Turkey continued its growth in health tourism in the first quarter of 2026. In the first three months, health services were provided to 302,487 international patients, and the sector's revenue reached 761.5 million dollars. Patients from approximately 180 countries, primarily from Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans, Turkic Republics, and North Africa, preferred Turkey for aesthetic surgery, hair transplantation, dental treatments, eye diseases, and many other areas requiring advanced specialization.

Revenue Per Patient Significantly Increased

Mustafa Eröğüt, Board Member of the Services Exporters' Association (HİB) and Head of the Health Services Committee, stated that growth in health tourism has also strengthened in terms of quality.

"In the first three months of the year, 302,487 international patients received health services in our country, while health tourism revenue reached 761 million 523 thousand dollars. The fact that the per capita health tourism revenue increased by approximately 39 percent compared to the same period of the previous year indicates that our country has become a health tourism destination that not only hosts more patients but also generates higher added value," he said.

Eröğüt reminded that Turkey hosted 1,398,580 health tourists in 2025 and the sector generated over 3 billion dollars in revenue, stating that year-end expectations are also positive.

Growth Targeted in New Markets

Eröğüt stated that Turkey accepts health tourists from approximately 180 countries, adding that Germany, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Russia, Libya, and Gulf countries are among the most important source markets. He emphasized that demand from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries has also significantly increased in recent years.

He noted that the sector aims not only to grow in existing markets but also to establish a permanent presence in new markets such as Sub-Saharan Africa, North America, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

Advanced Technology and Quality Stand Out

Among Turkey's most significant advantages in health tourism are its advanced technological healthcare infrastructure, experienced medical staff, over 1,500 internationally accredited healthcare institutions, and a cost advantage ranging from 40 to 70 percent compared to Europe.

While aesthetic and plastic surgery, hair transplantation, and dental treatments are among the most demanded areas, international demand for highly specialized treatments such as oncology, cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation, and robotic surgery is also increasing every year. Visual: © AA