Turkey generated $761.5 million USD in health tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2026, as growing international demand for medical treatment strengthened the country's position as one of the world's leading healthcare destinations. More than 302,000 overseas patients travelled to Turkey for treatment during the three-month period, according to industry figures.
International Patient Numbers Continue to Rise
According to Mustafa Eröğüt, Board Member of the Service Exporters' Association (HIB) and Chairperson of its Health Care Services Committee, Turkey welcomed 302,487 international patients during the first quarter, generating $761.5 million USD in revenue.
The sector follows a record-breaking 2025, when 1,398,580 people travelled to Turkey for healthcare services, contributing more than $3 billion USD to the economy. Eröğüt said: "In the first quarter alone, 302,487 international patients received health care services in Turkey, generating $761.5 million USD in health tourism revenue."
He went on: "More importantly, average health tourism revenue per patient increased by around 39% compared with the same period last year, showing that Turkey is evolving into a destination that not only attracts more patients but also generates higher value-added healthcare services."
Demand Expands Across International Markets
Turkey currently welcomes health tourists from around 180 countries, with Europe, the Middle East, the Balkans, the Turkic republics, and North Africa remaining its largest source regions. Germany, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Russia, Libya, and Gulf countries continue to generate strong patient demand.
Eröğüt also highlighted rising interest from Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as Turkey expands its international healthcare presence. He said: "We welcome health tourists from approximately 180 countries. We have observed a notable increase in demand from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries in recent years."
Advanced Treatments Strengthen Turkey's Global Reputation
Turkey offers medical services across a broad range of specialities, including cosmetic and plastic surgery, hair transplantation, dental care, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, cardiology, oncology, bariatric surgery, and IVF treatment. The country now has more than 1,500 healthcare institutions in over 40 cities, including hundreds of internationally accredited medical centres.
According to Eröğüt, international patients choose Turkey because of its experienced medical professionals, advanced technology, and treatment costs that are typically between 40% and 70% lower than in many European countries.
He said the industry's long-term ambition extends beyond affordability. He also stressed the importance of using authorised providers and avoiding unregistered intermediaries, saying strong regulation remains essential to protecting Turkey's international reputation as a trusted destination for medical tourism.
Aleksandra Cihanoğlu 
Senior Advisor
Aleksandra Cihanoğlu is a Senior Advisor at Property Turkey and a regular contributor on topics including Citizenship by Investment, relocation, travel, and lifestyle opportunities in Turkey. Her writing focuses on helping international readers understand the practical realities of living, investing, and building a long-term future in the country.
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