling downstairs at a souvenir shop in Cappadocia, the patient was diagnosed with a cervical fracture and spinal cord injury.
They spent 42 days in the hospital and underwent surgery. A medical transfer by charter plane was conducted with a doctor and nurse escort.
The total bill amounted to $279,170.
Case06: Hospitalization and Surgery for Abdominal Pain
While staying at a hotel in Istanbul, the patient experienced unbearable abdominal pain late at night and was diagnosed with bile duct stones and bowel obstruction.
They spent 11 days in the hospital and underwent surgery, followed by a medical transfer with a nurse escort.
The total bill for hospitalization and surgery amounted to $26,550.
Travel Insurance Services for Travelers to Turkey
If you need medical treatment due to an unexpected incident or accident during your trip to Turkey, you may face unexpectedly high medical bills.
Here are three recommended travel insurance options that can be easily applied for online.
1. Safety Wing
Safety Wing offers cost-effective travel insurance for international travelers, particularly suitable for digital nomads and long-term visitors. It is easy to enroll online, even while traveling.
Features of Safety Wing
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Minimum insurance period: 5 days
- Immediate coverage is available without waiting periods, even while abroad
- 24/7 support through live chat
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
The detailed insurance coverage is as follows:
| Applicable Examples | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnosis, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, complications of pregnancy, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $1,000 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset) |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 | Costs for emergency transportation to a well-equipped hospital |
| Medical Return | $5,000 | Emergency return costs for medical reasons |
| Emergency Return | $5,000 | Transportation costs due to a family member’s death |
| Lost Baggage | $3,000 | If baggage is not found within 10 days after a lost baggage incident (maximum $500 per item) |
| Flight Delay | $200 | Meal and accommodation expenses for delays of 12 hours or more (up to $100 per day for a maximum of 2 days) |
| Passport Theft | $100 | Costs for issuing a passport or visa in case of theft |
| Car Accident | $250,000 | Accidental car accidents occurring while holding a proper license and wearing safety equipment |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $250,000 | Circumstances necessitating return, such as a family member’s death |
| Death | $20,000 | Transportation costs for repatriating remains to Japan (guarantee of $10,000 for local burial) |
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Safety Wing offers medical coverage of up to $250,000, providing comprehensive protection at an affordable price for unexpected troubles while traveling, allowing you to enjoy your time abroad with peace of mind.
You can easily get a quote for the best plan that suits your needs on the Safety Wing official website.
Nomad Insurance for $56.28/month
* Easy estimate of insurance premiums according to your travel plan!
2. World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel insurance service that provides flexible and comprehensive coverage for international travelers. It is especially popular among long-term travelers and backpackers, addressing issues such as medical expenses, emergency transportation, cancellations, and theft.
Features of World Nomads
- Insurance rates vary based on the destination
(e.g., $265.07 per month for a 4-week policy including the U.S.) - The medical coverage limit of $5 million
0 (with unlimited plans available) - Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support (via phone/email)
Here are the specific insurance details:
| Applicable Examples | Coverage Limit | Covered Instances |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Covers hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Covers emergency dental treatment for acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Medical Transportation | $500,000 | Covers emergency transportation costs to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Return | $500,000 | Covers costs incurred for emergency return due to sudden illness or injury. |
| Baggage Coverage | $2,500 | Covers theft, damage, or loss of baggage during travel. |
| Flight Delay | $500 | Covers additional accommodation and transportation costs incurred due to flight cancellations or delays of more than 12 hours. |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $3,500 | Covers return costs in cases of family illness or death, necessitating an emergency return. |
| Death | $15,000 | Covers transportation costs for repatriating remains to Japan or burial expenses at the local site. |
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The medical insurance coverage can be up to $5 million, or you can choose an unlimited plan, ensuring solid support in any situation. Additionally, insurance premiums can be adjusted based on your travel destination, and applications can be easily completed online.
You can also easily add or renew coverage while traveling, allowing for flexible responses to long trips or unexpected situations.
Start by trying to get a quote for insurance tailored to your travel plans on the World Nomads website.
3. Heymondo
Heymondo provides customizable travel insurance for overseas travelers. It offers broad coverage for medical expenses, emergency transport, cancellations, and more, making it a reliable option even in countries with high medical costs like the U.S.
Heymondo Features
- A cost-effective three-month plan for long-term travelers is available.
- Insurance premiums vary depending on the country you’re traveling to.
- The medical coverage limit is $5 million (or $10 million).
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage included.
- 24/7 support (via phone/email).
Specific insurance contents are as follows:
| Applicable Examples | Coverage Limit | Covered Instances |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Coverage includes hospitalization, nursing care, emergency ambulance services for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, and prescriptions |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Coverage for emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Extended Stay Costs | $1,800 | Coverage for costs associated with emergency transport to a facility equipped for medical care |
| Emergency Transportation | $5 million | Coverage for costs related to emergency return due to medical reasons |
| Baggage Coverage | $1,700 | Coverage for transportation costs when an emergency return is necessitated by the death of a family member |
| Flight Delay | $450 | Coverage for meal and accommodation expenses in the event of a delay exceeding 12 hours (up to $100 per day for a maximum of 2 days). |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $3,500 | Coverage for expenses incurred when a return is necessitated by the death of a family member |
| Death | $100,000 | Coverage for transportation costs to repatriate remains to Japan (with $10,000 coverage for local burial) |
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Heymondo offers a variety of insurance plans tailored to different needs, including the standard “Travel Insurance Top” plan and comprehensive plans that include up to $10 million in medical coverage.
You can easily check detailed insurance quotes on Heymondo website, so be sure to take this opportunity to explore a reliable insurance plan.
Thank you for reading all the way through!!
If you are looking for the best travel insurance service, please check the following page: The Best Nomad Insurance; We highly recommend Safety Wing [$56/month]
We have carefully selected popular travel insurance services and provided detailed explanations of their features and benefits, so you should be able to find the perfect insurance plan for you.
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