Comprehensive Guide to IVF Treatment in Turkey: Cost, Planning, Experience
Chapter 9
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our complete guide on IVF! Now that you know everything about infertility, types of IVF, chances of IVF working, and how to prepare yourself for the procedure, we can discuss IVF in Turkey. We will tell you everything you need to know about getting IVF in Turkey. Once you finish this chapter, you’ll become an expert on;
- Why people choose Turkey to get IVF,
- The laws around IVF in Turkey,
- IVF prices in Turkey in comparison to other countries,
- And details about what you can do in Istanbul during your stay.
Chapter 1 What is IVF and how does it work?
Chapter 2 IVF and Female Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chapter 3 IVF and Male Infertility: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Chapter 4 IVF Success Rates by Age, Diagnosis, and Additional Treatments
Chapter 5 How To Prepare For IVF: Diet, Exercise, And Lifestyle Guide For IVF Success
Chapter 6 IVF Treatment: Step by Step
Chapter 7 After IVF: Implantation, the 2-Week Wait, and Failure
Chapter 8 Cost of IVF Explained with Price Breakdowns
Chapter 9 Comprehensive Guide to IVF Treatment in Turkey: Cost, Planning, Experience
What do you need to know about IVF in Turkey?
IVF and other types of ART have been conducted in Turkey for over 30 years. With the exceptional care provided by expert doctors, it’s no wonder that Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for people that want to get fertility treatment. Thousands of international patients from other continents and neighboring countries fly to Turkey every year to get quality and affordable healthcare. Turkey offers the same quality (if not better) treatments, with a fraction of the cost compared to other nations. As we will see in later in this chapter, numbers will speak for themselves when it comes to expertise, quality, and success.
Average Cost: €3500 | Duration: 21-25 days |
Payment Methods: Cash, Credit, Crypto & more | Hidden costs: No |
History of In Vitro Fertilization in Turkey
The study of In Vitro Fertilization in Turkey began with trials on mice in 1985. More than 4000 thousand mice eggs were fertilized. The first IVF center in Turkey opened in June 1988 at Ege University. At the time, even transvaginal ultrasounds weren’t widely available in Turkey, so the doctors working on IVF made a great effort to import equipment from overseas as much as they could, even asking for the help of pilots. All this great effort was worth it with the birth of Turkey’s very own IVF baby.
Gülizar Özden Türk, who was 32 years old when she gave birth, and Atilla çokar decided to become parents in the 9th year of their marriage. With the recent developments, they had a chance of pregnancy with IVF. On April 18th, 1989, the couple gave birth to their daughter Ece, the first IVF baby in Turkey. The first 7 IVF transfers in Turkey resulted in 2 live births, almost double the world average at the time.[1]
Why get IVF in Turkey?
When it comes to IVF Turkey is one of the most preferred destinations. As it is well known, IVF can be a difficult process; with its emotional and financial aspects. It is important to reduce the amount of stress you experience during the process for the best results. Getting IVF in Turkey can be of great help when it comes to reducing both the financial and emotional burden of the process. Instead of putting yourself in debilitating debt for the same service quality, you could have in your home country, why not choose a more affordable option? And while getting treated, why not create an incredible memory that you’ll remember for the rest of your life? Your experience will be full of fun memories of your travels, and hopefully, it will be the story of how your pregnancy began.
Why do people choose Turkey for IVF?
Although each person’s decision to get IVF in Turkey is different, we can find some common threads;
- Affordability: IVF is an insanely expensive therapy. In the United States, the UK and other European countries where health care services are not provided by the government, paying for IVF out of pocket is very difficult. Most people cannot get the fertility treatments they need to conceive because they don’t have health insurance, and even if they do, it doesn’t offer IVF coverage. Considering that people may need multiple IVF cycles to get pregnant, the total spent on these treatments can reach six figures quickly. Especially in the United States, it can cost a couple over $100.000 to get pregnant. In a study [2], getting IVF in Turkey proved to be 50% more cost-effective than getting IVF in the US. Thankfully, especially in Turkey, people can get infertility treatments for a much more affordable price, without dragging themselves into financial ruin.
- Congestion: Even if in your country there’s a national health care system, it might not offer IVF coverage. And if they do, they usually have an age limitation, restrictions on how many cycles of IVF can be covered, or they might have very long waiting lists. For example in the UK, if you can get NHS approval for IVF, you’ll have a waiting time of up to 4 and a half months. And your waiting time can change depending on the area you live, making the situation all the more unpredictable. This is simply too much time people do not want to waste. For people that are looking to conceive as soon as they can, traveling abroad to get affordable and fast IVF in clinics might be an option to bypass age restrictions, waiting lists, or to get another ART cycle without breaking the bank.
- Expertise: There’s a reason why Turkey is the hub of medical tourism: Turkish doctors are highly skilled and have a lot of experience in their respective subjects. The ratio of doctors to patients in Turkey is around 1/500, on top of that, they treat many international patients. This provides a unique advantage to Turkish doctors, as they’ll have significantly more practical experience performing operations. Especially when it comes to IVF, success depends on the experience and the skill of the doctors and the lab team. On average, 42.000 IVF cycles are completed in Turkey every year. Naturally, people from all over the world trust Turkish doctors to take care of their health.
- Proven success: Success rates are submitted to the Ministry of Health in Turkey and are not available to the public, but individual clinics usually display them proudly. The percentage of successful IVF treatments in the top Turkish hospital specializing in IVF was significantly higher compared to the average in the United States.[3]
Age of Women | Success Rate in Turkey | Success Rate in the USA |
35 and below | 68% | 48% |
35-37 | 63% | 39% |
38-40 | 44% | 30% |
41-42 | 32% | 20% |
42 and above | 9% | 9% |
Why is Turkey trendy for medical tourism?
It’s plain and simple; Turkey offers the unique combination of exceptional medical care provided by esteemed doctors, state-of-the-art hospitals, affordable prices, and ideal holiday spots making it the perfect country for the medical tourism market. Just in the last year, over 1300 new clinics and around 250 new tourism providers were licensed for medical tourism operations.[4]
What is the quality of healthcare in Turkey?
Turkey has a thriving healthcare sector, where both the national healthcare service funded by the government, and private facilities coexist. Hospitals, labs, and clinics in Turkey are meticulously inspected and are equipped with the latest technologies.
Turkey has a very esteemed national healthcare system. Every Turkish citizen can benefit from this system and can receive free healthcare. Over 1.2 million healthcare professionals provide services in over 14.000 healthcare facilities. This year, the budget set for healthcare was over 116.5 billion Turkish Liras. This budget is mostly spent on providing the public with new hospitals that are equipped with cutting-edge technologies and very high capacities. [4]
As IVF is a very invasive process, it’s natural that you may have some questions about the safety of getting IVF abroad in Turkey. Let’s answer the most common questions:
Will there be a reduction in the quality or the safety?
No, the therapy you’ll get will be of the same standard as in the US, the UK, Canada, or the EU. The materials and medications used in IVF are the same because only a handful of companies produce them. And the methodology has to be the same across the board to ensure safety and success. In the stuydy [5] we previously talked about, IVF in Turkey proved to be safer than IVF in the USA.
Who is authorized to do IVF?
Well, the IVF process is a team effort. You need an entire team of skilled and experienced doctors, embryologists, lab staff, and nurses. Most doctors that perform IVF are obstetricians & gynecologists that are specialized in infertility. Doctors and clinics need to hold a TÜRSAB license to provide care to international patients.
Can I trust IVF specialists in Turkey?
Yes, but you should make sure that you’re choosing a qualified facility and a good doctor. We will inform you how you can choose the best IVF clinic in Turkey in the next paragraph.
How can I trust IVF clinics in Turkey?
IVF clinics, hospitals, and medical centers in Turkey are diligently inspected by the Ministry of Health. Every six months, clinics and labs are inspected on certain criteria, and if they do not meet the standards, their operation licenses are revoked.
How to get IVF in Turkey?
To start IVF and other assisted reproductive treatments in Turkey, the first step is to find an IVF fertility clinic you trust. Not all clinics provide the same care or offer the same services. Once you find the clinic you’re comfortable with, you can book an appointment and start the process.
How to choose the best IVF clinic in Turkey?
To make sure that you’ll be receiving IVF in a clinic that meets your standards, and expectations, and offers the treatments you need we recommend that you research these factors when it comes to choosing a clinic.
- Success rates: Clinics should be transparent when it comes to how successful their treatments are so if this information is not available, or seems unrealistic; be mindful.
- Accreditations & affiliations: Make sure you’re choosing a licensed clinic and your doctor has both national and international, reputable affiliations that can hold them accountable; such as Joint Commission International, and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. To check if your clinic is registered to TüRSAB, click here.
- Range of services: Make sure that the clinic you choose offers a variety of ART services so you can choose the best method for your needs, avoiding any extra costs or unnecessarily invasive operations.
- The latest technology available: Using the latest technology available increases the live birth rates, which should be the main concern of any IVF clinic.
- Highly qualified team & staff: Most people working in the assisted reproductive field agree that it’s the team of professionals that success depends on. An experienced team is your best bet when it comes to ensuring IVF success.
- Standard of healthcare facilities: It’s a good idea to do a little research on what kind of standards IVF clinics need to uphold, and check if your clinic meets those standards.
- Location: Make sure your clinic is located in a central area of the city for ease of transportation.
How can I book an appointment for IVF in Turkey?
With Arpanu Medical, booking an appointment is extremely easy. Your first step is to get in contact with us and talk to one of our specialists. You’ll be asked about your medical history; any illnesses you have, previous ART experiences and medical procedures, etc. Depending on the services you might want or need, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan. Once your plan is finalized, you can start the travel process. Let’s look at some frequently asked questions people ask before booking their trip.
Is it safe to travel abroad for IVF?
Yes, as long as the destination you’re traveling to and the clinic you’ll be attending are safe and hold to the standards we mentioned above. If you have any questions about the safety of traveling to Istanbul, you can read our blog post about the subject. Other than external factors, traveling does not interfere with the results or the success of IVF.
How many days do I need to stay in Turkey for IVF?
Depending on the treatment plan, this may vary, but it usually takes 21-25 days. The time you’ll stay in Turkey can change depending on what kind of stimulation protocol is used.
Does the male partner have to stay in Turkey?
The male partner must be in Turkey on the day where fertility tests are conducted, and also on the day of egg retrieval, as they need to provide samples. We know that the IVF process is extremely stressful for both parties, so we recommend that you go through the steps of IVF together, and be in support of one another.
How much waiting time for IVF in Turkey?
There are no waiting lists in Turkey. We will make sure you can start the process as soon as possible.
How long do I need to stay in the hospital for IVF?
In most cases, you won’t need to stay at the hospital for IVF, but after egg retrieval and embryo transfer, we recommend you rest at the hospital for 1-2 hours. Most of the time you’ll be spending in the hospital will be because of monitoring visits.
When can I go back home?
When your doctor agrees that your treatment is finalized, you can go back home as soon as you wish. For example, if you choose to freeze your embryos, your treatment will be complete after egg retrieval, until, at a later date in the future when you want to go through frozen transfer.
Is it safe to get on a plane after IVF?
Yes, it’s perfectly safe to travel after IVF. This question is wrongfully proposed because of a lack of understanding of how implantation works. Air travel won’t cause a miscarriage, or prevent implantation.
IVF in Turkey: Laws
Turkey has some pretty strict regulations when it comes to the availability of ART. While this ensures the safety of the IVF recipients and the babies, unfortunately, it means that not everyone’s situation is suitable to get these services in Turkey. We strongly recommend that you read this part carefully to make sure that the IVF services you’re looking for are available to you in Turkey. If you have any additional questions on your eligibility for treatment, please contact us for information.
Which IVF treatments are allowed in Turkey?
⦁ Fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), ICSI/IMSI are allowed, as well as IVM, and assisted hatching.
⦁ Pre Genetic Testing is also allowed, but sex selection is only legal when it’s done for medical reasons.
⦁ Cryopreservation (Freezing) of embryos is allowed; if you wish to freeze your eggs, you’ll have to let the lab know what you wish to do with your embryos after 1 year of cryopreservation.
⦁ There is no age limit when it comes to who can get IVF, but most clinics won’t treat women above the age of 46 out of concern.
⦁ Women below the age of 35 are allowed 1 embryo transfer for their first and second cycles, and on their third cycle, they are allowed double embryo transfer. Women above the age of 35 are allowed double embryo transfer.
⦁ Women can freeze their eggs for fertility preservation.
⦁ Getting IVF as an HIV-positive person in Turkey is legal, but individual clinics can refuse service out of safety concerns. If you’re an HIV-positive person seeking IVF, please make sure to research your chosen clinic’s HIV policy.
Married couples? | Yes |
Genetic testing? | Yes |
Gender selection? | Only for medical reasons |
Egg freezing? | Yes |
Age limit? | Up to 46 |
Embryos transferred at once? | 1 or 2 |
Which IVF treatments are not allowed in Turkey?
⦁ In Turkey, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, and surrogacy are strictly prohibited. Donor gametes are not available, and cannot be used under any circumstances. However, in North Cyprus, which is the southern neighbor of Turkey, egg, sperm, and embryo donation are allowed, but not surrogacy.
⦁ ART is not available for single women, single men, or LGBTQ+ couples. North Cyprus has no restrictions when it comes to egg freezing.
⦁ Gender selection is illegal unless it’s done for medical reasons.
How much does IVF cost in Turkey?
If you’re considering IVF in Turkey, the number one thing you must be curious about is the cost. The price of IVF can certainly vary a lot between not only countries but clinics. In places like the US or the UK, the baseline price may seem affordable at first glance, but then you’ll notice your doctor’s visits or medications for ovarian stimulation are not covered by the package they offer. Especially if you need treatments like ICSI or assisted hatching, and with all the additional expenses, the figures you see may double and triple very quickly. Let’s look at the range of ART treatment costs in Turkey and get an idea of how it compares to other countries. We will talk about what influences these prices further down.
Types of ART | Price Range in Turkey | Price Range in the USA | Price Range in the UK | Price Range in Europe |
IVF | €3500 – €5000 | $15.000 – $30.000 | £8.000 – £15.000 | €4000 – €8000 |
IUI | €900 – €3000 | $400 – $5000 | £750 – £3000 | €600 – €4000 |
ICSI | €1000 – €2000 | $1500 – $3000 | £1000 – £1500 | €1500 – €3000 |
IMSI | €1500 – €2500 | $2000 – $3500 | £1600 – £2000 | €2000 – €3500 |
PGT-A | €300 – €400 | $350 – $600 | £350 – £800 | €350 – €650 |
PGT-M | €2900 – €4000 | $3500 – $5000 | £4000 – £8000 | €3000 – €4500 |
PGT-M + A | €2900 + 300 | $3500 + 350 | £4000 + 350 | €3000 + 350 |
Assisted Hatching | €400 – €600 | $500 – $1000 | £400 – £600 | €450 – €550 |
How much does it cost to freeze your eggs in Turkey?
As mentioned above, egg freezing is allowed under certain conditions and it costs about €3000 in Turkey. If you do not fit the conditions required by law, in North Cyprus egg freezing also costs around €3000.
How much does IVF with embryo donation cost in Turkey?
Unfortunately, embryo donation is not available in Turkey, but in North Cyprus, it costs around €2500 – €5000 for people that need healthy embryos.
How much does IVF with donor eggs cost in Turkey?
In Turkey, you cannot receive IVF with donor eggs. If you’re suffering from low ovarian reserves or any other condition that affects the condition of your eggs and need healthy eggs to get pregnant, egg donation in North Cyprus costs about €4500 – €6000.
How much does IVF with donor sperm cost in Turkey?
Donated sperm cannot be used in Turkey, however, in North Cyprus, it’s possible to get different types of ART such as IVF or Artificial Insemination with donated sperm and it costs around €200 – €600.
How much does IVF with surrogacy cost in Turkey?
Due to ethical concerns, surrogacy is not legal in Turkey, and cannot be performed in any clinic.
Why is IVF cheaper in Turkey?
At first glance, lower prices for IVF in Turkey may seem too good to be true. Especially for such an expensive procedure as IVF, it’s normal that you wonder “Is it possible to get affordable IVF?”. Let’s explain the factors that make IVF cheap in Turkey.
⦁ Currency exchange: For strong currencies like the American Dollar, British Pound, and the Euro; the exchange rate to Turkish Lira makes expensive services like IVF fairly affordable while it is just as expensive for people that possess Turkish Lira.
⦁ Government incentives: The Turkish government is aware of the fact that Turkey is a fairly popular destination for individuals seeking medical services internationally. For this reason, the government assists medical tourism and private hospitals with incentives, tax cuts, and other benefits. Thus, private clinics can keep their fees low, ensuring competitive pricing and affordability without compromising any expenses that are needed for a comprehensive and safe procedure.
⦁ Cost of living: The cost of living in Turkey is very low when compared to countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, and other European countries because of the value of the Turkish Lira. The low cost of labor, materials, infrastructure and technologies results in affordable prices.
⦁ Competition: As a result of previous factors, the prices for ART treatments in Turkey are fairly low. On top of these, when we consider the fact that many clinics are offering services to people traveling abroad to Turkey, they’re able to keep competitive prices.
Are there any IVF package deals?
Yes, we carefully prepare your treatment plan and provide everything you need, so the only thing you have to do is come to Turkey, and we’ll take care of the rest. To learn more about the packages we offer, and other additional services, you can contact us.
What is included in the package?
In addition to any tests, medications, operations, and treatments that are necessary for the IVF process, our All-Inclusive package also includes the costs for:
⦁ IVF + ICSI, including preliminary tests (blood tests, ultrasounds, and other medical procedures), medications for ovulation induction, sedation and egg retrieval, assisted hatching, and embryo transfer. Most clinics charge extra for Blastocyst Culture, ICSI/IMSI, and Assisted Hatching. We do not charge extra for these procedures.
⦁ Assistance before/during/after
⦁ Personal assistant/interpreter
All Inclusive IVF Package in Turkey |
Price: €3500 |
One full cycle of IVF including:
|
How can I pay for IVF in Turkey?
To make a payment, you’ll have multiple options. However, these options can differ from clinic to clinic. You can ask the clinic about which payment options they offer.
⦁ Cash: Cash is the easiest and most preferred payment method by foreign travelers that come to Turkey. You can easily pay in cash with the American Dollar, British Pound, or the Euro.
⦁ Credit: Payment with a credit card is also possible. But before your trip, check-in with your bank to see if you can use your card in Turkey. If you can, ask if there is a limit on the amount you can spend, or if they’ll require additional fees for the use abroad.
⦁ Crypto: Yes, payments in cryptocurrency are also available in certain clinics. You can make payments using Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.
⦁ Direct Deposit: You can also make your payment as a direct deposit from your bank account. Before your trip, check in with your bank to see if there is a limit on the amount of money you can transfer.
Are there any hidden costs?
No, we plan your travel and treatment in detail and let you know the costs in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises. However, in cases where there is a medical emergency, and immediate intervention is needed there may be some additional costs. This is to ensure the safety of our patients and to save their lives. However, situations like these are very rare. As long as you disclose your medical history; allergies or another medical condition, etc. we should be prepared to avoid anything that can cause problems. For example, if you have a previous diagnosis of PCOS, and responded poorly to stimulation in previous failed IVF cycles, we need to have that information to avoid unwanted side effects and to carry out the best plan without having to cancel the cycle. Or, if you’re allergic to a certain kind of anesthetic, you might be given a sedative instead. During the process, if your doctor believes there is an additional procedure to add to your plan, you’ll be presented with a choice. If you choose to follow with the additional tests or operations, the cost is added to your total, but never without your consent.
Do you have a shared risk IVF program?
No, we do not offer a shared risk program. Shared risk programs are hard to come by as most clinics do not take part in it, or only offer it to certain candidates. And for good reasons too. Most shared risk programs require you to pay upfront for multiple cycles, so what happens if you conceive quickly? Also, most shared risk packages do not cover any additional costs like medications or anesthesia. They also have very low age limits. To put it simply; there are too many ethically gray areas for us to offer a shared risk program. [5]
What should you know about Turkey before the trip?
Turkey is a country where the east meets the west, with rich and diverse cultures. Famous for its history and cuisine, Turkey is truly one of a kind. Contrary to popular belief, Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, but it’s Ankara. Our currency is the Turkish Lira.
When is the best time to travel to Turkey?
Turkey has a diverse climate, ranging from the Mediterranean climate in the west to very cold, and dry in the east. We recommend you visit between the months of March-October to experience mild, warm weather and avoid the cold. For any season, we can offer dedicated, seasonal activities so you can have the time of your life.
Do I need a visa? What documents are needed to apply for a visa?
Most visitors do not need a visa for up to 30 days, however, we will let you know how you can apply for a visa through your local Turkish embassy and which documents you need. To get an idea, you can read our blog post about the requirements for entering Turkey and see what you might need to prepare in advance.
Visiting Istanbul? Here's everything you need to know.
We know that IVF is a highly stressful process. So, if you have decided to get IVF in Istanbul, we want you to enjoy your time here. Remember, stress is a negative indicator when it comes to all kinds of health issues, so it’s best to reduce it as much as possible. When you’re in Istanbul, take this time not only to get the best possible therapy but to enjoy the city, and what it has to offer and make the best memories of your life.
Which airport should I choose for landing?
Depends! We will be there to pick you up and guide you no matter which airport you choose. The new Istanbul Airport is located on the European side of the city. Its ambitious, modern design and high capacity make it the airport of choice for international travelers. Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on the Asian side of the city, hosting both international and national flights. No matter what your preferred destination is in Istanbul, we will be there to pick you up!
Where can I go in Istanbul?
Well, if you enjoy sightseeing and history, Istanbul is the right place for you. As the crossroads for many cultures and faiths throughout history, Istanbul has many historical landmarks; including various mosques, churches, palaces, and markets. On top of it, Istanbul also has exceptional museums where both historical artifacts and modern art pieces are showcased. You’ll be in Istanbul for a while, so we will provide you with a list of destinations you must visit to get the most out of the city:
⦁ The Bosphorus
⦁ Hagia Sophia
⦁ Blue Mosque
⦁ Topkapı Palace
⦁ Grand Bazaar
⦁ The Basilica Cistern
⦁ Galata Tower
⦁ Maiden’s Tower
⦁ Church of St. Mary Draperis
⦁ Church of St. Anthony of Padua
⦁ Istanbul Archeology Museum
⦁ Pera Museum
What should I eat in Istanbul?
Well, you’re incredibly lucky to get IVF in Istanbul when it comes to food! The hotel you’ll be staying at offers international breakfast options every morning, and you can also choose to have the rest of your meals at the hotel. If you want to do a little exploration into the city, the hotel staff will be happy to guide you to the many restaurants around our centrally located hotel. Turkey’s diverse cuisine offers a wide range, from light, mostly vegan western cuisine highlighting the diverse produce of the country to rich, complex, and delicious flavors of eastern cuisine with various meat dishes and kebabs. You can also find many restaurants offering options from world cuisines such as Italian, Japanese, etc.
What are the additional expenses in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a relatively affordable city, so you won’t have to spend too much money on additional expenses that might come up.
⦁ Restaurants and street food: It would be a shame to not enjoy the food the city has to offer. Meals in restaurants have a range of prices, but most you can enjoy from 5-15 dollars a meal per person. Make sure to ask for a menu in restaurants so you don’t have to overpay.
⦁ Public Transportation: One of the benefits of visiting a metropolitan city is enjoying its extensive public transportation web and avoiding traffic. You can easily get a transportation card for your personal use for around 1 dollar, and each use will cost you less than a dollar!
⦁ Museums: Most museums have an entrance fee of around 5-10 dollars, making them relatively cheap. We especially recommend visiting museums so you can dive into 12.000 years of Anatolian history, from Hittites to Ancient Greece to modern Turkey.
Do you want to get IVF in Turkey?
You can contact us directly on WhatsApp, or fill out the contact form for a free online consultation.
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