How much does pacemaker implantation cost in Turkey?
Pacemaker implantation in Turkey costs between £4,100 and £5,600, including the device and leads, depending on the type of cardiac pacemaker. In the UK, the procedure is generally covered by the NHS: the price gap only concerns patients who are not eligible for that cover.[1]
| Pacemaker implantation | £4,100 - £5,600 |
For a patient who is not covered by the NHS, several factors explain the price differences between Turkey and other countries:
- The exchange rate is favourable for patients holding pounds sterling, euros or dollars.
- The overall cost of living is lower.
- The Turkish government encourages medical clinics to work with an international clientele.
- Competition in the medical sector is very strong in Turkey, which drives prices down.
Everything you need to know about pacemaker implantation in Turkey
Implanting a cardiac pacemaker aims to regulate irregular heart rhythms or to treat heart damage caused by a heart attack, for example. This surgery was first performed in the 1950s.
Since then, the implantation procedure has evolved considerably, benefiting from advances in medical technology and surgical practice. As with many medical procedures, Turkey is highly advanced in this field and has specialised clinics.
What is a pacemaker ?
A pacemaker is a medical device that generates electrical impulses to stimulate and support the heart. It replaces the heart’s natural electrical signals and regulates the heart rate of patients whose rhythm is too slow.
In practice, it is a small, very light metal device fitted with wires that connect it to the heart. It sits close to the heart, just below the collarbone.
Several types of pacemaker exist and are used depending on the patient’s condition :
- Single-chamber pacemakers : these have one electrical lead connected to one chamber of the heart, usually the right ventricle. They are used to treat conduction problems.
- Dual-chamber pacemakers : these have two leads, one connected to the atrium and the other to the ventricle. They allow more precise synchronisation of the contraction of the heart chambers, which benefits certain types of heart rhythm disorder.
- Biventricular pacemakers : these are used in patients with heart failure and impaired ventricular contraction. They stimulate both ventricles simultaneously to improve the coordination and efficiency of the heart’s contraction.
Read our guide on heart valve replacement in Turkey.
Why choose Turkey ?
Several reasons are put forward for choosing Turkey for pacemaker implantation :
- The expertise of Turkish surgeons : they generally specialise in a single type of operation, because there are a great many surgeons in Turkey. This allows them to excel in their specialty.
- The technology of Turkish clinics : clinics and hospitals in Turkey are equipped with cutting-edge technology.
- Cost : in the UK, pacemaker implantation is generally covered by the NHS. The price charged in Turkey represents a saving only for a patient who is not eligible for that cover.[1]
- Medical travel : choosing Turkey allows international patients to benefit from all-inclusive medical packages (operation, accommodation, transport, medication, follow-up). For those who choose a hospital in Istanbul, such as Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital for example, it is also a chance to visit this magnificent city.
Who is this operation for ?
Pacemaker implantation in Turkey is recommended for people suffering from heart rhythm disorders that affect their quality of life and their health. This procedure benefits :
- People whose heart beats too slowly or irregularly, which can cause fatigue, dizziness or even breathing problems.
- Individuals whose heart rhythm problems could not be treated with medication.
- Patients whose arrhythmia affects the proper functioning of vital organs, such as the brain or kidneys, or causes loss of consciousness (syncope).[2]
How does pacemaker implantation in Turkey work ?
We understand that heart surgery can raise concerns and questions for some people. Let us explain clearly how pacemaker implantation in Turkey is carried out. Like any procedure, it carries risks of complications, detailed below.
The first consultation
Before the pacemaker is fitted, patients meet a cardiologist to discuss the surgery in detail. The cardiologist reviews the patient’s medical history and decides on the most appropriate type of pacemaker. You can ask any questions you wish during this consultation so that you understand the procedure and feel reassured about it.
The day of the operation
On the day of the operation, patients are welcomed at the clinic or hospital where the procedure will take place. Under local anaesthetic, the surgeon makes an incision below the collarbone, close to the heart, to reach a vein.
Through this incision, the leads are guided to the heart, where they are fixed to the heart walls. A small pocket is created in the skin to insert the pacemaker, then the leads are connected. Once implantation is complete, the incision is closed.
The implantation is performed under local anaesthetic: the casing is placed under the skin and leaves only a small scar below the collarbone. The hospital stay is very short.[3]
Post-operative care
After the procedure, patients are monitored closely during recovery. Doctors check that the heart rate is correct and that the pacemaker is properly programmed to suit your heart’s needs. Finally, you will be given a few instructions to follow so that your healing is faster :
- Avoid intense sport and lifting heavy loads until your cardiologist agrees.[1]
- Avoid abrupt movements with your left arm, in particular do not raise your arm above the shoulder for a few weeks.
What follow-up is needed after having a pacemaker fitted abroad ?
A pacemaker stays in place for life and is monitored for life. In the UK, remote monitoring is arranged through your cardiology team, with regular transmissions from the device and in-person checks at least every six to twelve months. If you are wondering what your own cover provides in your situation, check with your NHS cardiology team.[4]
Before a trip for medical tourism in Turkey, you must make sure you receive the implant card: model, serial number and manufacturer. EU Regulation 2017/745 requires it, but it does not bind any establishment outside the European Union. Checks, MRI scans and further procedures all require knowing the exact model.[5]
The risk of device infection is 1.19% over the lifetime of a pacemaker, based on 97,750 Danish patients.[6] It requires complete removal of the system[7], and lead extraction causes 1.7% major complications and 0.5% deaths.[8] No equivalent data is published for Turkey.
Frequently asked questions about pacemaker implantation in Turkey
What should you avoid with a pacemaker?
The pacemaker calls for precautions rather than bans: keep a mobile phone 15 cm away from the casing, walk through anti-theft gates without lingering, carry your device ID card at all times, and avoid combat sports. An MRI scan is only performed with the agreement of the team managing the device.[1]
Is pacemaker implantation covered by the NHS in the UK?
Pacemaker implantation is generally covered by the NHS when it is clinically indicated, which is why UK patients are usually not paying for the procedure themselves. In Turkey, it costs between £4,100 and £5,600, including the device and leads, at the patient’s expense. How much you personally pay depends on your own situation, so check with your NHS cardiology team.[1]
How is pacemaker implantation carried out in Turkey?
Pacemaker implantation in Turkey is performed under local anaesthetic: the surgeon makes an incision below the collarbone, guides one or two leads through a vein to the heart, then places the casing under the skin. The hospital stay is very short.[3]
What are the downsides of having a pacemaker?
The pacemaker stays in place for life and is monitored for life. Its battery eventually runs out: replacing it means another procedure, with 4.0% major complications when no lead is added.[9] The risk of device infection runs throughout its lifetime.[6]
What are the alternatives to pacemaker implantation for treating heart rhythm disorders?
As alternatives to pacemaker implantation, heart rhythm disorders can be treated with medication. However, taking this kind of medication over the long term can lead to troublesome side effects.
What precautions should be taken after having a pacemaker fitted?
For a few weeks after implantation, it is important to avoid abrupt movements of the left arm and to avoid overly physical activities such as intense sport and lifting heavy loads. Following these recommendations helps avoid slowing down healing.
Sources & References
- Assurance Maladie. Suivi médical et vie quotidienne avec un trouble du rythme cardiaque. ameli.fr. 2026. View source
- Glikson M, Nielsen JC, Kronborg MB, et al. 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy. European Heart Journal. 2021. View source
- Assurance Maladie. Traitement des troubles du rythme cardiaque. ameli.fr. 2026. View source
- Haute Autorité de Santé. Télésurveillance médicale du patient porteur de prothèse cardiaque implantable à visée thérapeutique, avis de la CNEDiMTS. 2023. View source
- Parlement européen et Conseil. Règlement (UE) 2017/745 relatif aux dispositifs médicaux, article 18 : carte d’implant. 2017. View source
- Olsen T, Jørgensen OD, Nielsen JC, et al. Incidence of device-related infection in 97 750 patients: clinical data from the complete Danish device-cohort (1982-2018). European Heart Journal. 2019. View source
- Chew D, Somayaji R, Conly J, et al. Timing of device reimplantation and reinfection rates following cardiac implantable electronic device infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2019. View source
- Bongiorni MG, Kennergren C, Butter C, et al. The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) study: a European Heart Rhythm Association registry of transvenous lead extraction outcomes. European Heart Journal. 2017. View source
- Poole JE, Gleva MJ, Mela T, et al. Complication rates associated with pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator generator replacements and upgrade procedures: results from the REPLACE registry. Circulation. 2010. View source
