The Most Affordable Health Scan in America?
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Editor’s Note: This article is based on personal experience, independent research, and firsthand observations. Some experiences or products featured may be gifted or discounted for the purpose of review, but we select providers and experiences independently. We are not medical professionals, and nothing shared here should be taken as medical advice. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you choose to book or purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our independent reporting.
One of the reasons I travel so much is because of how much I save on health and beauty treatments abroad. In many cases, the savings are enough to offset the cost of my entire vacation.
This trip to Türkiye was no exception. We fit in full-body checkups, dental visits, hair extensions, and aesthetic treatments. We managed to get everything we needed done in Istanbul, treatments that would have cost a fortune back home, and then spent a week relaxing along the Mediterranean coast.
Experiences like this are exactly why we created this platform: to introduce a different kind of travel experience, one designed to add real value to your life long after the trip is over.
As always, I’m not a medical professional, and nothing shared here is medical advice or a recommendation. Everyone’s situation is different, and it’s important to do your own thorough research before choosing providers, whether at home or abroad. This article is simply a recap of my personal experience.
I reached out to all providers listed to confirm pricing, and everything should be accurate as of March 2025. That said, the Turkish lira can fluctuate quite a bit, so it’s always best to double-check prices directly before making any appointments.
My Go-To Hair Extension Salon
- Location: Ferdi Karatay Hair Salon
- Service: 300 pieces of 24-inch keratin bond human hair extensions
- Cost: $550
A few years ago, the US salon I was going to raised their hair extension prices from $3,400 to $4,400 for this exact same service, and that’s when I started looking for alternative options.
I’ve been back to this Turkish salon five times since then and learned a lot about getting hair extensions abroad. This time around, I didn’t get my hair dyed here; we just added extensions. But if you’re curious about coloring prices, a balayage here costs around $150, and a basic color is about $100.
Even if you’re not a fan of hair extensions, you have to admit that this before-and-after is impressive.
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Pro tip: If you’re going for bleach or full blonding, I recommend doing that elsewhere first, ideally at a salon specializing in what you want to do, then coming here afterward for extensions.
I’m not saying that they won’t do a good job here with the color, but after five visits, I’ve learned that their bleaching methods can be extra harsh on my hair. I’ve decided that from now on, I prefer to go to a salon that specializes in blonding services first, and then get my extensions here afterward.
I’ve reached out to nearly every hair extension salon in Istanbul, and no one matched this level of quality for the price.
Cleaning, X-rays & Teeth Whitening
- Location: Dentblue
- Service: Teeth Whitening
- Cost: $180 (for cleaning, X-rays, and teeth whitening)
Cody received a dental cleaning, a full set of X-rays, and teeth whitening here for $180.
We contacted over a dozen clinics to compare whitening packages, and this one stood out for both its pricing and how modern the clinic is. Most other quotes came in around $250 for similar services.
I wouldn’t personally recommend this clinic for veneers or more involved cosmetic procedures, even though those are the services they promote the most.
Their before-and-after photos on social media didn’t overly impress me. But for a basic whitening and cleaning, it was a great fit, and the whitening noticeably brightened Cody’s smile by a few shades.
Concierge-Style Checkups
- Location: Memorial Hospital – Bahçelievler
- Service: Full-Body Checkup
- Cost: $1,100 (Female Essential) / $3,750 (Male Premium)
We visited a luxury hospital and did full-body checkups that would’ve easily cost us tens of thousands in the United States.
This was the highlight of our trip, and we wrote an entire article about our experience, the process, and how to book.
If you saw my original viral video, you’ll remember I did the Female VIP Checkup and Cody did the Male Comprehensive Checkup. Those exact package names no longer exist, but the structure and services are still available under new tiers with updated pricing.
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What’s Included in the Female Essential Checkup
The Female VIP Checkup I did is now most comparable to the Female Essential Checkup, which includes:
- Same-day access to internal medicine, gynecology, cardiology, dermatology, and ophthalmology
- A wide panel of lab tests, including bloodwork, hormones, and vitamin levels
- Diagnostic imaging like abdominal ultrasound, mammography, and bone density (with doctor approval)
- Additional screenings like a Pap smear and stool tests
All of it was completed in one day, with coordination from the hospital’s International Patient Department. The new Female Essential package is more expensive but also more advanced in imaging and radiology.
Updated price: $1,100
What’s Included in the Male Premium Checkup
Cody’s Male Comprehensive Checkup is now equivalent to the Male Premium Checkup, which is more extensive and takes place over 2–3 days. It includes:
- 15+ specialist consultations: internal medicine, urology, cardiology, neurology, ENT, dental, ophthalmology, and more
- GI diagnostics: colonoscopy, endoscopy, and related pathology
- Cranial MRI, full-body scans, and a complete cardiovascular workup
- A detailed health report with next steps and personalized recommendations from doctors
Cody’s original checkup was already incredibly thorough, but this updated package casts an even wider net. This is the kind of workup that would be very difficult and extremely expensive to replicate quickly in the U.S.
Updated price: $3,750
Our Experience (And What Others Have Shared)
Cody and I had a genuinely great experience at Memorial, and since sharing our story, I’ve heard from many others who went for checkups and felt the same. Some even uncovered serious health issues that hadn’t been caught before and were able to get treatment because of it.
We were both seriously impressed, not just by how comprehensive the checkups were, but by the fact that in the U.S., this amount of testing would take weeks to schedule (if you could even get it approved), while in Türkiye, you can get it all done in a day or two for a fraction of the cost in the U.S.
We were able to get price lists for additional treatments at Memorial as well, and listed treatments and prices here.
New Prescription Glasses in 15 Minutes (Yes, Really)
- Location: Lens Optik
- Service: Prescription Glasses
- Cost: $63
After my checkup at Memorial Hospital Bahçelievler, I went down the street and picked up a brand-new pair of prescription glasses at Lens Optik for $63. This was a great deal considering the last time I bought glasses in the US, it cost me $400.
As far as I know, you’ll need to bring in a valid glasses prescription from another provider, since they don’t do eye exams on site.
If you do the full-body checkups like we did, the packages include an appointment with an Ophthalmologist, so I was able to bring in my prescription from the hospital.
The entire process, from picking frames to walking out with finished glasses, took about 15 minutes.
To be fair, I have a pretty straightforward astigmatism prescription. More complex orders might take longer, but for something simple, the turnaround was incredibly fast. They also had a wide selection of contacts, including color lenses, which was a fun bonus.
Botox & CO₂ Laser at the Dermatologist
- Location: Dr. Abdullah Ünal Dermatology Clinic
- Service:
- Botox (3 areas): $275 (approx. 60 units)
- CO₂ Laser Resurfacing (1 session): $370
I also visited the Dermatologist, Dr. Abdullah Ünal, for a few aesthetic treatments while in Istanbul. This was my second time at this clinic, and this time I received 60 units of Botox, and one session of CO₂ laser resurfacing.
Here’s his price list (as of March 2025) with other treatments he offers, although Botox and CO2 laser are the only treatments I’ve tried here.
Türkiye Botox Pricing 101: What to Know Before Booking
Botox is one of those treatments that’s shockingly cheaper abroad. I remember how surprised I was to visit London and see Botox priced around $6 a unit, and prices in Turkiye are even lower.
Compare that to the United States, where Botox typically costs $10-$14 a unit, and for me, it’s a no-brainer to stop in at the dermatologist whenever I’m abroad and save myself $300.
One important thing to know if you’re getting Botox in Türkiye:
- Treatments are generally priced by area, not by unit.
- Instead of buying a set number of units (like we’re used to in the U.S.), you’ll pay one flat fee per area.
- Your provider will decide how many units are needed to achieve your desired result for that area.
For example, when I visit Dr. Abdullah Ünal, I pay for the "three-area treatment" (forehead, crow’s feet, and glabellar lines/"elevens") for $275, which usually works out to around 60 units.
I used to think I could ask for a little bit of those units to be used elsewhere (like a lip flip), but in Türkiye, that's generally not how it works. Treatments are priced and administered by region, not by flexible unit allocation, so it’s something to be aware of if you’re used to American-style Botox appointments.
My CO₂ Laser Treatment
While I was there, I also decided to try a CO₂ laser resurfacing treatment for the first time. I opted for the lightest setting, and it cost me $370 for one session.
For comparison, in the United States, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average cost for laser skin resurfacing procedures is around $1,829.
Even with just a light setting, my healing time was around 4–5 days, but afterward, my skin was the nicest I’ve ever seen it.
From what I understood when speaking with Dr. Ünal’s team, you can choose a stronger setting for the same price if you want to maximize the value (just be aware of healing times).
I'm about 90% sure that's how it works, but I’ll be honest, pricing for aesthetic medicine in Türkiye can sometimes feel a little unclear, so it’s always a good idea to double-check with the clinic ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
The plan next time? I might ask for a stronger setting to get the most out of the session, but I wish I could do this every month.
Why Türkiye Is My Favorite Place to Refresh My Wardrobe
- Location: Outlet Malls & Local Brands (Istanbul)
- Favorite Spots: StarCity Outlet, Olivium, 212 Outlet, Cetinkaya
We spent $250 to refresh our wardrobes in Türkiye, and it’s hands down my favorite time of the year.
Living out of a suitcase means my clothes take a serious beating, and Türkiye is one of the best places in the world to find amazing deals. This trip, we scored 28 items for an average of $9 each.
I usually start at the outlet malls like StarCity Outlet, Olivium, and 212, where a lot of the same stock from regular malls is sold with extra promotions, like "buy one, get one for $2.60" or big discounts when you spend a certain amount.
You’ll find jeans for $13, stacks of button-ups for $13, and Cody always has the best luck at Cetinkaya. He found t-shirts there for $2.60, dress shirts for $10, lounge pants for $5, and nice shoes for $26.
Some Turkish brands I love shopping at are Koton, Collins, LTB, Flo, and Oxxo (my personal splurge spot, where they’ll even hem your jeans for free).
Another tip: if you're a fan of Zara, Mango, or H&M, prices in Türkiye are often 20–30% lower than in the U.S. I compared exact items side-by-side and saved about 25% on a Mango dress versus U.S. prices.
Don't forget that you can buy extra suitcases in Türkiye for $20–$40 (perfect for hauling home your finds, even if they won’t survive many flights). And as a tourist, you can get a partial VAT tax refund at the airport if you request tax-free receipts while shopping.
Affordable Piercings
- Location: Shadows Tattoo and Piercing
- Service: Ear Piercing
- Cost: $15 per piercing
Piercing prices in Türkiye are so affordable that it makes me want to stop in here everytime I’m in town. This time Cody even got his ears pierced!
We went to Shadows Tattoo and Piercing, the same place I got my nose pierced last time, and their updated prices (as of February 2025) are still amazing.
I think Cody totally pulls off his ear piercings, and the piercer at Shadows is phenomenal. We’ve never had to make an official appointment, and just drop in whenever we’re in the area.
A Hidden Gem for Lash Services in Istanbul
- Location: S ART Beauty
- Service: Eyelash Extensions
- Cost: $22
One of my favorite lash sets I’ve ever had in Türkiye was at S ART Beauty
The salon is a little out of the way if you’re staying near Istiklal Street, but it’s a perfect stop if you’re heading toward one of Istanbul’s best areas for wedding dress shopping. The team was so sweet, and the lash quality was fantastic, especially for only $22.
Custom Cold-Pressed Juices
- Location: Juicery Coldpress
- Service: Custom Cold-Pressed Juice Cleanse (18 juices)
- Cost: $83 total (~$4.60 per juice)
Whenever I’m near Istiklal Street, I make it a point to stop at Juicery Coldpress. I’ve been here a couple of times now, and the owner is the sweetest.
Here’s how it works: you can pop in anytime for a juice or smoothie, or if you want to do a cleanse, you can WhatsApp the owner a day or two in advance. She’ll ask about your goals (feeling bloated? low energy?) and build a custom juice cleanse for you.
Last time I was there, I got a 3-day juice cleanse of 18 juices for $83 total. For comparison: a 1-day juice cleanse with 6 juices in the U.S. typically costs anywhere from $50–$75 depending on the brand and location.
During this trip, I started off with good intentions of doing a full cleanse... but let’s be real, between all the pasta and kebabs, I usually end up doing more of a "juice alongside my meals" situation. It’s still such a good way to boost your fresh fruits and veggies intake while traveling.
Getting Gel Nails in Türkiye
- Location: G Nails & Merve Kupeli
- Service: Gel Nail Extensions
- Cost: $21–$35 depending on salon
When I get my nails done in Turkiye, I usually try to find gel nail extensions in the $25 range.
For comparison, in the United States, a full set of gel nail extensions typically costs between $80 and $125 plus tip, depending on the salon and location.
Before writing this article, I reached out to the salon I visited on this trip to confirm current prices, and sadly, the artist I originally went to no longer works there. (Nooo!)
So next trip, I’ll be on the hunt for a new favorite spot. That said, $25 for a set of gel extensions is definitely doable in Türkiye; it just might take a little digging to find a great artist.
A few other places I’ve personally tried for nails in Türkiye include:
- G Nails, where I had short nails done with real dried flowers for $35.
- Merve Kupeli (on Istiklal Street), where I got gel nails for $21 back in 2023.
Both experiences were good overall. Merve Kupeli was especially affordable, but they had more limited color options, and the last time I went, my nail beds felt a bit sensitive afterward. Always ask for updated quotes and make sure you're comfortable during your appointment.
Skin Check with a Dermatologist
- Location: Memorial Hospital – Bahçelievler
- Service: Dermatology Skin Check
- Cost: $180
During Cody’s comprehensive health checkup at Memorial Hospital Bahçelievler, we each added on an appointment with a dermatologist for a skin check.
While $180 was a little pricier than I expected for Türkiye, it was still a great experience. We booked next-day appointments, the hospital was gorgeous, and the dermatologist even recommended some products for my skin.
Back in the U.S., dermatology appointments can have wait times of weeks or even months, so getting seen the next day was a pleasant surprise.
What I Picked Up at the Pharmacy
- Location: Local Pharmacy (they’re all over town)
- Service: Prescription + Over-the-Counter Skincare (7 items)
- Cost: $35
After my dermatologist appointment, we stopped at a pharmacy and stocked up on a few skincare goodies.
Here’s what I got:
- Acne treatment
- Dry skin treatment
- Hyperpigmentation treatment
- Vitamin E serum
- Two tubes of tretinoin
- Ibuprofen
None of these required a prescription in Türkiye and were all over the counter (even the Tretinoin).
Total cost? $35.
For comparison, just one tube of tretinoin in the U.S. without insurance often costs $75–$150.
IVF Options in Türkiye
- Location: Memorial Hospital – Bahçelievler
- Service: IVF (1 Full Cycle with Medication)
- Cost: ~$3,600
While we didn’t personally undergo treatment, we had the opportunity to tour the fertility department of the same JCI-accredited hospital we did our full-body checkups at. We got the full breakdown on IVF pricing, and honestly, it blew me away.
In Türkiye, one full cycle of IVF, including medication, costs about $3,600. For egg freezing, it’s even more affordable at around $1,000–$1,800, depending on whether medication is needed.
To put it in perspective: for what it costs to do one cycle of IVF in the U.S. (average $15,000–$30,000), you could fly to Türkiye, complete treatment, take a 3-week vacation, and still save money.
That said, IVF in Türkiye does come with important restrictions. It's only available to heterosexual, legally married couples (you’ll need to show a marriage certificate), and practices like egg donation, sperm donation, surrogacy, and gender selection are not permitted under Turkish law.
Hair Transplants in Türkiye for $3600
- Location: Hair Neva
- Service: 4,500 Graft Hair Transplant (including hotel + airport transfer)
- Cost: ~$3,600
Since I get so many questions about hair transplants in Türkiye, we decided to tour a clinic and get the inside scoop on prices. This wasn’t a treatment we got ourselves (this time), but during our tour, we did see an American doctor there getting a hair transplant.
In the U.S., a 4500-graft hair transplant can easily cost between $15,000–$22,500.
But in Türkiye, we toured a beautiful clinic where the entire package, including 4500 grafts, a hotel stay at the Marriott, and airport transfers, was $3600.
With prices like that at such a high-end facility, it’s easy to see why nearly 1 million people come to Türkiye every year for hair transplants.
If you want the full breakdown of how we found the clinic, what the process looks like, and everything we learned on our tour, you can read the full Hair Transplant article here.
Finding Flight Deals to Türkiye
- Flight Prices from the USA: $700-$1,200 round-trip
- Pro Tip: Use the Google Flights Explore feature to find the cheapest dates to fly.
If you’re smart about timing, you can find round-trip flights to Türkiye for under $1,000. While writing this article, I found flights for $700 from Los Angeles and $500 from New York, and I wasn’t booking super far in advance. I usually set price alerts through Google Flights and check nearby airport options.
Once I’m done with all my appointments in Istanbul, I love to catch a $50 domestic flight down to the Turkish coast for an affordable Mediterranean vacation. Antalya and Kaş were two of my favorite stops, but there are so many beautiful coastal towns worth exploring.
Food Prices in Türkiye
Restaurant prices in Türkiye have crept up since my first visit, largely because of the ongoing fluctuations in the Turkish lira.
You might see one place selling a kebab for $3–$4, and a few doors down, the same dish could be $10–$12. If you just walk into the first restaurant you see, don't be surprised if prices feel closer to what you’d pay in the U.S.
We ended up doing a lot of grocery shopping, and for $35, we picked up a ton of fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks. The outdoor produce stands are also amazing, I’m still dreaming about the fresh watermelon we found.
In Antalya, my favorite restaurant is Luna Garden. It's mostly outdoor seating, with a cute coffee shop on-site, and the menu prices are still amazing:
- Giant omelets: $5
- Enchiladas: $6
- Blackberry frappes: $2.50
- Lattes: $2.20
Türkiye has a really wide range of food, and it's easy to find something good no matter your budget. You can grab a quick döner or simit without spending much, or enjoy a nice meze and fish dinner that's still affordable. The key is just figuring out your favorite spots, and budgeting a little extra for food.
How We Book Comfortable, Affordable Stays Abroad
When it comes to accommodations, I rarely spend more than $50 per night, and in Türkiye, that budget goes surprisingly far.
You can find stylish boutique hotels, modern apartments, and cozy Airbnb stays at that price point, especially if you book a bit outside the main tourist hubs or travel during shoulder season.
If you use Airbnb’s flexible dates feature, you can find adorable villas in Kaş for around $1000 per month, which is a crazy good deal if you're planning to stay a while.
I don’t stick to one place for the whole trip either. I love bouncing between 2–3 different hotels or apartments, especially in bigger cities like Istanbul, where each neighborhood has its own vibe. That way, I get to explore more, and I’ve stumbled upon so many great spots I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Some of my best stays have come from using Airbnb’s flexible dates feature. I also always check for weekly or monthly discounts since a lot of hosts will apply a 10–40% discount off the price if you're staying longer than a week. We have found some great places this way, so it is always good to check.
Final Thoughts
When I sat down and did the math, I was honestly a little shocked.
If I had done just these health and beauty treatments in the U.S., without even factoring in the cost of a vacation, it would have cost me over $30,000. And that's assuming you shop around for the best deals. If even one hospital charges you an inflated price for something like an MRI, you’re toast.
Instead, for all of the treatments, tests, and a one-month vacation for two people, I spent $8,765.
Don’t get me wrong, that’s still a nice chunk of change. But around $3000 of that total was Cody’s 3-day comprehensive checkup, and that level of testing is probably something you’d only need once a decade.
When you really compare the value, it’s not even close.
Instead of spending tens of thousands just to handle our health needs back home, we got everything we needed, plus a month-long Mediterranean adventure, all for a fraction of the price.
And honestly? I'll take that trade any day.
Disclosure: This article is based on personal experience, independent research, and firsthand observations. We are not medical professionals, and this content is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnose conditions, or recommend specific treatments. Every person’s health situation is different, and outcomes can vary. If you are considering any medical or cosmetic procedure, whether at home or abroad, please consult with a licensed healthcare provider or specialist to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs. All information shared here is intended for general informational purposes only.
