You will find the standard of private medical care in Istanbul rivals that of Europe and the US – often at a fraction of the cost. While public healthcare has made great strides in recent years, it still lags behind the private sector in terms of comfort and English-speaking staff.

With private facilities outnumbering public hospitals, the private route is the default for most international residents. Naturally, securing comprehensive health insurance should be near the top of your pre-arrival checklist.

Appointment schedules are generally respected, so you won’t be left languishing in a waiting room. This efficiency extends to emergency care; if you need immediate assistance, dial 112, the consolidated number for all emergency services. While public ambulances are reliable, check if your insurance covers private emergency transport for a quicker transfer.

You can spot a pharmacy (eczane) by its glowing red ‘E’ sign. While they generally close at 7pm and on Sundays, every neighbourhood has a designated ‘duty pharmacy’ (nöbetçi eczane) that remains open on a rotational basis. Note that Turkish regulations are strict; you cannot buy antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

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

Hospitals in Istanbul

healthcare professionals

Acıbadem Maslak Hospital

Website: www.acibadem.com.tr 
Address: Büyükdere Cd. No:40, 34457 Sarıyer

Avicenna International Hospital

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

Hisar 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 Bahçelievler Hospital

Website: www.memorialhospitalsgroup.com 
Address: Adnan Kahveci Blv. No: 227, 34180 Bahçelievler

Memorial Şişli Hastanesi

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

What do 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 experiences in her expat interview on living in Istanbul.

Further reading

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

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.