Medical tourism law is a multidisciplinary field that can be examined within the scope of immigration law, criminal law, administrative law, commercial law, contract law, and other legal disciplines. Individuals benefiting from cross-border healthcare services must do so with full awareness of their legal rights. In this context, there are legal regulations governing international medical tourism and the protection of tourists’ health.

Any legal disputes that may arise between the health tourist and the healthcare provider—such as hospitals, physicians, or intermediary institutions—are evaluated within the framework of private international law.

For example, if healthcare services are received in Türkiye under medical tourism, legal proceedings are conducted in accordance with Turkish law, while procedural matters are handled within the scope of private international law. A health tourist may file a compensation claim against the hospital, physician, or intermediary institution due to unlawful acts (tort) or breach of contract. Such claims are examined and resolved in accordance with the applicable national laws and private international law principles.

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Medical Tourism Law in Türkiye

In Türkiye, medical tourism law is governed in line with the principles of International Medical Law. Since medical tourism is also a commercial activity, international commercial law rules are applied as well.

A health tourist traveling to Türkiye to receive medical services may file a lawsuit against the hospital, physician, intermediary institution, or even the Ministry of Health, if legal responsibilities are deemed not to have been fulfilled. Such cases are reviewed and concluded in accordance with Turkish legislation and private international law.

As medical tourism in Türkiye has shown significant growth since 2010, the legal framework governing this field has developed in parallel. Foreign nationals who come to Türkiye for medical treatment—or who become ill unexpectedly while vacationing in Türkiye—may initiate legal, administrative, or criminal proceedings if they encounter malpractice or unlawful medical practices.

Legal proceedings are conducted and resolved within the scope of the Regulation on International Health Tourism and the Health of Tourists, which is currently in force in Türkiye.

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Legal Regulations on Medical Tourism in Türkiye

Within the scope of medical tourism law, various legislations, directives, and regulations have been issued. Under the 11th Development Plan (2019–2023), it was decided to further develop medical tourism and elevate it to a more active position.

The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Treasury and Finance, and Ministry of Family and Social Services carry out coordinated efforts in this field.

The main legal regulations governing medical tourism in Türkiye include:

• The Directive on Health Tourism and Tourist Health, which entered into force with the Ministerial Approval dated 23.07.2013 and numbered 25541.
• The Regulation on International Health Tourism and the Health of Tourists, published in the Official Gazette dated 13.07.2013 and numbered 30123.
• Decree Law No. 663, concerning the organization and duties of the Ministry of Health and its affiliated institutions.
• The Regulation on Private Hospitals, published in the Official Gazette dated 27.03.2002 and numbered 24708, which defines the services that private institutions are required to provide within the scope of tourist health.