Child Health Check-Ups in Turkey: Everything You Need to Know

As a parent, keeping your child healthy is your top priority, but it’s not always easy. Between regular check-ups and the occasional health scare, managing your child’s well-being can be a lot. That’s where routine check-ups come in—helping you stay on top of things and giving you peace of mind.

If you’re considering an international check-up for your child, Turkey has become a standout choice for many families. Offering high-quality medical care, internationally accredited hospitals, and affordable prices, Turkey provides a unique blend of top-tier healthcare and value.

In this blog, we’ll explore why Turkey is the go-to spot for child check-ups. Let’s dive in!

Why are regular child check-ups important?

Before we dive into why Turkey is a top choice, let’s talk about why these check-ups are so important in the first place.

Childhood is full of changes—physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s why routine pediatric check-ups are more than just a quick “all good” from the doctor. They help:

• Catch health problems early (before they turn serious)

• Monitor growth and development

• Make sure vaccines are up to date

• Build a strong health foundation for adulthood

These visits also give doctors a chance to educate parents, adjust care plans, and provide early intervention if something’s off.

Why choose Turkey for your child’s check-up?

Turkey is becoming a popular destination for families seeking affordable and high-quality healthcare, especially for those coming from abroad. Here’s why:

Now, you might be thinking—why Turkey? What makes it so special?

Well, a lot.

High-quality care, Affordable prices

In Turkey, pediatric check-ups are not only high in quality but also incredibly affordable. You can expect to pay 60-80% less than what you'd spend for similar services in the US, UK, or Germany.

A comprehensive check-up package can range from $150 to $750, depending on the hospital and the tests included.

Despite the lower costs, Turkey’s healthcare facilities maintain excellent standards. Hospitals are internationally accredited and equipped with the latest medical technology, making sure your child receives expert care.

As an added bonus, many hospitals offer package deals that include accommodation and transport, making it even more convenient for international families.

Curious about costs and available check-up packages? Get a personalized consultation with QCG and discover how affordable top-tier child healthcare in Turkey can be!

Child-focused care

Turkey’s medical centers are designed with children in mind. From specialized pediatric departments to child-friendly environments, the focus is always on making the experience as comfortable as possible for your child.

Pediatricians are trained to deal with kids’ unique needs. And many hospitals provide extra care to make sure your child feels relaxed and safe during their visit.

Convenience for international families

Many of Turkey’s hospitals cater specifically to international patients, making it easy to navigate medical appointments, even if you’re not fluent in Turkish. Most hospitals offer:

• English-speaking staff

• Online booking systems

• Medical tourism coordinators

• Airport transfers and hotel packages

All of these make Turkey a one-stop solution for parents looking for regular child check-ups.

Results that speak for themselves

Turkey’s investment in children’s health is paying off in a big way. According to the OECD, infant mortality in Turkey has dropped by over 60% in the last 15 years. By 2023, 91% of children were reported to have “good” or “very good” health, and only 9.2% were living with a chronic condition.

Oral health is also on the rise, with over 82% of children showing good dental and gum health. These outcomes reflect a strong national emphasis on early intervention and routine screenings—something you can tap into during a check-up visit.

What does a typical child check-up in Turkey involve?

You might be wondering, "Okay, but what exactly happens during these visits?"

In Turkey, medical centers offer comprehensive and child-friendly check-ups designed to ensure a well-rounded approach to your child's health. Each check-up is personalized based on your child’s age, health history, and needs.

Here’s an overview of what a standard child check-up package in Turkey might include:

Comprehensive physical exam

Doctors check your child’s growth, weight, height, and vital signs. They’ll examine the heart, lungs, abdomen, and more, making sure everything’s ticking along nicely.

Health tests

A child’s check-up often starts with some basic health tests, like:

• Blood tests: This helps detect any underlying issues like infections, anemia, or metabolic disorders.

• Urine and stool tests: These are important for diagnosing kidney issues, infections, or digestive problems.

• Scraping for enterobiasis: This is a common parasitic infection test for children, especially important in areas where worms are prevalent.

Diagnostic studies

Depending on your child’s age and health, your pediatrician may also recommend some imaging tests, like:

• Ultrasound of abdomen, kidneys, liver, and bladder: Non-invasive imaging to check the internal organs.

• Echoencephalography: A brain examination used to assess for any neurological issues.

• Thyroid ultrasound: A critical exam for checking thyroid function, especially important for children showing symptoms like fatigue or growth issues.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A heart health check to rule out any cardiovascular problems.

Screenings for vision and hearing

• Vision tests: They help make sure your child’s eyesight is developing the way it should, especially when they’re young.

• Hearing tests: Detecting hearing loss early is important for speech and brain development. In Turkey, hospitals take hearing checks seriously, so any issues are caught early on.

Dental and speech screenings

• Dental check-up: Regular dental exams help ensure your child’s teeth and gums are healthy and there are no early signs of cavities or other dental issues.

• Speech therapy: If your child has any speech delays or difficulties, pediatricians will assess their development and, if needed, refer them to a speech therapist.

Developmental assessments

Your child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth will be closely monitored. Pediatricians keep track of important milestones, like your baby sitting up, talking, or walking. This helps identify early signs of learning disabilities, ADHD, or other developmental delays.

If there are any concerns, they’ll work with you to create a plan to address them early on.

Immunizations

Vaccinations are a huge part of each check-up. Turkey follows a national immunization schedule, and it includes shots for:

• Hepatitis B

• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Polio

• Varicella (Chickenpox)

Specialized consultations

• Pediatrician consultation: A comprehensive review of your child’s health and development.

• Cardiologist: If there’s a family history of heart disease, this visit ensures that the heart is functioning well.

• Gastroenterologist: To assess digestive health, ensuring there are no issues like constipation or reflux.

• Neurologist: If there are concerns about brain development, this is an important specialist consultation.

• Gynecologist/Urologist: For older children, especially girls, a gynecological check-up may be necessary.

For teenagers

From ages 10–18, yearly check-ups should include:

• Hormone level tests

• Chest X-ray

• Thyroid and metabolic screening

• Mental health assessments

• Nutritional and growth evaluations

At the end of the check-up, you’ll have a clear understanding of your child’s health status. If any issues are found, the doctor will provide recommendations for further treatment or specialist consultations.

How often should you take your child?

It depends on their age. But here’s a general rule of thumb:

• Newborns: At birth, 1 week, 1 month

• Infants: Every 2 months up to age 1

• Toddlers: Every 3-6 months

• Preschoolers and school-aged kids: Once a year

It’s recommended to have at least 6 well-child visits in the first year of life. These regular visits help catch problems early, keep vaccinations on track, and support your child’s development.

Planning a trip for your child’s check-up? Trust QCG to help you plan and manage every detail of your medical tourism experience. Contact us for a personalized itinerary today!

Preparing for your child’s check-up in Turkey

Preparing for your child’s check-up in Turkey is easy if you know what to do ahead of time. Here are some simple tips to make the process smoother:

Before the check-up:

• Dress comfortably: Choose loose, easy-to-remove clothing for your child to make the examination process quicker and more comfortable.

• Fast for 8 hours: Your child should avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before the check-up. This helps ensure accurate blood test results.

• Avoid certain foods: For two days before the check-up, steer clear of foods like meat, licorice, beetroot, spinach, chard, radish, and broccoli. These can affect test results.

• Pause medications: If your child is taking any medication, it’s best to stop 1 day before the appointment. However, make sure to consult with the doctor first before discontinuing any prescribed meds.

What happens during the check-up?

During the check-up, your child will go through a few steps. First, they’ll provide samples for lab tests like blood and urine, which will be sent off for analysis.

Next, a pediatrician or internal medicine specialist will perform a physical exam, reviewing your child’s health history, growth, and development. Once all the tests and assessments are done, the doctor will go over the results with you..

What to expect after the check-up

After the check-up, you’ll sit down with the pediatrician to review the results. The doctor will discuss any findings, explain what they mean, and recommend further treatments if necessary.

If everything is clear, you’ll receive advice on maintaining your child’s health moving forward.

Final thoughts: Turkey as a top pediatric health destination

So there you have it! If you’re looking for a reliable country to trust with your child’s well-being during travel or treatment abroad, Turkey checks all the boxes.

Its hospitals blend modern technology with warm, patient-centered care. Its pediatricians are globally trained and deeply compassionate. And the overall experience? Affordable, accessible, and surprisingly stress-free.

Ready to book your child’s health check-up in Turkey? Contact QCG today to get started and find the best healthcare options tailored to your needs.