Tourists considering travelling to Turkey for medical treatment are being urged to do their own research following the deaths of 22 British nationals in the past three years.
The Foreign Office has issued an update to its travel advice, warning tourists not to rely on information provided by private companies that have a financial interest in arranging their medical treatment abroad.
It said the most common procedures being sought by tourists include cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and cardiac surgery, which tend to be cheaper than having the same procedures at private facilities in the UK.
The Foreign Office said: “The standard of medical facilities and available treatments vary widely around the world. As such, British nationals considering undertaking medical treatment in Turkey should carry out their own research; it is unwise to rely upon private companies that have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad.
“We are aware of 22 British nationals who have died in Turkey since January 2019 following medical tourism visits.”
The Foreign Office is directing tourists to the Health Turkey website for medical providers approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
It added: “You can find further advice and information on medical tourism from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).”