The short answer

Take out full travel insurance before you go. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in Turkey, so without insurance you pay the full cost of any treatment.

Travel insurance checklist

  • Medical treatment and repatriation to the UK or Ireland
  • Every activity you plan — paragliding, quad biking, jeep safaris, diving and water sports often need extra cover
  • Any existing medical conditions, declared in full
  • Cancellation, delays and lost luggage
  • Cover for the regions you’re visiting — travelling against official advice can invalidate your policy

Vaccines

Check the latest vaccine advice at least 8 weeks before you travel, on TravelHealthPro (UK) or with your GP or pharmacist. Rabies is present in Turkey: if a dog or other animal bites or scratches you, get medical help straight away.

Medicines

  • UK and Irish prescriptions are not accepted in Turkish pharmacies. Pack enough for your whole trip.
  • Some common medicines are controlled in Turkey. Keep them in their original packaging with your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
  • Pharmacies (eczane) are everywhere and pharmacists are well trained. Each area has a duty pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) open at night — its address is posted in the window of every pharmacy.

Healthcare in Turkey

Private hospitals in cities and resorts are generally of a high standard, and many have English-speaking staff and international patient desks. Contact your insurer as soon as you are referred to a hospital. The UK government keeps a list of English-speaking medical providers in Turkey.

In an emergency, call 112 or your insurer before going anywhere. Some visitors taken to private hospitals by hotels or tour staff have faced unclear fees far higher than expected.

Staying well

  • Heat — summer temperatures on the coast and inland often pass 35°C. Drink plenty of water, avoid the midday sun and use high-factor sun cream.
  • Water — most visitors drink bottled water; it’s cheap and sold everywhere.
  • Alcohol — people in Turkey have died after drinking counterfeit spirits containing methanol. Stick to licensed bars and sealed, branded bottles, and get urgent help if anyone feels very unwell after drinking.
  • Altitude — parts of eastern Turkey are high enough to cause altitude sickness.

Medical tourism

Many people travel to Turkey for dental, cosmetic or hair-transplant procedures. Results vary widely, and some UK and Irish nationals have died or needed further surgery after treatment. Before booking:

  1. Talk to your own doctor or dentist first.
  2. Research the clinic independently — not only through the company selling the package.
  3. Check the provider is approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health on HealthTürkiye.
  4. Check whether your travel insurance covers complications.

In an emergency

Call 112 for an ambulance, police or fire service. It works from any phone, free of charge.

Last checked: 8 November 2026.