Turkish residents spent TL 10.6 billion on domestic travel for healthcare purposes during the first quarter of the year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), as total domestic travel expenditure exceeded TL 102.3 billion.
Domestic health-related travel accounted for TL 10.6 billion in spending during the first quarter, according to new data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). The figures show that travel for medical care remained a significant component of domestic tourism expenditure, reflecting continued patient mobility within Türkiye’s healthcare system.
Turkish residents spent TL 10.6 billion on domestic travel for healthcare purposes during the first quarter of the year, according to the latest Household Domestic Tourism Statistics published by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat).
Overall, domestic travelers spent TL 102.3 billion on trips within Türkiye during the January–March period, with healthcare-related travel representing one of the notable expenditure categories.
Healthcare remained a significant reason for domestic travel
The TurkStat data indicate that many residents continued to travel within the country to access healthcare services, including medical consultations, specialized treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
These figures refer exclusively to domestic travel by Turkish residents and should not be confused with international medical tourism, which measures healthcare services provided to foreign patients.
Domestic travel expenditure exceeded TL 102 billion
According to the official statistics, spending on transportation, accommodation, food and beverages, healthcare, and other travel-related services pushed total domestic tourism expenditure above TL 102.3 billion during the first quarter.
The data highlight the continued economic importance of domestic travel while illustrating the role of healthcare services in shaping travel patterns across the country.
Indicator of patient mobility
Health-related domestic travel provides insight into patient mobility and access to specialized healthcare services. Advanced hospitals, university medical centers, and specialized treatment facilities frequently receive patients from other provinces, contributing to healthcare-driven travel within Türkiye.
Experts say these statistics can also help policymakers evaluate regional healthcare capacity and identify areas where access to specialized services may be strengthened.
Why It Matters
Domestic health-related travel is an important indicator of healthcare accessibility and patient mobility. Beyond its contribution to the domestic tourism economy, the data help policymakers assess how patients access specialized medical services across regions and support long-term healthcare planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is domestic health-related travel?
It refers to trips made by residents within Türkiye primarily to receive healthcare services, including consultations, treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, or follow-up care.
Does the TL 10.6 billion represent international medical tourism revenue?
No. The figure relates solely to healthcare-related travel by Turkish residents within the country and does not include spending by international patients.
How much did domestic travelers spend overall in the first quarter?
According to TurkStat, total domestic travel expenditure reached TL 102.3 billion during the first quarter of the year.
Why are these data important?
The statistics provide valuable insight into patient mobility, healthcare utilization, and the economic contribution of healthcare-related travel to Türkiye’s domestic tourism sector.
Source: Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat)
