Price of a Health Check in Turkey
The average price of a health check in Turkey is around £650, with a range of £600 to £3,200 depending on the complexity of the tests (blood tests, cardiac, thyroid, radiological: mammography, ultrasound, dental, etc.) and specialist consultations (ophthalmology, cardiology, gynaecology, etc.).
The cost includes the full medical evaluation, preliminary diagnoses, treatment recommendations and follow-up consultations. The complete examination takes place over 2 days.
| Basic health check | £80 - £230 |
| Comprehensive or intermediate health check | £340 - £1,100 |
| VIP or premium whole-body check | £1,200 - £3,200 |
Statistics
With health becoming a priority, regular health screenings are essential to prevent and detect diseases. Finding quality care at an affordable price is not always easy, but Turkey stands out as a top destination for a health check and low-cost treatments, where the basic check-up costs significantly less than in the UK, while premium packages are in a comparable range.
The number of international visitors coming for medical care has risen sharply in recent years, and health screenings account for a significant share.
Thanks to modern facilities, qualified professionals, and costs far lower than in Western countries, Turkey is a popular destination for health checks. This article explains why more and more people choose it, the types of check-ups available, and how to prepare for your trip to make the most of it.
Why Get a Medical Check-Up?
Having a medical check-up, or a full health screening, is a preventive strategy that helps you monitor and maintain your well-being on a regular basis. So what exactly is a medical check-up? What is it for? And who is it for?
What is a Medical Check-Up?
A medical check-up, also known as a health screening, consists of a comprehensive series of examinations and tests designed to assess your overall health. It typically includes laboratory tests through blood samples, medical imaging and functional tests, and consultations with healthcare professionals.
Its purpose is to give an overview of your general health, to screen for and diagnose conditions early, so that preventive measures or medical treatment can be implemented to keep you healthy.
What is it for?
The medical check-up serves several key purposes: it detects diseases early, before they become serious, allowing rapid medical care or surgical intervention at an early stage and proactive management. Indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and liver and kidney function are evaluated.
For those with a medical history or living with chronic conditions, it ensures regular monitoring and adjustments to necessary treatments. Finally, it provides doctors with data for personalised advice on nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle aspects to optimise your well-being.
Who Should Have a Check-Up?
Booking an appointment for a full health screening is always beneficial for everyone, but certain people gain particular advantages. Healthy adults should have regular check-ups to detect potential problems and maintain their overall well-being, even in the absence of symptoms.
Those with a family history of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, should also undergo regular examinations to assess their own risk.
Patients with chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, need ongoing monitoring to manage their health and prevent complications. Older adults, who are more likely to develop health problems, should have check-ups more frequently to monitor their health.
Finally, international travellers going abroad for medical care, such as to Turkey, can benefit from a check-up before and after their trip to ensure comprehensive management of their health.
A check-up also serves as a pre-travel health assessment for a stay involving medical tourism in Turkey, or as follow-up after a major treatment such as radiotherapy. Advanced imaging tests, such as a PET scan, require a prescription and are not part of a routine check-up.
Why Choose Turkey for a Medical Check-Up?
Several reasons explain why people choose Turkey for a health screening. Facilities that welcome international patients have a full range of medical equipment, including imaging, and many are accredited by the Joint Commission International.
The medical teams at centres that receive international patients often work in English. In terms of prices, a basic check-up is significantly cheaper than in the UK, with the gap narrowing for premium packages.
In addition, you can combine medical tourism with exploring Turkey’s cultural and natural treasures. The country is served by numerous direct flights, and obtaining a medical visa is straightforward.
Accommodation is often included in the package, from hotels to medical guesthouses. Check exactly what the quote covers: number of nights, transfers, interpreter, and delivery of results.
The Different Types of Health Checks Available in Turkey
In Turkey, healthcare facilities offer a full range of check-ups tailored to different needs and medical conditions. There are three types: the basic check-up, the comprehensive check-up, and the specialised check-up.
Basic Health Check
The basic health screening includes a full assessment of your health, including a blood test and urine analysis to detect common abnormalities such as hormonal imbalances or infections. It is an excellent option for initial evaluations or regular medical monitoring of your health.
Comprehensive Health Check
The comprehensive health check goes beyond the basic exam and includes cardiovascular tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a stress test, as well as imaging scans such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
It is usually recommended for people with a history of serious illness or who need a full evaluation of their health.
Specialised Health Check
This type of health screening focuses on specific diseases, such as diabetes or cancer. It includes specialised tests, such as blood glucose tests for diabetics or tumour markers for cancer screening. It is intended for people with certain symptoms or a history of specific conditions.
It is also suitable for anyone who wants a targeted screening. You have access to a wide range of hospital specialists: ENT, ophthalmologist, general practitioner, surgeon, etc.
How Does a Check-Up in Turkey Work?
The medical visit procedure in Turkey involves several steps. Book an appointment before you travel, prepare your documents, and confirm the visa requirements. Upon arrival, the clinic staff will help you get settled and handle the administrative paperwork.
During the examination, you will meet your doctor to discuss your medical history before undergoing various tests. Thanks to technology, results can be obtained relatively quickly.
Your results will be explained in detail, along with recommendations for next steps. This may involve further consultations, either in Turkey or through remote monitoring.
Conclusion
A health check in Turkey is mainly worthwhile for its entry-level price and the ability to group tests over two days. It does not replace regular medical follow-up or organised screening programmes in your country.
Turkey also allows you to combine medical tourism with care, enriching your overall experience. Easy access, simplified visa requirements, and comfortable accommodation for international patients make it a top destination for medical examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Checks in Turkey
Do medical check-ups in Turkey include services for international patients?
Yes, many healthcare facilities in Turkey offer all-inclusive packages for international patients, including accommodation, medical care, and transport services.
Can I combine a medical check-up with a holiday in Turkey?
Yes, medical tourism is a popular option in Turkey. You can enjoy your medical care while discovering the country’s cultural and natural wonders.
Can a check-up help you live longer?
No. A Cochrane review of seventeen trials and 251,891 participants found no effect of general health checks on overall mortality[1]. Their value lies elsewhere: identifying and monitoring chronic diseases[2].
How long does a medical check-up take in Turkey?
The duration of a check-up varies depending on the type and complexity of the tests. A basic check-up can be done in one day. A comprehensive check-up extends over two days, as mentioned at the top of this page. The time needed to receive results adds to this.
How much does a health check cost in Turkey and the UK?
In Turkey, expect to pay £80 to £230 for a basic check-up, £340 to £1,100 for a comprehensive one, and up to £3,200 for a whole-body scan. In the UK, an equivalent private health check typically ranges from £700 to £3,000. Make sure the quote specifies what each package includes.
How often should you have a check-up?
There is no universal frequency. Trials have tested annual, biennial, or less frequent check-ups without showing a benefit on mortality[2]. The appropriate frequency depends on age, medical history, and risk factors.
Is a health check free in the UK?
The NHS offers a free health check to certain age groups, but private comprehensive check-ups with imaging and specialist consultations are not covered and are paid for out of pocket, sometimes through private health insurance.
Sources & References
- Krogsbøll LT, Jørgensen KJ, Gøtzsche PC. General health checks in adults for reducing morbidity and mortality from disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019. View source
- Liss DT, Uchida T, Wilkes CL, Radakrishnan A, Linder JA. General Health Checks in Adult Primary Care-: A Review. JAMA, 2021. View source
