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Traveling to Istanbul is magical — where East meets West, history blends with modern life, and every street feels like a story. But if you start to feel unwell during your trip, things can get stressful fast. The good news? Istanbul has plenty of options to help you recover quickly and comfortably. This guide covers everything you need to know if you get sick in Istanbul— from emergency numbers and pharmacies to finding English-speaking doctors.
Understanding Istanbul’s Healthcare System
Istanbul has a mix of public and private healthcare.
- Public hospitals: Affordable, but expect longer waits and limited English.
- Private hospitals and clinics: Faster, often with English-speaking staff, but more expensive. Most travelers choose private healthcare for convenience.
Emergency Medical Care
Here’s what you need to know about emergency medical care in Istanbul.
Essential Emergency Numbers
- 112 – Ambulance and general emergencies
How to Call an Ambulance in Istanbul
Dial 112 and explain the situation. Most operators have some English knowledge, but if not, ask your hotel staff, tour guide, or a local to assist.
When to Go to a Hospital vs. an Urgent Care Clinic
- Hospital: For serious emergencies like chest pain, broken bones, or severe injuries.
- Urgent care clinic: For minor illnesses, flu, stomach bugs, or injuries that aren’t life-threatening.
Pharmacies & Medication: What You Need to Know
Pharmacies are called “eczane” in Turkish. You’ll find them everywhere, marked with a red “E” sign.
- Opening hours: Most are open until 7–8 PM.
- 24/7 pharmacies: At least one pharmacy in each district stays open overnight (look for “nöbetçi eczane”).
- Over-the-counter meds: Painkillers, cold medicine, and stomach relief are easy to get.
- Prescription meds: For antibiotics or stronger medication, you’ll need a doctor’s note.
What to Do if You’ve Got Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can make things much easier if you get sick abroad. Most private clinics will ask you to pay upfront, but your insurance should reimburse you.
Documents You’ll Need to Submit a Claim
- Doctor’s note or medical report
- Original receipts for visits and medication
- Travel insurance policy number
- Proof of travel (boarding pass, hotel booking, etc.)
Language Barriers
Many private doctors speak English, but in public hospitals, communication may be trickier. A few helpful Turkish phrases:
- “Doktor lazım.” – I need a doctor.
- “Kendimi kötü hissediyorum.” – I feel unwell.
- “Alerjim var.” – I have an allergy.
- “İngilizce biliyor musunuz?” – Do you speak English?
How to Avoid Getting Sick in Istanbul
- Common illnesses: Stomach bugs, mild food poisoning, and flu are the most common issues.
- Tap water: Safe for brushing teeth, but bottled water is recommended for drinking if you’re not used to it.
- Food safety: Street food is popular and usually safe — just choose busy vendors with lots of turnover.
- Weather: Summers can be hot, so hydrate; winters can be cold and damp, so pack warm clothes.
Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Travelers & Those with Pre-Existing Conditions
Private hospitals in Istanbul are well-equipped with specialists in gynecology, cardiology, and other fields. If you’re pregnant or managing a chronic condition, it’s best to book a private doctor in advance.
Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Istanbul
For travelers, the hardest part isn’t the care — it’s finding an English-speaking doctor you can trust.
That’s where Air Doctor helps. With the platform, you can:
- Search for doctors by specialty
- Book clinic, hotel, or virtual appointments
- Get receipts for travel insurance claims
Getting Help Beyond Healthcare
If you face serious health issues, embassies and consulates in Istanbul can:
- Recommend hospitals or clinics
- Help replace lost medications
- Assist with contacting family
Recap
If you get sick in Istanbul:
- Call 112 in an emergency
- Visit private clinics for faster, English-speaking care
- Use pharmacies for minor remedies and 24/7 access
- Keep insurance documents handy
- Use Air Doctor to book trusted, local doctors
About Air Doctor
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Healthcare access in 90 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including urologists, ENT specialists, and dermatologists
FAQs
Yes. Tap water is safe for brushing your teeth, though most visitors prefer bottled water for drinking.
Yes — street food is a huge part of Istanbul’s culture. Stick to busy stalls with lots of locals, and you’ll be fine.
If your stomach doesn’t agree with the water, you may experience cramps, diarrhea, or nausea. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
