Britain issues travel warning for Turkey over “medical tourism”

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has warned Brits planning to travel to Turkey for medical treatment, due to the death of 22 British nationals receiving treatment in the country.

The FCDO advised those who are travelling to Turkey to undertake a medical procedure of not relying upon private companies that have a financial interest in arranging medical treatment abroad.

The office said they should refer to medical providers who are approved by the Ministry of Health.

The term ‘medical tourism’ refers to those tourists who have chosen to have medical/surgical/dental treatment abroad, the FCDO said, adding that cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and cardiac surgery are the most common procedures that medical tourists undertake.

“The standard of medical facilities and available treatments vary widely around the world. As such, British nationals considering undertaking medical treatment in Turkey should carry out their own research; it is unwise to rely upon private companies that have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad. We are aware of 22 British nationals who have died in Turkey since January 2019 following medical tourism visits,” the office said.