How to Choose a Clinic in Istanbul: A Practical Checklist

Istanbul has many hospitals and clinics offering cosmetic surgery, dental treatment and hair transplants, and choosing between them can be difficult. This checklist is based on advice from UK health and government bodies and can be applied to any provider.

Quick answer: Before you pay anything, confirm the licence of the facility, the identity and qualifications of the surgeon, what your quote includes, how complications and follow-up are handled, and whether your insurance covers you.

### 1. Check the Facility's Licence

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office notes that the Turkish Ministry of Health publishes approved providers on the HealthTurkiye website. It also makes clear that it does not vouch for any practitioner or facility, so use this as a starting point and do your own research. See the FCDO travel advice for Turkey.

### 2. Identify and Verify the Surgeon

Ask for the surgeon's full name, licence number, training, specialty and how many similar procedures they perform. Check these details independently rather than relying only on the clinic's own material.

### 3. Meet the Person Who Will Treat You

The NHS recommends two consultations with the surgeon who will treat you before any surgery, with a cooling-off period, and warns against packages where you only meet sales staff. Do not pay for a hospital or surgeon you have not seen or met. If an in-person meeting before travel is not possible, ask for a live video consultation with the surgeon.

### 4. Ask About the Facility and Team

Find out where the procedure will take place, who administers anaesthesia, how you will be monitored and what arrangements exist for emergencies and hospital transfer.

### 5. Look at Real Results

Ask the surgeon to show before-and-after photos of their own patients, with details of the treatment and when the photos were taken. Remember that photos do not guarantee your result. Our guide to evaluating patient reviews explains how to interpret them.

### 6. Get an Itemised Written Quote

Ask what is included and excluded: procedure, anaesthesia, medication, accommodation, transfers, follow-up and documents. Ask what happens to the price if the plan changes. Our guide on medical tourism in Istanbul lists common package items.

### 7. Understand the Contract, Deposit and Cancellation Terms

Read the terms in a language you understand. Find out what happens to your deposit if you cancel or if the surgeon advises against surgery.

### 8. Plan for Complications and Follow-Up

The NHS notes that overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or may not provide it to the same standard as at home. Ask what happens if there is a complication, where follow-up will take place, how you will reach the team after you return and what it would cost to return for further treatment.

### 9. Check Your Insurance

The NHS notes that travel insurance does not normally cover problems after elective surgery. Check what the clinic or surgeon is insured for, whether it covers you, and what would happen if you needed an emergency return home.

### 10. Talk to Your Own Doctor or Dentist First

The FCDO advises discussing your plans with your UK doctor, dentist or clinician before going ahead. They can advise on suitability and on follow-up at home.

### 11. Plan Your Travel Around Recovery

Do not plan a holiday straight after surgery. Ask your surgeon when it is safe to fly, and read our guide to flying home after surgery.

### 12. Do Not Rush

Be cautious about pressure to book quickly, guaranteed results or limited-time offers. A good clinic will give you time to compare options and ask questions.

### Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important thing to check?

The identity and qualifications of the person who will operate, and the licence and standards of the facility, together with a clear plan for follow-up.

Can I rely on online reviews?

Reviews are useful when they show their source, the treatment and the date, but no single review should decide your choice. Read patient reviews alongside your own checks.

Is a clinic or a hospital better?

Neither label guarantees quality. Check the licence, the team and the arrangements for emergencies in each case.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace professional medical or travel health advice.