Turkey – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Turkey?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent the defining health challenge facing Turkey today. They account for over 89 percent of all deaths in the country — a figure that firmly positions Turkey among nations where lifestyle-related illnesses, rather than infectious pathogens, carry the greatest public health weight. This pattern broadly echoes what is observed across Southern and Eastern Europe.

The three leading causes of death are cardiovascular diseases (35.4%), cancer (15.2%), and respiratory diseases (13.5%). Heart disease and stroke therefore constitute the single largest cause of mortality — consistent with much of the wider European region, though Turkey’s elevated rates of smoking and obesity amplify this burden further.

Cancer diagnoses are rising among adults under 50, with growing numbers of breast, colon, pancreatic, and testicular cancer cases being identified in younger age groups. Medical experts attribute this partly to dietary changes and rising obesity, as well as improvements in screening and diagnostic imaging that are uncovering cases previously missed.

Diabetes is directly responsible for 2% of all deaths in Turkey, while many additional fatalities occur as a result of diabetic kidney complications and the effects of chronically elevated blood sugar — some estimates suggest that diabetes-related consequences may be implicated in as many as 20% of total deaths. A 2016 assessment put the proportion of the population with diabetes at 13.2%, with the trend continuing upward.

Ministry of Health data reveals that, over a 15-year period, the greatest increases in disease burden were recorded for Alzheimer’s disease (up 68.4%) and stroke (up 57.4%). These figures underscore the mounting pressures that come with population ageing and increasingly sedentary urban lifestyles.

Turkey spans a vast geographic and socio-economic range, which affects the distribution of infectious diseases — some rarely encountered in Western Europe. However, successfully implemented public health programmes have sharply reduced rates of community-acquired infections such as tuberculosis and malaria, which posed major threats only a few decades ago. Eastern and south-eastern provinces generally see worse health outcomes compared to the more developed western urban centres of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

Is Turkey considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Turkey has made considerable strides in population health over recent decades, with the 2003 Health Transformation Program serving as a catalyst — extending near-universal health insurance coverage and substantially modernising the delivery of healthcare services. While overall health indicators have improved markedly, certain areas continue to trail behind comparable economies.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), life expectancy at birth over the 2021–2023 period stood at 77.3 years — 74.7 years for men and 80.0 years for women. Healthy life expectancy over the same period was 57.6 years. The nearly 20-year gap between total life expectancy and healthy life expectancy reflects a substantial burden of years spent living with illness or disability — an important consideration for those contemplating long-term residence.

United Nations figures place Turkey’s 2023 life expectancy at 77.2 years overall (74.5 for men, 79.9 for women), a figure consistent with the World Bank Group’s estimate of 77.2 years. These numbers are broadly comparable to several EU member states in Central and Eastern Europe, though they remain below the EU-27 average of approximately 80–81 years.

Despite gains in overall indicators such as life expectancy and child mortality, regional health inequalities and challenges in reproductive health services persist. As of 2023, Turkey does not carry out systematic health impact assessments, and its performance in upholding the right to health — reproductive health in particular — falls short of international benchmarks relative to its income level.

Demographically, Turkey is undergoing a transition characterised by population ageing and declining birth rates; between 2007 and 2022, the fertility rate fell from 2.16 to 1.62, while life expectancy climbed to 78.3 years (2018–2020 reference period). This shift will place ever-increasing demands on health infrastructure in the decades ahead. For the most current data, consult the WHO country data page for Türkiye and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Turkey?

From an infectious disease perspective, Turkey is generally considered a safe destination, and the risk profile for most new arrivals or visitors is relatively low. Even so, a number of environmental and disease-related factors are worth factoring into your health planning before you make the move.

According to WHO thresholds, 80 out of 81 provinces in Turkey are exposed to polluted air, with an estimated 30,000 premature deaths attributed to air pollution annually. WHO 2018 data placed Turkey’s rate of premature air-pollution-related deaths at 46.6 per 100,000 people — approximately 1.5 times the WHO European regional average. Major urban centres — Istanbul in particular during the winter months — can experience severe smog episodes. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should pay close attention to local air quality reports.

Air pollution is estimated to contribute to 8% of deaths in Turkey (based on 2019 data). Coal burning is a significant driver — it is used for heating in homes and even in cities — and rural and industrial areas in the country’s east tend to suffer worse coal-related air quality than the western coastal cities.

Water quality varies considerably across the country. In major cities, tap water undergoes treatment and formally meets safety standards, yet many residents and expatriates prefer bottled or filtered water. In rural areas, it is advisable to rely on bottled water for drinking and to exercise caution around food hygiene, particularly when it comes to street food or fresh produce washed in unfiltered water.

Between 2006 and 2017, new HIV infections in Turkey rose by 465%, bucking the declining trend seen across much of the rest of the world. Stigma surrounding the disease continues to discourage testing and treatment — an important public health concern with wider implications for the population.

Regarding antibiotic use, Turkey ranks first among OECD countries and second globally for antimicrobial resistance. This means that common bacterial infections contracted in Turkey may prove more resistant to standard antibiotic treatment — a particularly relevant consideration if you need hospital care.

No specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Turkey, but health authorities in many countries advise travellers and new residents to be current with routine immunisations, including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B. Vaccines included on the Turkish government’s official immunisation schedule are provided free of charge. Always consult your home country’s official travel health body — such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your national equivalent — for the most up-to-date vaccination guidance before relocating.

Is smoking common in Turkey, and what are the laws around it?

Tobacco use has deep cultural roots in Turkey, with a history stretching back to Ottoman times. Over the past two decades, however, the country has undergone a striking transformation in tobacco control, gaining international recognition as a model for public health policy in this field.

A 2017 study examining non-communicable disease risk factors in Turkey found tobacco use among 31.6% of individuals — considerably above the EU average of roughly 23–24%, though meaningfully reduced from historically higher levels. Smoking is more prevalent among men, though rates among women are also notable.

Smoking was initially restricted in 1997 in public buildings employing more than four people, as well as aboard aircraft and public buses. On 3 January 2008, Turkey enacted a smoking ban extending to all indoor spaces, including bars, cafés, and restaurants, as well as sports stadiums and the grounds of mosques and hospitals.

The smoking ban took effect on 19 May 2008; bars, restaurants, and cafés were, however, granted an exemption until mid-July 2009. On 19 July 2009, the indoor public smoking prohibition was extended to cover these venues — including bars, restaurants, village coffeehouses, and hookah bars. These protections are broadly in line with EU-wide standards, although enforcement in practice can be inconsistent — outdoor terraces and designated smoking zones remain a common feature.

In the WHO’s 2013 Global Tobacco Control Report, Turkey was recognised as the first country in the world to achieve a high level of success across all six MPOWER tobacco control strategies, with other nations encouraged to follow its lead. This is a significant distinction that places Turkey ahead of many comparable economies in terms of its regulatory framework.

The manufacture and commercial importation of e-cigarettes is prohibited in Turkey, meaning only conventional combustible cigarettes are legally produced and sold. Plain packaging requirements for tobacco products came into force at the manufacturer level on 5 December 2019, and at the retail level on 5 January 2020. Despite the formal ban on e-cigarettes, vaping products have reportedly become more accessible through informal channels. Expats should note that buying or importing e-cigarettes may carry legal consequences.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Turkey?

Obesity ranks among the most pressing public health challenges in Turkey, and the scale of the problem is considerable. According to the WHO European Obesity Report 2022, Turkey records the highest rate of overweight and obese adults in the entire WHO European Region, with more than 65% of adults falling into these categories. This is a striking position for a country whose traditional Mediterranean and Anatolian food heritage is widely celebrated for its health qualities.

Obesity rates are higher among women (39.1%) than men (24.6%). The growing prevalence of obesity is closely linked to shifts in eating habits — Turkish people now consume fewer wholegrains, bread, vegetables, and fruits than in previous generations. The retreat from traditional diets centred on pulses, whole grains, seasonal produce, and olive oil in favour of processed and fast food is a primary factor driving this change.

Urbanisation is itself a significant contributor to obesity in Turkey, as city living tends to involve more sedentary routines, greater reliance on public transport, a higher proportion of desk-based jobs, and altered social and economic patterns. Rural-to-urban migration is widespread and can bring elevated unemployment, which may further reduce opportunities for physical activity.

A 2017 survey found that 64.4% of respondents were overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²), 28.8% were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), and 43.6% were insufficiently physically active, with participants spending a median of just 30 minutes per day engaged in physical activity.

The Turkish Ministry of Health has introduced a “Multisectoral Action Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases 2017–2025” to address and manage NCDs within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. Diabetes has been designated as one of the government’s top health priorities, and a dedicated operational action plan for diabetes, overweight, and obesity is in place as a national response. Expats who embrace Turkey’s vibrant food culture should be mindful of the relatively high sugar, salt, and saturated fat content in some popular dishes, while making the most of the abundant fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish readily available — especially along the coasts.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Turkey?

Mental health is an area in Turkey where cultural attitudes and service provision are gradually evolving, but meaningful challenges remain in place. Stigma surrounding mental illness persists across many communities and acts as a significant obstacle to help-seeking. This is an important backdrop for any expat who may need to access mental health support after moving to the country.

Historically, psychological distress in many Turkish communities has tended to be expressed through physical (somatic) symptoms, and formally seeking psychiatric or psychological help has carried social stigma. This is slowly changing — particularly among younger and more urban populations — and public awareness has grown considerably in recent years. Nevertheless, expats from countries where discussing mental health is more culturally normalised may encounter a noticeably different social environment.

Turkey is actively working to develop and expand its mental healthcare infrastructure, opening new facilities and training more specialists. According to the Ministry of Health, one in nine people in the country now seeks mental health support. In-patient psychiatric treatment is available in the majority of medical facilities, and dedicated psychiatric hospitals — such as Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital in Istanbul — exist in major cities.

Public mental health services are accessible within the general healthcare system to registered residents. However, compared with countries offering comprehensive universal mental healthcare pathways — such as France, Germany, or the Netherlands, where GPs routinely refer patients to state-funded psychologists or psychiatrists — the availability of publicly funded outpatient psychological therapy in Turkey is considerably more restricted. Waiting times for specialist psychiatric care within the public system can be lengthy.

Private mental health services are more accessible, especially in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, and a growing number of private practitioners offer consultations in multiple languages — a valuable resource for expats. Costs vary considerably; check with individual practitioners and your insurer about what your policy covers. Many international health insurance plans include mental health benefits, so reviewing these details before arrival is advisable.

When both disease burden and disability-related causes are taken together, the leading conditions include low back pain, neonatal disorders, depressive disorders, headache disorders, and gynaecological disease — illustrating that mental health conditions such as depression represent a substantial, if frequently under-reported, health burden in Turkey.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Turkey?

Turkey is a welcoming and broadly safe country for those relocating from abroad, but several health challenges can affect newcomers. Being well-prepared before you arrive can smooth the transition considerably.

Climate adjustment: Turkey’s climate ranges dramatically — from the humid, temperate Black Sea coast to the arid interior of Anatolia and the warm Mediterranean and Aegean shorelines. Newly arrived residents may experience heat-related illness, particularly during summer when temperatures in cities like Ankara and Gaziantep can surpass 35–40°C. Expats with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions should exercise particular caution during heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of such events in Turkey, with further implications for health.

Air quality: According to WHO limits, 80 out of 81 provinces of Turkey are exposed to polluted air; based on national air quality standards, 67% of cities have poor air quality. Those relocating from countries or regions with cleaner air — particularly Scandinavian nations or smaller towns — may notice a marked difference, especially in winter when coal-fuelled domestic heating worsens urban pollution. Indoor air purifiers have become a routine purchase for many Istanbul residents.

Dietary adjustment: Turkish cuisine is rich, diverse, and deeply enjoyable, but a number of dishes are high in salt, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. Expats who do not actively incorporate Turkey’s plentiful fresh produce, fish, legumes, and olive oil into their diet may find it easy to gain weight, particularly given the country’s warm hospitality culture centred around shared meals.

Healthcare registration: Expats who have lived in Turkey for more than a year can be enrolled in the public insurance scheme, paying a monthly fee of approximately ₺800, or around $30 (as of 2024 — verify current fees). Those who have lived in the country for less than a year are required to hold private healthcare insurance. Registering with a local family health centre (Sağlık Merkezi) early in your stay is strongly recommended, as it provides a consistent point of contact for primary care. Legal residents can access free care in public family health facilities, with appointment booking available online via mhrs.gov.tr.

Recommended steps for new arrivals:

1. Ensure you have valid health insurance before arriving — either international private cover or, after one year, enrolment in Turkey’s public scheme (SGK).
2. Register with a local family health centre (Aile Sağlığı Merkezi) as soon as you have your residence permit.
3. Consult your home country’s travel health authority about recommended vaccinations and health checks before departure.
4. Arrange a baseline health screening, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions, to establish care with a local doctor.
5. Monitor local air quality using apps or official reports, especially if you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
6. Drink bottled or filtered water until you are confident in local tap water quality in your specific area.
7. Familiarise yourself with emergency services: the general emergency number in Turkey is 112.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Turkey?

Finding trustworthy health information in an unfamiliar country can be challenging, particularly when language barriers are a factor. Turkey has a range of official and practical resources that expats should be aware of, and relying on authoritative sources — rather than informal advice — is essential.

The principal official body for health matters in Turkey is the Turkish Ministry of Health (Sağlık Bakanlığı), which publishes public health guidance, disease surveillance data, vaccination schedules, and policy updates. The ministry’s website is primarily in Turkish, though some content is available in additional languages. Healthcare services in Turkey are administered by the Ministry of Health through a centralised state framework.

For health statistics and demographic data, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat / TÜİK) publishes regular health surveys, life expectancy figures, and disease burden analyses. The WHO country profile for Türkiye is another essential reference point, offering internationally comparable health indicators that are updated on a regular basis.

Before relocating, consult your home country’s official travel health authority for vaccination guidance and pre-departure health advice. Useful examples include the US CDC Turkey travel page, the UK’s FCDO Turkey health advice, or the equivalent body in your country of origin. These resources are updated regularly and provide current information on vaccination requirements, disease outbreaks, and healthcare access.

For expats managing ongoing health needs, private hospitals in Turkey’s major cities — including the Acıbadem, Memorial, and Medicana hospital groups — routinely employ multilingual staff and have extensive experience treating international patients. Many international health insurance providers maintain networks that include these facilities. Always confirm which hospitals are included in your policy before an emergency arises.

Health information and requirements — including vaccination schedules, public health alerts, and insurance eligibility rules — can change over time. Always verify the latest details with official sources both before you relocate and periodically thereafter, as policies and guidelines are subject to revision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Turkey

Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey?

Tap water in Turkey’s main cities is treated and formally meets safety standards, but many residents — both local and foreign — opt for bottled or filtered water due to taste preferences and concerns about pipe quality in older apartment buildings. In rural areas, relying on bottled water for drinking and cooking is particularly advisable. It is worth checking with neighbours or local residents in your specific location for the most current advice.

What vaccinations are recommended before moving to Turkey?

No vaccinations are legally required for entry into Turkey, but health authorities in most countries advise ensuring that routine immunisations — including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis A and B — are up to date before you relocate. Seek personalised, current advice from your home country’s official travel health authority — such as the CDC, TravelHealthPro, or your national equivalent — well before your departure date.

How does air pollution in Turkey affect health?

An estimated 30,000 premature deaths are attributed to air pollution in Turkey each year, and WHO figures show that the country’s rate of premature pollution-related deaths (46.6 per 100,000) is 1.5 times the WHO European regional average. People with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions should actively monitor local air quality — particularly during winter in large cities. Installing an indoor air purifier and checking air quality forecasts regularly are practical measures worth considering.

Can expats access mental health services in Turkey?

Yes, mental health services exist in Turkey through both the public system and private providers. In-patient psychiatric care is available in most medical facilities, and dedicated psychiatric hospitals — such as Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital — operate in major cities. In urban centres, a growing number of private psychologists and therapists offer sessions in multiple languages, making support more accessible for expats. Review your international health insurance policy carefully for mental health coverage terms before you need to use it.

Is obesity a concern for expats moving to Turkey?

Turkey has among the highest rates of overweight and obesity in Europe, and expats will find themselves in a food culture where generous, convivial meals are a central part of social life. Fortunately, Turkey is also rich in fresh produce, seafood, legumes, and Mediterranean-inspired food options. Adopting an active lifestyle and being conscious of dietary choices — especially during the early months of adjustment — will go a long way towards helping expats maintain their health.

How serious is antibiotic resistance in Turkey?

Turkey ranks first among OECD countries in antibiotic consumption and second globally for antimicrobial resistance. This means that if you contract a bacterial infection requiring treatment, standard antibiotics may be less effective than expected. Resist the temptation to self-medicate with antibiotics — which can be purchased over the counter more easily in Turkey than in many other countries — and always seek a proper medical prescription and follow your doctor’s instructions.

What is the emergency number for medical help in Turkey?

The universal emergency number in Turkey is 112, covering ambulance, fire, and police services. In tourist hotspots and major cities, English-speaking operators are frequently available, but knowing your address in Turkish and the name of a nearby landmark can be very helpful. Storing your insurance company’s emergency contact line and the number of your nearest private hospital in your phone is strongly recommended.

Do expats need private health insurance in Turkey?

Expats who have resided in Turkey for more than one year may enrol in the public health insurance programme (SGK), paying a monthly premium of approximately ₺800, or around $30 (as of 2024 — check current rates). Those who have been in the country for less than a year are required by law to hold private health insurance. Many expats choose to retain international or private coverage throughout their stay in order to access private hospitals and enjoy broader protection. Always verify the most current eligibility rules with the Social Security Institution (SGK) before and after your arrival.