Istanbul has world-class private medical care that is often cheaper than private care in Europe and the United States. The public healthcare system is not up to the same standard as its private counterpart, but has improved dramatically over recent years, and offers good quality care.

There are more private facilities than public hospitals in the city and most expats living in Istanbul access healthcare through private facilities. As such, new arrivals should ensure that they have private health insurance.

Hospitals generally stick to their appointment times and one rarely needs to wait long to see a doctor, even in the emergency room. Many doctors can speak excellent English, and some have trained and worked abroad.

There are plenty of pharmacies in Istanbul. Most neighbourhoods have at least one pharmacy that is open 24/7, so expats should have easy access to essential medication.

Read Healthcare in Turkey for more on the national healthcare system. 

Below is a list of some of the most prominent hospitals in Istanbul.

Hospitals in Istanbul

Avicenna International Hospital

Website: www.avicennaint.com
Address: Küçükbakkalköy, Kayışdağı Cd. No:47, 34750 Ataşehir

Hasar Intercontinental Hospital

Website: www.hisarhospital.com
Address: Saray, Site Yolu Cd No: 7, 34768 Ümraniye

Liv Hospital

Website: www.livhospital.com
Address: Ulus Ahmet Adnan Saygun Cd, Canan Sk., 34340 Beşiktaş 

Memorial Şişli Hastanesi

Website: www.memorialhospitalsgroup.com
Address: Piyalepaşa Blv., 34385 Şişli

Further reading

►For a more comprehensive look at the country's healthcare system see Healthcare in Turkey.

What expats say about the Turkish healthcare system

"Healthcare anywhere you don’t speak the language can be daunting, but in my experience, the medical staff in Turkey are very caring. I once had to rush my husband to emergency and so many people there helped us. The doctor he initially saw has become his good friend, and like most Turks, we now ask him for personal recommendations when we need medical care." Learn more about Lisa, an Australian expat, and her experience living in Istanbul. 

Are you an expat living in Istanbul?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Istanbul. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.