Medical Tourism
Also known as: Health tourism, Medical travel, Surgical tourism
Medical tourism is travelling abroad specifically to receive planned medical treatment at lower cost or shorter wait.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You need dental implants. Your UK dentist quotes GBP 8,000 for three implants. A JCI-accredited clinic in Antalya, Turkey offers the same work for GBP 2,200 including flights and a hotel for recovery. You fly out on Friday, have the procedure on Monday, and return the following Saturday with follow-up appointments arranged by video call.
Why travellers need to know
Medical tourism saves money on planned procedures, but introduces risks that don't exist at home: different regulatory standards, limited legal recourse if something goes wrong, and complications that arise after you've flown home. The key safeguards are choosing accredited facilities (JCI or equivalent), verifying individual surgeon credentials, and having a clear plan for post-operative follow-up with a doctor at home.
Country-specific notes
Global leader in dental and hair transplant tourism
Turkey attracts over 1 million medical tourists annually, with dental work, hair transplants, and cosmetic surgery as the top procedures. Istanbul and Antalya have the highest concentration of medical tourism clinics.
Tip
The Turkish Ministry of Health operates a medical tourism accreditation scheme separate from JCI. Check both the ministry database and international accreditation.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
How Nomedic helps
Share your complete medical history with your overseas clinic before you travel, so pre-operative assessments are based on facts rather than a form.
Your health records, anywhere you go
Plan your procedure abroad with complete records.
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