Turkey's 2025 Medical Tourism Regulations: A New Framework for a Growing Industry

On 26 April 2025, the Turkish Ministry of Health introduced a new Regulation on International Health Tourism and Tourist Health, published in the Official Gazette (No. 32882). This regulation repealed the 2017 framework and created a more comprehensive set of rules for providers and intermediaries in the health tourism sector. The reform aims to standardise service quality, strengthen patient safety, and integrate providers into a centralised, digital oversight system.

Turkey has become one of the most dynamic global destinations for medical tourism. The government estimates that the sector could generate six billion US dollars in 2025, with ambitions to triple this figure by the end of the decade.

From Fragmented Rules to a Modern Framework

The 2017 regulation provided a foundation for regulating medical tourism, but it left gaps and inconsistencies. The 2025 law repeals this earlier framework and establishes a clearer, enforceable system. Unlike its predecessor, it emphasises digitalisation, licensing clarity, and transitional safeguards such as insurance and accreditation deadlines.

Licensing and Authorisation

A central requirement of the 2025 regulation is the need for an International Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate. Both healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, practices) and intermediary organisations (facilitators arranging care for foreign patients) must obtain authorisation to operate legally.

For intermediaries, applications are now processed through USHAŞ, the state-owned International Health Services company. USHAŞ provides a dedicated portal that simplifies certification and standardises communication with regulators.

Digital Integration

The regulation underscores Turkey's move towards digital oversight. Authorised providers are listed on government-managed platforms such as HealthTürkiye, where international patients can verify credentials before travelling. Providers are also expected to engage with digital reporting and standardised processes, improving transparency and compliance.

This digitalisation is significant for patients: it means authorisation status is verifiable. Any legitimate provider should be able to point you to their listing on official platforms.