Turkey: The New Health Destination for Americans

Turkey has become one of the important countries that attract the attention of Americans in medical tourism. According to a study conducted in collaboration with TÜBİTAK and Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, 55,2% of participants living in ABD are considering coming to Turkey to receive medical services.

The researcher, Prof. Dr. Aykut Ekiyor, presented the results to the microphone of Özlem Özgüt Yörekli, the New York correspondent of ABDPost. In a study involving about a thousand participants and reaching 49 states of ABD, the perception and brand value of Turkey in medical tourism were examined.

When Turkey is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is hair transplantation.

Speaking to ABDPost, Ekiyor said that Americans especially recall hair transplantation when they hear Turkey. Ekiyor noted that Turkey has become a global brand in this field, and that strong recognition has also emerged in dental aesthetics and eye surgery.

The ability to complete these procedures in a shorter time, patients’ rapid return to daily life, and the possibility of combining the treatment process with leisure make Turkey attractive.

In the choice, quality is as decisive as price.

The study identified four factors that lead Americans to choose Turkey: affordable prices, high quality, trust in Turkish doctors, and short waiting times.

Ekiyor, who points out that healthcare services in the U.S. are expensive, noted that there are significant price differences between Turkey and the U.S. for procedures such as dental implants and hair transplants. He emphasized that Turkey should not be promoted solely as a 'cheap country'.

Ekiyor said that Turkey should be positioned as a 'reliable health center offering affordable prices and high quality.'

Social media became the showcase for health tourism.

Prof. Dr. Ekiyor, noting that patient experiences and before-and-after posts on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube increase interest in Turkey, said that current promotional efforts are insufficient.

Ekiyor, who said that private hospitals, clinics, and health centers should work with social media experts familiar with the U.S. market, recommended that promotions emphasize not only price advantage but also doctors’ expertise, service quality, and short waiting times.

An important role for the Turkish community in the United States

Ekiyor, who said that Turks living in the United States can also contribute to Turkey's medical tourism, said they are significantly influenced by American friends' recommendations

Ekiyor, who said Turkish associations should support promotional efforts, added that establishing units related to medical tourism in Turkish consulates could enhance both coordination and patients' trust

Rival countries are also strengthening their position in the market

Although Turkey is a strong brand in hair transplantation, it competes with other countries, especially Colombia, in areas such as dental treatments. Ekiyor warned that if the necessary promotional work is not carried out, potential patients in the United States may turn to other countries

Ekiyor, who said Turkey must preserve its advantage in hair transplantation, dental, eye, and stomach reduction surgeries, added that new opportunities also exist in fields such as spinal surgery

A warning to patients: 'Do thorough research'

Prof. Dr. Aykut Ekiyor called on people considering treatment in Turkey to work with reliable healthcare institutions and intermediary agencies. Stating that patients should not look only at the price, Ekiyor suggested that the doctor's expertise, the institution's reliability, the treatment plan, and the follow‑up process be examined in detail.

The 55.2% figure in the study highlights Turkey's large potential in the U.S. health‑tourism market. Turning that potential into lasting success appears possible through effective promotion, high service standards, and reliable healthcare institutions.