International Health Tourism and the Health of Tourists

International health tourism is leading more and more people around the world to seek healthcare services in other countries. In this context, Turkey has a significant potential in the field of health tourism, and establishing the necessary legal infrastructure to protect this potential is critically important. The "Regulation on International Health Tourism and the Health of Tourists," published in the Official Gazette on April 26, 2025, has set standards in this field and regulated the conditions for obtaining a license for healthcare institutions and intermediary organizations.

Purpose and Scope of the Regulation on International Health Tourism and the Health of Tourists

The regulation aims to establish minimum service standards for health services and intermediary services provided within the scope of international health tourism and the health of tourists, as well as to organize the authorization and monitoring procedures for health institutions and intermediary organizations. The regulation brings comprehensive arrangements for foreigners coming to Turkey to receive healthcare services. However, the regulation also includes certain exceptions, such as the situation of foreigners receiving healthcare services during wartime and disaster situations.

International Health Tourism License

The international health tourism license, defined by the regulation, is a mandatory document for healthcare facilities and intermediary organizations to conduct their services. Healthcare facilities and intermediary organizations will be subject to specific application processes to obtain this license. The transparency and auditability of these processes are of great importance for the protection of both the organizations providing the health services and the international health tourists.

Service Standards and Responsibilities

Healthcare facilities must operate according to the standards of the health services they are to provide and adhere to the established rules. The requirement for obtaining complication insurance enhances the safety of the services provided by healthcare facilities. In addition, intermediary organizations are required to provide accommodation and transportation services through authorized travel agencies, and these services are expected to be conducted to a high standard.

Services Relating to Tourist Health

The regulation guarantees the access of foreigners temporarily present in Turkey to healthcare services in cases of sudden illness. Emergency health services must be provided immediately within the legal framework, and the payment collection processes should be carried out afterwards. This provision ensures that health tourists receive services swiftly and effectively.

Pricing and Invoice Procedures

The pricing of healthcare services offered within the scope of international health tourism is determined by the Ministry of Health. Healthcare facilities must clearly indicate the details of the health services provided in the invoices or sales receipts they issue. This process plays a critical role in ensuring transparency.

Health Tourism & International Medical Law

This new regulation concerning international medical tourism and the health of tourists establishes certain standards for organizations providing health services and intermediary organizations operating in the health tourism field. This new arrangement will allow both the Turkish health system and health tourism to become more competitive on an international level. It is highly recommended to seek expert legal support in disputes and legal disagreements related to international health services in Turkiye.