Health Tips for Turkey

Turkey has good medical facilities in cities, and most travelers have no health issues. This guide covers the basics: water safety, sun protection, pharmacies, hospitals, travel insurance, and what to do in an emergency. Common sense and basic precautions are all you need.

Water Safety

Tap water in Turkey is technically safe to drink. It meets national safety standards. However, it is heavily chlorinated and many visitors dislike the taste. Most Turks drink bottled water at home and in restaurants.

Recommendations:

• Drink bottled water — it is cheap (15-30 TL / $0.50-1 for 1.5L) and widely available
• Use bottled water for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach
• Ice in restaurants is typically made from commercial filtered water and is safe
• Tap water is fine for washing fruits and vegetables
• In remote rural areas, always drink bottled water

Sun Protection

The Turkish sun is strong, especially on the Mediterranean coast and in Cappadocia. Even in spring and autumn, the sun can cause burns quickly.

• Sunscreen: Use SPF 30 or higher. Apply generously and reapply every 2 hours if swimming or sweating
• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, ears, and neck
• Sunglasses: Polarized lenses reduce glare from water and white buildings
• Water: Drink regularly — dehydration is common in summer heat
• Seek shade: Avoid direct sun between 11 AM and 3 PM when UV is strongest

Food Safety

Turkish food is generally safe. Street food is delicious and normally fine. Use common sense:

• Eat at places with high turnover — food sits out less time
• Watch for fresh preparation: döner should be cooked and carved in front of you
• Seafood should be eaten only near the coast and in season
• Wash fruits and vegetables with bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach
• Dairy products (cheese, yogurt) from supermarkets are pasteurized and safe

Pharmacies (Eczane)

Pharmacies (eczane) are everywhere in Turkish cities. They are marked with a green cross and red "E" sign.

• Hours: Typically 9 AM - 7 PM weekdays, closed Sunday
• Emergency pharmacies: In every district, one pharmacy stays open late (nöbetçi eczane). Your hotel can tell you which one.
• Medications: Many prescription drugs in other countries are sold over the counter in Turkey (antibiotics require prescription)
• Pharmacists speak English: In tourist areas, pharmacists usually speak enough English to help with common issues

Hospitals & Medical Care

Turkey has two types of hospitals: public and private. Private hospitals are cleaner, faster, and more comfortable. English-speaking doctors are common in private hospitals in tourist areas.

Private Hospitals:

• High standard of care, modern equipment
• English-speaking staff
• Higher cost but still reasonable by Western standards (consultation $50-100)
• Examples: Acıbadem, Memorial, Medical Park, Amerikan Hastanesi (Istanbul)

Public Hospitals:

• Cheaper but longer waiting times
• Less English spoken
• Suitable for emergencies

Common Health Issues

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache. Move to shade, drink water, cool down with wet cloth. If symptoms worsen (confusion, fainting, no sweating), seek medical help immediately.

Digestive Issues

Traveler's diarrhea can happen from different bacteria in food and water. Usually resolves in 1-2 days. Drink bottled water, eat plain foods (rice, bread, bananas), and use over-the-counter remedies from a pharmacy. If severe or bloody, see a doctor.

Allergies

Pollen in spring (April-May) can trigger allergies in Istanbul and inland areas. Antihistamines are available at pharmacies without prescription.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are present near water (Dalyan, coastal areas) in summer. Use repellent. No major mosquito-borne diseases in Turkey, though West Nile virus is reported rarely.

Recommended Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations for Turkey. Most traveler do not get any vaccinations before traveling to Turkey. Unless there is an official decree or you think you will be in a situation or place where you will need vaccination, you do not need vaccination. However also know that the CDC and WHO recommend:

• Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B (for travelers who may need medical treatment)
• Typhoid (for travelers eating outside hotels, especially in small towns)

Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel for any questions regarding your health and Turkey trip.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may be necessary for Turkey. It is not mandatory, but it is a good idea. Medical care in private hospitals is good but expensive. Check that your policy covers:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
• Medical evacuation (to your home country or to a major city)
• Cancelation and trip interruption
• Lost or stolen luggage

See our detailed travel insurance guide for more information.

Medical Kit Checklist

Pack a small medical kit for common issues:

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Antidiarrheal medication (loperamide)
• Oral rehydration salts
• Antiseptic wipes and bandages
• Motion sickness tablets (for winding roads or boat trips)
• Your regular prescription medications (in original bottles, with copies of prescriptions)