What Is the Cost of Egg Freezing in Turkey for Foreign Patients?

Egg Freezing Cost and Legal Requirements in Turkey

Egg freezing has become a vital option for women who want to pause their biological clock and focus on their careers, health, or personal goals without the pressure of time. If you have been looking into fertility preservation, you have likely noticed that the price tag in countries like the US, UK, or Canada can be overwhelming. This is where Turkey comes in as a strong alternative, offering high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost.

However, planning a medical trip abroad isn't just about booking a flight. You likely have questions about the total cost of egg freezing in Turkey, the legal rules for foreigners, and whether the safety standards match what you would find at home. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about preserving your fertility in Turkey, from transparent pricing to the step-by-step process.

How much does egg freezing cost in Turkey in 2026?

When you compare the cost of egg freezing in Turkey to Western Europe or North America, the difference is significant. A standard package in a reputable Turkish clinic usually starts around $2,200 to $3,000 for the procedure itself. This fee generally covers the doctor's fees, ultrasound monitoring during stimulation, egg retrieval under sedation, and the vitrification (freezing) process.

It is important to budget for medications separately. Fertility drugs are necessary to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs, and the cost depends on your specific dosage requirements. In Turkey, these medications are considerably cheaper than in the US, typically averaging between $1,000 and $1,500 per cycle.

Keep in mind that while the base price is attractive, you should always ask for a "final price" quote that includes pre-operative tests and infectious disease screening. Some clinics bundle these into packages for international patients, while others charge them as add-ons. Even with these extras, the total bill rarely exceeds $5,000, making it a budget-friendly option for high-quality care.

What are the legal requirements for egg freezing in Turkey for foreigners?

This is the most critical section for international patients. unlike Spain or the UK, where "social freezing" (freezing eggs purely for lifestyle reasons) is widely available to anyone, Turkey has strict legal criteria. The Ministry of Health mandates that single women can only undergo egg freezing if they meet specific medical conditions.

To be eligible, you typically need to prove medical necessity. This usually means providing a medical report confirming low ovarian reserve (low AMH levels or high FSH), a family history of premature ovarian failure, or an upcoming treatment like chemotherapy that could damage your fertility. This report often needs to be signed by a medical board consisting of three specialist doctors.

If you are a single woman with normal fertility markers who simply wants to freeze eggs for the future, Turkey might not be legally able to treat you. In such cases, many clinics in Istanbul may refer you to partner clinics in Cyprus, where regulations are more relaxed and social freezing is fully legal for everyone.

Does the cost include fertility medications?

Almost all clinic quotes for the cost of egg freezing in Turkey exclude the price of medication. This is standard practice globally because every woman responds differently to stimulation. A younger patient might need a lower dosage of hormones, while someone with lower ovarian reserve might require higher doses, directly impacting the cost.

The good news is that pharmaceutical prices in Turkey are regulated and significantly lower than in the US. You will likely be prescribed medications like Gonal-F, Menopur, or Cetrotide. You can buy these at local pharmacies near the clinic. Your medical coordinator will usually assist you in finding the best pharmacy to ensure you get the correct cold-chain storage for these sensitive drugs.

How much are the annual storage fees for frozen eggs?

Once your eggs are retrieved and successfully frozen, they need to be stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. Most Turkish clinics include the first year of storage in your initial procedure fee. After the first year, you will need to pay an annual maintenance fee to keep your eggs frozen.

These fees are very reasonable compared to the US, where storage can cost $1,000+ per year. In Turkey, you can expect to pay between $150 and $400 annually. You will be asked to sign a consent form for storage, which is usually valid for five years and can be renewed. It is crucial to stay in contact with your clinic to pay these fees on time to ensure the safety of your stored oocytes.

How does the cost of egg freezing in Turkey compare to other countries?

To give you a clear picture of the savings, we have broken down the average total costs (including medication) for egg freezing across popular destinations. Turkey consistently ranks as one of the most affordable options without compromising on medical technology.

Country	Procedure Cost	Medication Cost (Approx.)	Total Estimated Cost
Turkey	$2,500 - $3,000	$1,000 - $1,500	$3,500 - $4,500
United Kingdom	$6,000 - $8,000	$2,000 - $3,000	$8,000 - $11,000
USA	$10,000 - $15,000	$3,000 - $6,000	$13,000 - $21,000
Spain	$4,500 - $5,500	$1,500 - $2,000	$6,000 - $7,500
Czech Republic	$2,800 - $3,500	$1,200 - $1,800	$4,000 - $5,300

As you can see, choosing Turkey can save you enough money to cover your flights, accommodation, and a relaxing vacation, while still leaving you with savings compared to undergoing the procedure in the UK or US.

Is egg freezing in Turkey safe for foreign patients?

Safety is a top priority for any medical procedure. Turkey has invested heavily in its medical tourism infrastructure. Many of the top fertility centers in Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya are JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited, which is the gold standard for global healthcare safety.

Turkish fertility specialists are highly experienced, often performing thousands of cycles per year. They utilize the vitrification method, a "flash-freezing" technique that prevents ice crystals from forming inside the egg. This technology has revolutionized egg freezing, resulting in egg survival rates of over 90% upon thawing, which is comparable to the best clinics in Europe and the US.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for the procedure?

Egg freezing is not a one-day treatment. It requires a synchronized cycle. Typically, you will need to arrive in Turkey on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle to begin ovarian stimulation. This involves daily hormone injections for about 10-12 days to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs.

During this time, you will visit the clinic every few days for blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor follicle growth. Once the eggs are ready, a "trigger shot" is given, and egg retrieval takes place about 36 hours later. You can usually fly home 1-2 days after the retrieval. If you cannot stay for the full three weeks, some clinics may allow you to start injections in your home country and travel to Turkey for the final monitoring and retrieval (approx. 7-10 days), but this requires coordination with a local doctor at home.

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?

Transparency is key to avoiding surprises. While the package price covers the main event, you should ask specifically about infectious disease testing (HIV, Hepatitis, etc.), which is mandatory before freezing samples to prevent cross-contamination in storage tanks. If you don't bring recent results from home, the clinic will charge you to run them.

Another potential cost is the shipping of frozen eggs. If you decide later that you want to undergo IVF in your home country using eggs frozen in Turkey, shipping cryopreserved material is legally complex and expensive (often $2,000+). Most patients choose to return to Turkey for the thawing and fertilization process to avoid this logistical hurdle and cost.

What is the success rate of egg freezing in Turkey?

It is important to have realistic expectations. The "success" of egg freezing is defined by two things: the survival of the egg after thawing and the eventual pregnancy rate. Turkish clinics use the same advanced Cryotop vitrification systems as top US labs, ensuring extremely high survival rates for the eggs themselves.

However, your future chance of pregnancy depends heavily on the age at which you freeze your eggs. A woman who freezes her eggs at 32 has a significantly higher chance of a future live birth than someone who freezes them at 40, regardless of where the procedure is done. Turkish specialists will give you a personalized assessment of your "ovarian reserve" (AMH level) during your consultation to help you understand your specific odds.