Turkish Airlines Offers Medical Travel Fares

Turkish Airlines has announced special discounts and incentives for those who travel to Turkey for medical treatments. Protocols have already been signed with the majority of Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited health care establishments in Turkey.

Along with 32 JCI-accredited hospitals, substantial cost advantages contribute to Turkey’s growing market for medical travel, particularly from European Union countries, said Nihan Bekar, director of the Turkish Culture and Tourist Office, speaking at a recent tourism conference in New York.

She noted that the U.S. is an emerging market for Turkey across all travel sectors including medical and wellness travel.

Turkish Airlines is a major partner of the Turkish Healthcare Tourism Development Council and as such, its spokesman said, the airline hopes to see Turkey become one of the leading destinations for medical tourism.

Turkish Airlines’ special offers for medical travelers and their companions who travel to Turkey include:

     * Up to 25% discounts on the first business and economy class fares from the U.S. and from other countries; 20% discount on the first business and economy class fares.

     * 10 kilogram excess luggage allowance.

     * No rebooking penalty if the rebooking is required because of medical complications.

     * A maximum of two companions traveling with the patient are entitled to the same discounts and perks.

Passengers traveling for medical purposes are required to present an acceptance letter from their receiving health care facility in order to take advantage of the discounts. (Patients traveling from the U.S. are also allowed the discount by presenting a referral letter from a health care facility in the U.S.) Discounts are only applied at Turkish Airlines offices unless otherwise specified.

Turkish Airlines is in the Star Alliance.