Is It Safe to Get Surgery in Turkey?

Each year, thousands of British tourists travel abroad for cosmetic procedures, dental work, or emergency hospital care — but the risks of medical treatment in Turkey are becoming increasingly hard to ignore. From botched surgery and aggressive sales tactics to hidden hospital fees and even fatalities, many travellers are unaware of the serious dangers they face when receiving care overseas.

Behind the ads and Instagram stories lie real risks: botched surgery, surprise hospital bills, and patients stranded abroad. This article explores the real risks of medical treatment in Turkey, how to spot red flags — and how to get help if things go wrong.

Medical Tourism in Turkey: A Booming Industry

In 2022, more than 640,000 “health tourists” travelled to Turkey, many from the UK. Popular treatments include:

• Cosmetic surgery (tummy tucks, BBLs, facelifts)
• Hair transplants and dental veneers
• Weight-loss procedures (gastric sleeve or bypass)

With prices often 70% lower than the UK, the appeal is obvious. Many packages even include flights, hotels, and a translator. But cheap doesn’t mean safe.

UK Government Warnings: Real Cases, Real Consequences

The UK Foreign Office has issued repeated warnings. Since 2019, at least 25 British nationals have died after surgery in Turkey — including six in 2023 alone. Most cases involved:

• Gastric sleeve or bypass surgery
• BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
• Breast augmentation or tummy tucks

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reports a 94% rise in NHS corrections after overseas surgery.

“The NHS is being left to pick up the pieces after private clinics abroad cut corners.”
– BAAPS President (2023)

Case Study: Emma Morrissey – Real Consequences of Medical Treatment in Turkey

Emma, 44, from Warrington, flew to Antalya for a gastric sleeve operation. She suffered internal bleeding after surgery and sadly died. Her all-inclusive package cost just £2,800. Her family now campaigns to raise awareness of the risks.

Beyond Surgery: Holiday Illnesses and Emergency Hospital Visits

It’s not just about planned surgery. British holidaymakers who fall ill are also vulnerable. Risks include:

• Being taken to a private hospital after food poisoning, injury, or sunstroke
• Language barriers and unclear paperwork
• Unexpected bills for tests and scans — often requested upfront
• Being refused discharge until the bill is partially paid

One British man treated for pneumonia in Marmaris was billed £41,000 — and told he couldn’t leave without paying.

Dental Tourism: The “Turkey Teeth” Trend

UK dentists report more patients needing corrective treatment after:

• Over-shaved teeth and poor veneers
• Gum infections
• Ill-fitting crowns or implants causing pain and speech issues

NHS dentists are not required to fix private overseas dental work — often leaving patients stranded without recourse.

Red Flags When Booking Clinics

• Too-good-to-be-true prices
• No named surgeon or medical credentials
• Pushy sales or time-limited deals
• Reviews only on social media

Travel Insurance for Medical Treatment in Turkey

EHIC and GHIC cards don’t cover Turkey. You’ll need private insurance that includes:

• Hospital treatment and surgery abroad
• Emergency medical repatriation
• Declared pre-existing conditions

Standard travel insurance often excludes planned surgery — always check the fine print.

Staying Safe During Medical Treatment in Turkey

• Check credentials — research the clinic and named surgeon
• Know what’s included — aftercare, transport, complications
• Tell someone in the UK — leave them a full copy of your itinerary and clinic details
• Have an emergency plan — including who to contact if things go wrong

Key Takeaway

Not all treatment in Turkey is dangerous — but cutting corners on safety can cost you your health, or worse. If you’re planning treatment abroad, do your homework, ask tough questions, and have a backup plan.