Over the course of three days, the annual global conference featured approximately 1,500 attendees from the public sector and private sector, health insurance companies, employers and insurance agents attended.  It also featured over 160 speakers and 120 exhibitors and sponsors.

Over 60 countries participated in the conference including Turkey, which focused on the high quality of care and the investment in healthcare throughout the world.  The conference also featured Ministers' Roundtable where Ministers of Health and Tourism addressed the opportunities and challenges of the industry in their respective countries.

“The Second Annual World Medical Tourism & Global Health Congress in Los Angeles, California was an absolute success for the Turkish Delegation. We look forward to having an even larger presence next year and solidifying Turkey as a top Sponsor.” said Emin Cakmak, Chairman of the Turkish Healthcare Tourism Development Council.

Istanbul is one of the most diverse cities in the world, a city that has it all – fine dining, historic buildings and architecture, tourism – a city balanced gracefully between traditions of old and the innovations of today. What Istanbul and Turkey are not as well known for is their reputation around the world as a center of excellence for healthcare and being one of the top worldwide destinations for affordable medical and dental care. 

It is estimated 200,000 patients travel from other countries each year to Turkey for health checkups, orthopedics, cosmetic and plastic surgery, dental care, eye care and heart care, plus many other types of healthcare and surgery. Patients travel from as far as the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Kosovo, the Middle East and some other areas in Europe. Many patients travel to Turkey specifically because of the excellent eye and dental care.

Some of the patients traveling to Turkey are traveling because Turkey has a higher level of quality than in their own home country. Others travel to Turkey for more affordable healthcare. For example, many Americans travel to Turkey because they can receive a savings of up to 76 percent each year.  In a recent survey conducted by the Medical Tourism Association, www.MedicalTourismAssociation.com, the ever popular heart bypass in the United States costs on average $130,000 while in Turkey, this procedure averages $13,000, a significant savings for the out of pocket cash paying patient and insurance companies alike. 

Turkey also offers a rich array of non-medical activities for medical tourists. When patients travel for medical care, over 80 percent of patients bring a companion with them, such as a spouse, loved one or family member. Typically patients and their companions spend two to three weeks in the foreign country. Over 95 percent of patients and companions recently surveyed by the Medical Tourism Magazine said they engaged in tourism activities. Istanbul provides many options for patients and their companions.  Patients and their companions can visit Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosqua, aya Sofya and the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. 

Special consideration is being offered through Turkish Airlines for international patients to receive 25% discount over their system fares from USA to Turkey for both patient and provider with proof of referral from an American physician or acceptance from a Turkish Hospital or doctor.  Turkish Airlines is the first to issue such a discount, which clearly demonstrates them as the lead supporter for Turkey in its effort to position itself in the medical tourism industry.