Health and Safety in Turkey: A Traveler's Guide
Turkey is a safe destination, but being aware of health considerations will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential!
Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable
While the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may offer some limited access to state-run hospitals (Devlet Hastanesi) due to bilateral agreements, the process can be slow and bureaucratic. Private hospitals, which offer higher standards and English-speaking staff, do not accept the EHIC.
Therefore, always purchase comprehensive private travel insurance before your trip. Ensure it covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, and theft.
1. Pre-Travel Checklist and General Hygiene
Climate and Sun Protection
Heat and Acclimatization: Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C (95°F) with high humidity. Give your body time to adjust and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water.
Sun Safety: The sun in Turkey is intense, with UV index often reaching 9-11 in summer. Always use a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+), wear a hat, and avoid direct sun exposure between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Water and Hygiene: It is not recommended to drink tap water in Turkey. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth to avoid stomach issues.
Vaccinations and Food Safety
Vaccinations: For most tourists, no special vaccinations are required beyond your routine immunizations. However, it's always wise to consult your doctor before traveling.
Food Safety: Be cautious with street food. Choose vendors that are busy and look clean. Seafood should be fresh. Avoid eating "midye dolma" (stuffed mussels) from unlicensed street vendors, as they can be a source of food poisoning.
2. Pharmacy (Eczane) and Medication
The Pharmacy as First-Line Support
Turkish pharmacies (Eczane, marked with a large red 'E') are of a high standard, and pharmacists are knowledgeable professionals who can offer advice for minor ailments.
Availability: Pharmacies are abundant. In every neighborhood, there is a designated 24-hour on-duty pharmacy (Nöbetçi Eczane). The address of the nearest one is always posted on the door of any closed pharmacy.
Medication: Many medications that require a prescription in EU countries (such as some antibiotics and stronger painkillers) are available over-the-counter in Turkey. Don't hesitate to describe your symptoms to the pharmacist.
3. Medical Care and Procedures
Choosing a Hospital
Private Hospitals (Özel Hastane): Highly recommended if you have travel insurance. Service is fast, facilities are modern, and you will find English-speaking staff. Contact your insurance provider's assistance line first for guidance.
State Hospitals (Devlet Hastanesi): While offering care, they can be crowded with longer waiting times and language barriers. Use a private hospital if possible.
Medical Tourism (Dental & Cosmetic)
Turkey is a world-renowned destination for high-quality and affordable medical procedures, including dental work (crowns, implants), hair transplants, and cosmetic surgery.
Important: If considering a procedure, do thorough research and choose only accredited clinics with international certifications. Avoid "walk-in" offers from agencies in tourist areas. Reputable clinics often have international patient coordinators to assist you.
Emergency and Ambulance
The single emergency number for all services (ambulance, police, fire) is 112. Operators often speak English in tourist areas.
For a non-life-threatening emergency, it is often much faster to take a taxi directly to the emergency room of the nearest private hospital. The ER is called the Acil Servis.
How to tell a taxi driver: "Please, to the hospital emergency room" - "Lütfen, hastanenin acil servisine" (Loot-fen, has-ta-nen-in a-jil ser-vis-in-eh).