What treatment abroad costs — and will insurance cover it?

A clear look at what you pay for treatment abroad, why it can cost less than private care at home, and why Dutch insurance usually does not reimburse treatment in Turkey.

Cost is one of the main reasons people look at treatment abroad — but it is also where the most confusion sits. Here is a clear picture of what you pay, why it can be lower, and where insurance does and does not fit.

What you actually pay

You pay the hospital directly for your treatment. The price is set by the hospital, and it is the same whether you approach them yourself or come through Saluvia. Our coordination and guidance are free to you — Saluvia is paid by the hospital, not by you.

Why it can cost less than private care at home

• No VAT for international patients. International (non-resident) patients are not charged Turkish VAT — a verifiable rule, not a loophole.
• Lower underlying costs. Hospital and staffing costs in Turkey are lower than in Western Europe, so the same standard of care can carry a lower price.

We do not publish per-treatment prices, because the right figure depends on your specific case. The hospital provides a written estimate once its doctors have reviewed your situation.

Will my insurance cover it?

For most people from the Netherlands, the answer is no. Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) generally does not reimburse planned treatment in a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), and Turkey is not in the EEA — so the EU rules on cross-border care do not apply here.

Some supplementary or private policies have different terms, so it is worth asking your own insurer directly before you plan. This is general information, not financial or insurance advice — always confirm with your insurer for your situation.

How to budget sensibly

• Ask the hospital for a written estimate and what it includes (surgery, hospital stay, implants, follow-up).
• Budget travel and accommodation separately — Saluvia does not book these, though we can point you in the right direction.
• Assume you are paying out of pocket unless your insurer confirms otherwise in writing.

Want a clearer picture for your own case? Request a free assessment, and the hospital can provide an estimate. You can also read how treatment abroad works, step by step.

Saluvia provides coordination, guidance, and information only — not medical advice. All medical assessment is carried out by the doctors at our partner hospitals.