Introduction
Norway has excellent public healthcare, but for bariatric surgery, waiting times can extend for years. Many Norwegian patients are exploring Turkey as an alternative—a way to access quality care without the long wait.
As Op. Dr. Mustafa Erol, with 35+ years of surgical experience and 8,000+ bariatric procedures, I've helped many Norwegian patients achieve their weight loss goals.
The Norwegian Healthcare Situation
Public System (Helseforetak)
- Strengths:
- Surgery is covered when approved
- Quality healthcare system
- Comprehensive follow-up
- Challenges:
- Waiting times: Often 1-3+ years
- Strict eligibility criteria
- BMI requirements
- Required documentation and evaluations
Why Norwegians Consider Turkey
- Long waiting lists in Norway
- Desire for faster access
- Privacy (small social circles in Norway)
- Cost-effective even when self-paying
- Quality comparable to Norway
Cost Comparison
Norway vs. Turkey
| Procedure | Norway (Private) | Turkey (All-Inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve | 100,000-200,000 NOK | 35,000-50,000 NOK |
| Gastric Bypass | 150,000-250,000 NOK | 45,000-65,000 NOK |
*Note: Public healthcare covers surgery if approved, but wait times apply.*
What's Included in Turkey
- All-inclusive packages cover:
- All medical fees
- Hospital stay (private room)
- 4-5 star hotel
- All transfers
- Pre-operative tests
- Post-operative support
- Translation services
- You arrange:
- Flights (3,000-6,000 NOK from Oslo typically)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Travel from Norway
Flight Options
- From Oslo (Gardermoen):
- Direct to Istanbul: ~4 hours
- Turkish Airlines, Norwegian, SAS options
- From Bergen, Trondheim:
- Connections via Oslo or European hubs
Visa Requirements
Norwegian citizens can travel to Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days. Only a valid passport is required.
Travel Insurance
- Essential coverage:
- Medical emergencies abroad
- Extended stay if needed
- Repatriation coverage
- Some Norwegian insurers offer medical travel policies
Quality Assurance
What to Verify
- Hospital:
- JCI accreditation (international standard)
- Modern facilities
- Appropriate equipment
- Surgeon:
- SRC certification (verifiable at surgicalreview.org)
- IFSO membership
- Significant experience (our 8,000+ procedures)
Norwegian Standards Comparison
Norwegian patients expect high quality. Our practice meets these expectations:
- SRC Master Surgeon certification
- JCI-accredited hospital partners
- English-speaking team
- Detailed documentation
- Comprehensive aftercare
The Treatment Journey
Typical Timeline
- Before travel:
- Video consultation
- Medical history review
- Planning and booking
- In Turkey (5-7 days):
- Day 1: Arrival, hotel check-in
- Day 2: Pre-operative tests and consultation
- Day 3: Surgery
- Days 4-5: Hospital recovery
- Days 5-6: Hotel recovery
- Day 6-7: Return to Norway
Aftercare in Norway
Returning Home
- We provide:
- Complete surgical report (English)
- Post-operative instructions
- Vitamin and supplement protocol
- Diet progression guide
- WhatsApp access to our team
- Video follow-up consultations
Working with Norwegian Healthcare
- Your fastlege (GP) can:
- Order blood tests
- Monitor your general health
- Renew prescriptions
- Refer you if needed
Private Dietitian Support
Consider connecting with:
Patient Privacy
A Norwegian Consideration
Norway's close-knit communities mean:
- Surgery abroad offers:
- Complete confidentiality
- No chance of encounters with acquaintances
- Private recovery away from home
- Return with fresh start
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Norwegian doctor support me afterward?
Most fastleger (GPs) will provide follow-up care with proper documentation. Be upfront about your plans and provide comprehensive records.
Can Helfo reimburse surgery abroad?
Generally not for elective surgery outside Norway/EU without pre-approval. Check with Helfo directly for your specific situation.
Is the quality really comparable to Norway?
For bariatric surgery, yes. Our credentials are internationally recognized, and outcomes are comparable to Norwegian centers. JCI accreditation ensures international standards.
What if there's a complication after I return?
Most complications occur early (while you're still in Turkey). If issues arise later, we coordinate with your Norwegian doctors via telemedicine, and Norwegian hospitals handle emergencies.
Is Turkey Right for Norwegian Patients?
- Consider Turkey if:
- You face a long wait in Norway
- You prefer faster access to surgery
- Privacy is important to you
- You've researched quality providers
- Consider waiting in Norway if:
- Wait time is manageable
- You prefer the Norwegian system
- Complex conditions require local coordination
Contact Us
If you're a Norwegian patient considering bariatric surgery, we're here to answer your questions.
Contact:- WhatsApp: [Contact Number]
- Email: [Email Address]
About Op. Dr. Mustafa Erol
35+ years surgical experience | 8,000+ bariatric procedures | SRC Master Surgeon
*Last Updated: January 2026*
*This guide is informational. Consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.*