In a medical emergency in Istanbul, call 112, the national emergency number. For minor problems, a pharmacy is the first stop, and for treatment most visitors use private hospitals. Travel insurance matters, because few state hospitals accept foreign insurance, according to expat and insurance guides. This guide covers the basics and does not replace medical advice.
Last checked: 26 October 2026. We found no official government guide for visitors, so this page draws on insurer, expat and travel guides. Check your own insurer’s policy and your government’s travel advice.
Who to call in an emergency
- **112:** the emergency number for ambulance, police and fire. Several guides say the operator may not speak English, so give the address clearly or ask a hotel worker to call.
- **Your hotel:** reception can call for help and explain where you are.
- **Your insurer or embassy:** save their emergency numbers in your phone before you travel.
An ambulance sent through 112 is public. Guides say private hospitals can send their own ambulances, which some travellers prefer. Check whether your insurance pays for private transport.
Pharmacies for minor problems
Pharmacies in Türkiye (eczane) display a red “E” sign. For small complaints such as colds, stomach upsets or minor injuries, a pharmacist can advise and sell over-the-counter medicine. Guides say pharmacies close on Sundays except for duty pharmacies, called nöbetçi eczane. Search for the duty pharmacy list for your district, or ask your hotel.
Do not buy prescription drugs from street vendors, and carry any medicine you need in its original packaging with the doctor’s note. Rules on medicines can differ from your home country.
Hospitals and doctors
Several guides say private hospitals are the usual choice for foreigners in large cities. They describe high-quality care in Istanbul. Guides also say state hospitals often do not accept foreign insurance, while private hospitals often do. Confirm with the hospital before you go, if you can.
Few doctors and very few nurses speak English, so bring a translation app or ask your hotel to help. Our first-time visitor tips list other basics.
Travel insurance: what to check
- Medical cover and emergency evacuation for Türkiye.
- Whether the insurer pays the hospital directly or you pay and claim back.
- Whether private hospitals are covered.
- Exclusions for activities, pre-existing conditions and the length of the trip.
Healthcare is cheaper than in many countries, but guides warn that a serious illness can still cost a lot. Our Istanbul costs guide covers other budget items.
Related safety guides
- Earthquakes in Istanbul: what to know and do
- Tourist scams and how to avoid them
- Istanbul for Americans: visa, safety and money
What we could not verify
- The English-language service level at 112.
- Current prices at specific hospitals.
- Which hospitals accept which insurers. Ask your insurer for a list.
Frequently asked questions
What number do I call for an ambulance in Istanbul?
Call 112. If the operator does not speak English, ask someone nearby or at your hotel to help.
Can I buy medicine without a prescription in Istanbul?
Pharmacists sell over-the-counter medicine and give advice for minor problems. Prescription drugs need a prescription.
Do I need travel insurance for Istanbul?
Guides strongly recommend it. Public hospitals often do not accept foreign insurance, so check your policy before you travel.
How we wrote this guide: we compared insurer, expat and travel guides and kept the points they agree on. We use AI tools to help research and draft, and an editor reviews each guide. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Use the contact page.
