Complication Cover: What Is Covered and What Is Not
Short answer
Every patient has the basic complication insurance that Turkish law requires for health tourists, and we arrange it for you. On top of this, we commit to covering complications related to our surgery, such as infection or embolism, including treatment costs, while you are under our care during the first 3 months. Known natural risks of lengthening, such as non-union, nail breakage or lengthening-related nerve damage, are not covered and are the patient's responsibility. We explain these risks to every patient before surgery.
1. Mandatory complication insurance
Turkish law requires every health tourist to have a basic complication insurance policy. We arrange this policy from Sompo Sigorta for every patient. It is a basic policy with cover of up to €500. If you want broader cover, we recommend buying your own additional health or travel insurance before you come. You can read the policy details here: Sompo Sigorta complication insurance (PDF).
2. Our company commitment (first 3 months)
This is our own commitment, not an insurance policy. Complications related to our surgery, such as infection or embolism, are treated at our cost, including the cost of treating infections, while you are under our care during the first 3 months.
To date, we have not had a case of embolism or osteomyelitis (deep bone infection) in our patients.
3. What is not covered
Some complications are a natural risk of limb lengthening itself, not of how the surgery was performed. These are the patient's responsibility:
• Non-union (bone does not heal): Bone graft surgery, usually after 6 to 8 months of healing. Cost to the patient: $6,000.
• Nail breakage: The nail is replaced with a solid nail. If it happens during lengthening, the lengthening stops. Cost to the patient: $8,000 per nail.
• Nerve damage related to lengthening: Treated case by case. Cost: the patient's responsibility.
How we reduce these risks
Non-union occurs in less than 1% of our patients. It is more likely in people with slow bone metabolism. We monitor your bone at every check-up. If we see signs of delayed healing, we may stop the lengthening early to prevent non-union. Read more about limb lengthening complications and how we prevent them.
FAQ
Do I need to buy the mandatory insurance myself?
No. We arrange the basic mandatory policy for you. If you want cover beyond €500, buy your own additional insurance.
Does the insurance cover all complications?
No. It is a basic legal requirement with limited cover. Our own 3-month commitment and the list above explain what is covered.
What happens if a complication appears after 3 months?
After the first 3 months, the insurance policy terms apply. Contact us on WhatsApp and we will guide you.
Why aren't non-union and nail breakage covered?
They are known risks of the procedure itself and can happen even when everything is done correctly. We inform every patient about them in advance and in the consent form.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Fatih Arslanoğlu, Asst. Prof. of Orthopedics and Traumatology · Last reviewed: 31 October 2026