Hair transplant in Turkey from the United States

The CDC notes that licensing and accreditation requirements in some countries may be less strict than in the United States.

“Quality of Care. Some countries' requirements for maintaining licensure, credentialing, and accreditation may also be less than what would be required in the United States. In some countries, counterfeit medicines and lower quality medical devices may be used.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Travelers' Health, 1 June 2023

Follow-up care for complications after returning can be expensive and may not be covered by your insurance.

“Continuity of Care. Travelers may need to get health care in the United States if they develop complications after returning. Follow-up care for complications might be expensive. Treatment might be prolonged and might not be covered by your health insurance.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Travelers' Health, 1 June 2023

The CDC advises checking the clinician’s qualifications and the facility’s credentials, and notes that accreditation does not guarantee a good outcome.

“Check the qualifications of the clinician who will be doing the procedure and the credentials of the facility where the procedure will be done. ... Please note that all surgeries carry the risk of complications and accreditation does not guarantee a positive outcome.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Travelers' Health, 1 June 2023

It advises a pre-travel consultation 4 to 6 weeks before the trip and getting copies of all medical records before returning home.

“Get a pretravel consultation. See your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinician at least 4-6 weeks before the trip ... Get copies of all your medical records from the medical facility at your destination before you return home. You may need to get them translated into English.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Travelers' Health, 1 June 2023

The State Department advises verifying the doctor’s training, qualifications and reputation before travelling for care.

“If you are a U.S. citizen considering travel abroad for medical care, you should: Verify the doctor's training, qualifications, and reputation.” U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 7 February 2025

The State Department says medical care in Turkish hospitals varies greatly.

“Medical care provided in Turkish hospitals varies greatly. Though new private hospitals in Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul have modern facilities, equipment, numerous U.S.-trained specialists, and international accreditation, some still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions.” U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 27 June 2025

The State Department estimates that between 150,000 and 320,000 US citizens travel abroad for medical care each year.

“Between 150,000 and 320,000 U.S. citizens travel abroad for medical care each year. Medical tourism includes cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other surgical procedures.” U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, 7 February 2025

A CDC review of its consultations from 2014 to 2024 found about 145 patients with adverse outcomes after travelling for medical care, across destinations.

“Of 2,162 total CDC consultations reviewed, 34 involved patients who traveled for medical care. Researchers identified 21 reports involving approximately 145 patients with adverse outcomes, including infections, associated with both domestic and international surgery centers and clinics. ... Most consultations (14) were linked to surgery centers or clinics, and four consultations involved patient deaths.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Newsroom, 2 June 2026