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Health Care in Altinkum

Although healthcare in Turkey is not as advanced as in many other European countries it does compare favorably with the National Health Service in the UK.

There are two types of healthcare system, private and state. Private hospitals are usually better equipped and staffed and offer a very comprehensive service compared to state hospitals. They can be very expensive and well out of reach of many people who don’t have medical insurance. State hospitals are for those who don’t have insurance and offer an adequate medical service for a lot less money. The staff and doctors are just as well trained and dedicated; there are just less of them. The equipment may be older or less sophisticated but it works, the wards and waiting room may be fuller but the treatment when you get it is adequate.

Many doctors and consultants that work in the bigger hospitals, particularly those affiliated to universities are extremely highly qualified, many having completed their training abroad, in particular the US. In fact Turkey has some of the best world renowned highly trained doctors and specialists in the world.

In most, if not all the major tourist towns there are several doctors, dentists, clinics pharmacies and at least one hospital not too far away. Many of the doctors and dentists in Altinkum and Didim work from a private fully equipped surgery or clinic and speak excellent English as well as several other languages. Most of the pharmacists are also bi-lingual.

Pharmacists in Turkey are highly trained and licensed to dispense and administer drugs to patients for minor ailments. Much like your local GP, they will first discuss your symptoms, make diagnoses and recommend a treatment which you can then buy there and then. If the pharmacist feels your illness requires the services of a doctor he will say do and usually will recommend one.

All doctors operating from private clinic or surgery are fully trained general practitioners and may also specialize in their chosen field at the local state or private hospital. They generally have quite sophisticated equipment in their surgery or clinic and will treat most emergencies and perform diagnostic tests (such as ultrasound) on the premises, saving you valuable time and often a trip to the hospital. For more specialist tests such as MRI there are no hospital waiting times, but you will need to travel to the nearest big town (Soke Aydin or Izmir) with a note from the doctor requesting the tests, to a private facility to arrange for these. Once the test is completed you will be given the results immediately. A fee is payable for these tests and costs do vary. There are several of these private facilities each specializing in a particular field in most major cities.

Although some initial emergency medical treatment may be given free, British nationals are likely to be charged for the majority of medical expenses incurred whilst in Turkey (including tests and investigations, medication and overnight stays in hospital, whether sate or private).

It is strongly recommended that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover the full period you will be in the country, and which includes medivac to the UK if necessary. (You should be aware, however, that most insurance companies will not authorize medivac to the UK as a matter of routine, or because local hospitals are not up to UK standards). You should check any exclusion, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Standards of medical care are acceptable, although specialized equipment/treatment may not be available in a state hospital and most hospital staff are unlikely to speak English.

If you have chosen to make your permanent home here in Turkey then it is recommended that you take out private medical insurance here to cover you in the event of the unexpected. Although minor illnesses and ailments can be dealt with relatively cheaply and easily, more serious problems requiring long term care, hospitalization, operations or on going treatment can be very costly. As an example, the cost of an operation for a prolapsed disc or similar major operation for the consultant, surgeon and anesthetists, operating room staff and nurses undertaken at a university hospital can be in the region of 10,000 ytl (approximately £4000) add to this the initial consultation, drugs, nursing care, lab tests, hire of the hospital bed/room, food and laundry costs the total cost can escalate to around £10,000.

It should also be noted that if you are a permanent resident in Turkey and have not been living or working in the UK for six consecutive months, you are not automatically entitled to free medical care there from the National Health Service until you have been permanently resident again for a further six months.

Private medical insurance is available from most insurance companies and the cost depends on individual circumstances and needs.

ATC Homes Turkey can advise and assist you to obtain insurance to suit you requirements.

Emergency dental care in Turkey can be expensive but still much cheaper than for similar service in the UK. Cosmetic dentistry is becoming a very popular holiday past time for many Europeans as the cost is so much cheaper than in other countries. Etc. etc.

Opticians and optical services are also comparable but again very much cheaper than in the UK.