According to the Daily Hürriyet news report, Türkiye’s Health Ministry is set to introduce strict new rules to regulate and expand its booming medical tourism industry. With over 1.5 million foreign patients in 2024 generating nearly $3 billion, the country aims to push this figure to $12 billion by 2025 and an ambitious $20 billion by 2028.
However, concerns over unlicensed clinics and unqualified practitioners—whose errors have led to severe complications and even deaths—have triggered decisive action. The new regulations will require all medical tourism providers to obtain accreditation. Only certified professionals and institutions that meet high standards can display the official “HealthTürkiye” emblem, symbolizing trust and quality.
Hospitals, clinics, and intermediary agencies must join the “HealthTürkiye” portal, while international patients will only be allowed to receive treatment from authorized facilities and physicians. Moreover, patients must now have complication and travel health insurance.
Türkiye is also expanding its medical tourism offerings beyond popular aesthetic procedures like hair transplants and cosmetic surgery. New areas of focus include geriatric care, sports medicine, advanced treatments, wellness tourism, and traditional medicine. Cities such as Edirne, Rize, Van, and Nevşehir are emerging as key medical tourism hubs.
To ensure compliance, the government will conduct regular inspections, with violators facing fines, suspensions, or even closure. The new rules also open doors for public and university hospitals to participate, provided they meet strict criteria. Remote healthcare services will be officially recognized as well.
With these reforms, Türkiye is not only strengthening patient safety but also cementing its place as a global leader in health tourism.
