Patient Rights in Türkiye for International Patients

Türkiye is one of the most frequently preferred healthcare destinations for international patients due to its advanced medical infrastructure, experienced physicians, modern hospitals, and extensive range of treatment options.

Healthcare services are provided to international patients in many fields, including dental treatments, plastic and aesthetic surgery, hair transplantation, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, oncology, bariatric surgery, in vitro fertilisation and comprehensive health check-up programmes.

Travelling to another country for medical treatment is a significant decision. Patients should be informed not only about the hospital, physician and treatment method they choose, but also about the rights they have throughout the treatment process.

Foreign patients receiving healthcare services in Türkiye benefit from the protection of the general legislation governing patient rights. In addition, healthcare facilities and intermediary organisations providing services within the scope of health tourism are subject to specific rules concerning international health tourism.

The principal framework for patient rights in Türkiye is established by the Patient Rights Regulation. Standards for the provision of international health tourism services are governed by the Regulation on International Health Tourism and Tourist Health, published in the Official Gazette No. 32882 on 26 April 2025.

Under this regulation, healthcare facilities and intermediary organisations operating in the field of international health tourism must hold the relevant authorisation certificate.

What Rights Do International Patients Have in Türkiye?

1. The Right to Receive Healthcare Without Discrimination

Healthcare services in Türkiye may not be provided in a discriminatory manner on the basis of language, race, religion, gender, nationality, economic status, social status or similar differences.

International patients are entitled to benefit from healthcare services in accordance with the principles of fairness and equality. A patient’s foreign nationality, inability to speak Turkish or different cultural background may not constitute grounds for discrimination in medical assessment or the quality of healthcare provided.

However, patient rights do not mean that every healthcare service must be provided free of charge or that every treatment must be available at every healthcare facility.

Treatment fees, insurance coverage, the service capacity of the hospital and the agreement between the patient and the healthcare provider must be evaluated separately.

2. The Right to Receive Treatment from an Authorised Healthcare Provider

Healthcare facilities operating in international health tourism must be authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health, while intermediary organisations must be authorised by USHAŞ.

Before making a treatment decision, international patients should therefore verify whether the hospital, clinic or intermediary organisation holds a valid International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate.

The Ministry of Health publishes and updates lists of healthcare facilities that hold the required authorisation.

When checking an authorisation certificate, patients should review not only the commercial name of the organisation but also the exact address and healthcare facility where the treatment will be performed.

The consultancy company communicating with the patient and the healthcare facility carrying out the medical procedure may be separate organisations.

3. The Right to Know the Healthcare Provider and Medical Personnel

Patients have the right to request information about the services offered by the healthcare organisation from which they will receive treatment.

They may also learn the name, medical specialty, position and professional title of the physician who will examine them, prepare their treatment plan or perform their surgery.

Within the limits permitted by legislation and the operating conditions of the healthcare facility, patients may request to change their healthcare provider or physician.

Patients should be aware that changing the physician or healthcare facility may require additional fees, a new medical examination or repeated diagnostic testing.

Before making a final decision, international patients should request the following information in writing:

• The name and specialty of the physician performing the treatment
• The full address of the hospital or clinic where the procedure will take place
• The treatment method that will be used
• The planned duration of hospitalisation
• The estimated recovery period
• The scope of follow-up appointments
• The services included in and excluded from the treatment package

4. The Right to Receive Information About Health Status and Treatment

Patients have the right to request information about their medical condition, diagnosis, recommended treatment, purpose of treatment, expected benefits, potential risks, alternative methods and the possible consequences of refusing treatment.

Under the Patient Rights Regulation, patients may request verbal or written information about:

• The benefits and potential disadvantages of the proposed medical intervention
• Alternative treatment methods
• The expected course of the condition
• The possible consequences of refusing treatment

Before surgical or invasive procedures, patients should specifically be informed about:

• The medical purpose of the procedure
• The technique to be used
• The type of anaesthesia
• Significant risks associated with the procedure
• Commonly encountered complications
• Alternative treatment options
• Restrictions during the recovery period
• Follow-up and monitoring plans
• The department or person to contact in an emergency

Initial online assessments are usually based on photographs, imaging results, laboratory findings or medical reports provided by the patient.

For this reason, a preliminary treatment plan prepared remotely may change following a physical examination and additional diagnostic testing in Türkiye.

5. The Right to Receive Information in an Understandable Form

It is not sufficient merely to provide medical information. The patient must also be able to understand the information provided.

For international patients who do not speak Turkish, interpretation support is particularly important for accurate communication and a valid informed consent process.

Incorrect translation of medical terminology may cause serious misunderstandings concerning the scope of treatment, potential risks or expected recovery period.

International patient interpretation and call centre services are also available under the Turkish Ministry of Health to support communication between foreign patients and healthcare personnel.

According to official information, communication, request-management and complaint support are available in multiple languages.

Before signing a document they do not understand, patients should request:

• An explanation of the document in their own language
• A simplified explanation of medical terminology
• A separate explanation of the relevant risks
• The use of a professional interpreter where necessary
• Clear answers to their questions

6. The Right to Give Informed Consent

As a general rule, medical interventions must be based on the patient’s informed and freely given consent.

For consent to be valid, the patient must have received sufficient information about the procedure and must make the decision without pressure or coercion.

Merely asking a patient to sign a form does not, by itself, constitute adequate and genuine informed consent.

The content of the form must be explained to the patient, the patient’s questions must be answered and the patient must be capable of making an informed decision.

The Patient Rights Regulation defines consent as the individual’s voluntary and informed acceptance of a medical intervention.

Before signing a consent form, international patients should check the following:

• The name of the physician and healthcare organisation
• The full name of the medical procedure
• The area of the body where the procedure will be performed
• The type of anaesthesia
• Alternative treatment methods
• Significant risks and possible complications
• The potential need for blood or blood products
• Permissions relating to photography and video recording
• The purposes for which personal data will be processed

Consent to medical treatment and permission to use photographs or videos for advertising, marketing or social media are separate matters.

A patient who agrees to a medical intervention is not required to consent to the promotional use of their images.

7. The Right to Refuse or Discontinue Treatment

Except in exceptional circumstances prescribed by law, patients may refuse the recommended treatment or request that ongoing treatment be discontinued.

However, the possible medical consequences of refusing or discontinuing treatment must be explained to the patient.

The patient’s decision may be documented in their medical records, and the patient may be asked to sign a statement confirming that treatment was refused voluntarily.

Explaining the potential consequences of refusing treatment is essential to ensure that the patient can make an informed decision.

The Patient Rights Regulation recognises the patient’s right to refuse treatment and request its discontinuation.

8. The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality

The patient’s examination, treatment, surgery, personal information and medical records must be protected confidentially.

Unless the patient has given explicit consent or disclosure is required by law, medical information should not be shared with unrelated or unauthorised persons.

Only individuals whose presence is necessary for the provision of healthcare should normally be present during an examination or treatment.

The right to privacy includes:

• Having examinations performed in a suitable and private environment
• Preventing medical information from being shared with unauthorised persons
• Preventing medical photographs from being published without permission
• Protecting the patient’s name and identification details
• Transmitting laboratory and diagnostic results securely
• Preventing the patient’s medical condition from being disclosed to relatives without permission

While the Patient Rights Regulation protects private and family life, the Regulation on Personal Health Data requires appropriate technical and administrative measures to ensure the secure processing of health data.

9. The Right to Access Medical Records

Patients may personally examine files and records relating to their health status or authorise a representative to do so. They may also request copies of those records.

Patients may request documents including:

• Examination records
• Laboratory results
• Radiology images and reports
• Surgical notes
• Pathology results
• Information about implants or medical devices used
• Prescriptions
• Discharge summaries or epicrisis reports
• Follow-up and monitoring recommendations
• Invoices issued for healthcare services

The Patient Rights Regulation expressly provides that patients may examine records concerning their health status and obtain copies of those records.

International patients should obtain their medical documentation in digital or printed form before returning to their home country.

These documents may be required for follow-up treatment or emergency medical care after the patient returns home.

10. The Right to Receive Safe and Medically Appropriate Care

Patients have the right to receive diagnosis, treatment and care in accordance with current medical knowledge and recognised professional standards.

Healthcare professionals are required to exercise the level of medical care appropriate to the patient’s condition.

A patient’s request does not oblige a physician or healthcare facility to perform a procedure that is medically unnecessary or contrary to accepted professional standards.

Before treatment, patients should assess the following safety factors:

• The healthcare facility’s authorisation certificate
• The physician’s medical specialty
• Whether the procedure will be performed under appropriate hospital or clinical conditions
• Anaesthesia and intensive care infrastructure
• Infection-control procedures
• Emergency intervention capabilities
• The medicines, implants and medical materials to be used
• The post-procedure follow-up plan

11. The Right to Obtain a Second Medical Opinion

Patients may obtain an opinion from another physician regarding the proposed diagnosis or treatment.

A second opinion may be particularly valuable for major surgical procedures, permanent implants, oncology treatments and long-term rehabilitation programmes.

Requesting a second opinion does not necessarily indicate a lack of trust in the first physician.

It can help the patient better understand the diagnosis, treatment alternatives, risks and expected outcomes.

To obtain an effective second opinion, the patient should provide complete copies of their medical tests, imaging records and health reports.

12. The Right to Respect for Dignity, Cultural Sensitivities and Beliefs

Patients have the right to expect respect for their personal dignity, cultural characteristics and religious beliefs while receiving healthcare services.

Subject to the healthcare facility’s resources and medical requirements, a patient may:

• Request a healthcare professional of the same gender
• Ask for assistance in observing religious practices
• Inform the healthcare team about dietary preferences
• Request the presence of a companion
• Explain cultural sensitivities to the medical team

It may not be possible to fulfil every request in all circumstances. Medical requirements may take priority, particularly in emergency situations.

However, the patient’s preferences should be heard and taken into consideration wherever reasonably possible.

Questions International Patients Should Ask Before Treatment

Before travelling to Türkiye, patients should submit the following questions in writing to the healthcare facility or intermediary organisation:

1. Which physician will perform the treatment?
2. At which hospital or clinic will the procedure take place?
3. Does the healthcare facility hold an International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate?
4. What are the alternatives to the proposed treatment?
5. What are the significant risks and possible complications?
6. Which services are included in the quoted price?
7. How will additional tests or procedures be priced?
8. How long will I need to remain in Türkiye?
9. When will it be medically safe for me to travel by air after treatment?
10. How will follow-up appointments be arranged after I return home?
11. Whom should I contact if I experience an urgent medical problem?
12. In which language will my medical records be provided?
13. Who will provide interpretation services?
14. What are the cancellation and refund conditions?

Responsibilities of International Patients

Having patient rights does not mean that patients have no responsibilities.

International patients must cooperate with the healthcare team to ensure that a safe and accurate treatment plan can be prepared.

The main responsibilities of patients include:

• Providing complete and accurate information about previous illnesses
• Disclosing all medicines, vitamins and supplements they use
• Informing the healthcare team about allergies
• Disclosing previous surgical procedures
• Providing honest information about smoking, alcohol consumption and similar habits
• Informing the healthcare team if there is a possibility of pregnancy
• Following pre-operative and post-operative instructions
• Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
• Informing the healthcare provider if an unexpected symptom occurs
• Complying with the institution’s safety and visitor rules
• Respecting the rights of other patients and healthcare professionals

Information published by the Turkish Ministry of Health also states that patients should accurately disclose their medical history and current medications, attend follow-up appointments and provide feedback concerning the progress of their treatment.

Where Can Patients Apply If Their Rights Are Violated?

If a patient believes that their rights have been violated, they may first contact the Patient Rights Unit or patient communication department of the healthcare facility where they received treatment.

If the matter cannot be resolved, an application may be submitted through the Turkish Ministry of Health’s Patient Application Notification System for complaints, requests, recommendations or problem-resolution support.

Applications submitted through the system are initially evaluated by the relevant healthcare organisation.

Where necessary, the application may be examined by the Patient Rights Board operating under the relevant provincial health directorate.

Available application channels include:

• The healthcare organisation’s Patient Rights Unit
• The Turkish Ministry of Health Patient Application Notification System
• ALO 184 SABİM
• Provincial health directorates
• CİMER, the Presidential Communication Centre
• The data controller and the Turkish Personal Data Protection Authority for personal data violations
• Consumer arbitration committees, consumer courts or other competent judicial authorities, depending on the nature of the dispute

When making an application, patients should retain contracts, payment records, correspondence, medical reports and all other relevant documents.

Turkish Ministry of Health resources state that patient-rights applications may be submitted through Patient Rights Units, the Patient Application Notification System or ALO 184.

How Does Clinicly Health Tourism Support International Patients?

An international treatment journey involves more than arranging a medical appointment.

Medical documents must be delivered to the appropriate healthcare provider, treatment options must be clearly understood, communication with the hospital must be coordinated, travel and accommodation must be planned, interpretation must be organised and post-treatment follow-up must be managed.

Clinicly Health Tourism supports coordination between international patients and healthcare providers to make the treatment journey in Türkiye more organised, transparent and understandable.

The principal areas in which Clinicly Health Tourism provides coordination support include:

• Transmitting the patient’s medical documents for preliminary evaluation
• Identifying suitable hospitals and treatment options
• Organising physician consultations and appointments
• Explaining the scope of the treatment plan and quotation
• Coordinating interpretation services
• Planning airport, hotel and hospital transfers
• Supporting hospital admission and discharge coordination
• Maintaining post-treatment follow-up communication
• Coordinating the delivery of medical records to the patient

Clinicly Health Tourism aims to explain the treatment plan and organisational process clearly so that patients can make informed decisions.

Medical diagnosis, treatment decisions, surgical methods and clinical follow-up remain the responsibility of the authorised physician and healthcare facility evaluating the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreign patients benefit from patient rights in Türkiye?

Yes. International patients receiving healthcare services in Türkiye benefit from fundamental rights protected under the Patient Rights Regulation, including the rights to receive information, protect their privacy, provide consent, access their records and file complaints.

Can a patient request pricing information before treatment?

Patients should request written information about the scope and estimated cost of the healthcare services to be provided.

However, a preliminary quotation prepared remotely may change following a physical examination or additional diagnostic testing.

The services included in and excluded from the treatment package should therefore be stated clearly.

Can a patient who does not speak Turkish sign a consent form?

Patients should not sign a document they do not understand without receiving an adequate explanation.

The scope, alternatives and risks of the treatment should be explained in a language and manner the patient can understand. Interpretation support should be provided where necessary.

Can patients obtain copies of their medical records?

Yes. Patients may examine records relating to their health status and request copies.

Before returning to their home country, international patients should obtain their discharge summary, prescriptions, surgical reports, imaging results and follow-up plan.

Can a patient refuse treatment?

As a general rule, patients may refuse the proposed treatment or request that treatment be discontinued.

The physician should explain the potential medical consequences of the patient’s decision.

Conclusion

International patients receiving treatment in Türkiye have fundamental rights, including the right to receive information, identify their healthcare provider and physician, provide informed consent, protect their privacy, refuse treatment, access medical records and submit complaints.

For a safer health tourism experience, patients should verify the authorisation status of the healthcare provider, request a written treatment plan, review the scope of the quoted price and avoid signing any document they do not understand.

Clinicly Health Tourism supports the coordination of hospitals, physicians, interpretation, transportation and follow-up services to help international patients access healthcare services in Türkiye in a more informed, organised and secure manner.

Legal disclaimer: This content has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Patient rights and available application procedures may differ depending on the circumstances of each individual case.