Think dental tourism in Istanbul is already saving you 70%? For Irish patients, the savings actually get even better. If you are facing an astronomical bill from a Dublin dental clinic for implants or extensive crown work, you might feel stuck. High private fees in Ireland, combined with the fact that PRSI or standard health insurance covers very little, force many people to put off essential treatments.
Traveling to Turkey has become a popular alternative, but a common misconception is that going abroad means losing out on local tax benefits. The Irish Revenue Commissioners fully recognise qualifying, non-routine dental treatments performed outside of Ireland. By choosing a certified clinic like Dent of Istanbul and having your paperwork signed by a registered specialist like Dr. Nilgün Başar, you can legally claw back an additional 20% of your treatment costs using the Med 2 tax relief scheme. Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how it works.
Can You Claim Irish Tax Relief (Med 2) for Dental Work in Turkey?
The short answer is yes. Under Irish Revenue guidelines, you can claim tax relief for medical and dental expenses incurred abroad. However, there are specific conditions that must be met. The treatment must be carried out by a "qualified dental practitioner" who is registered under the dental laws of the country where the work takes place.
At Dent of Istanbul, our lead clinician, Dr. Nilgün Başar, is a Professor of Periodontology and is fully registered with the Turkish Dental Association (TDB). Our clinic is officially accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Health for International Health Tourism. This means our credentials meet the exact legal standards required by the Irish Revenue Commissioners, allowing our Irish patients to submit their claims with confidence.
Qualifying vs. Non-Qualifying Dental Treatments
Revenue makes a clear distinction between routine and non-routine dental care. You cannot claim tax relief on routine treatments, even if they are performed in Ireland. However, non-routine treatments are 100% eligible for the 20% refund. Let us look at the breakdown:
- Routine Treatments (Not Eligible): Routine scaling, cleaning, filling cavities, simple extractions, and providing or repairing standard dentures.
- Non-Routine Treatments (Eligible for 20% Med 2 Relief):
- Dental implants (including the implant screw and the crown).
- Crowns (Zirconia, E-Max, or porcelain).
- Veneers or overlay preparations.
- Root canal treatments.
- Surgical extractions (such as impacted wisdom teeth).
- Bone grafting and sinus lifts (required to prepare the jaw for implants).
- Orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners).
How Much Can You Save? Turkey Dental Prices vs. Irish Tax Refund
To show you the real financial impact of combining Turkey’s lower costs with the Irish Med 2 tax refund, we have put together a realistic cost comparison. The prices below compare average private fees in Dublin with our all-inclusive packages at Dent of Istanbul, factoring in the 20% tax back:
| Treatment | Avg. Cost in Ireland | Cost at Dent of Istanbul | 20% Med 2 Refund | Net Cost in Istanbul | Total Savings (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Premium Implant (Straumann) | €2,500 | €850 | €170 | €680 | 72.8% |
| Full Arch Implants (All-on-4) | €10,000 | €3,500 | €700 | €2,800 | 72.0% |
| Zirconia Crown / Veneer (Single) | €850 | €250 | €50 | €200 | 76.4% |
As the table demonstrates, even after factoring in the cost of flights and accommodation, the net financial savings of traveling to Istanbul remain well over 70% compared to private care in Ireland.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Your Med 2 Tax Refund
Claiming your tax relief is a straightforward process, but you must follow the correct steps to ensure your documentation is compliant in case of a Revenue audit.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation & Treatment Plan
Your journey begins before you leave Ireland. You can request a free digital consultation by sending a panoramic X-ray or clear photographs of your teeth to our coordinators via WhatsApp. Dr. Nilgün Başar will review your case and provide a preliminary treatment plan and a fixed quote. This allows you to estimate your exact Med 2 tax refund before you book your flights.
Step 2: Receiving Treatment in Istanbul
When you arrive at our clinic, Dr. Nilgün Başar will conduct an in-person assessment using our 3D CT scanning technology. Once your treatment is complete, our administrative team will prepare your paperwork. Before you depart, Dr. Nilgün Başar will sign and stamp the official Irish Med 2 form. We will also provide you with a fully itemized invoice written in English, detailing the exact dental codes and descriptions for each procedure.
Step 3: Storing Your Documentation
When you return to Ireland, place your signed Med 2 form, your itemized English invoice, and your payment receipts in a safe place. Important: You do not need to send these documents to the Revenue Commissioners when you file your claim. However, under Irish tax law, you must retain these records for six years. If Revenue selects your return for a routine audit, you will need to present them.
Step 4: Submitting the Claim via myAccount
At the end of the tax year, you can claim your refund online using the Revenue myAccount portal. The process takes less than ten minutes:
- Log in to your myAccount portal on the Revenue website.
- Navigate to the "Review your tax" section for the relevant year and select "Form 12" (for PAYE taxpayers).
- Under the "Health" tab, select "Health Expenses".
- Enter the total net cost of your qualifying non-routine dental treatment (the amount you paid, converted to Euros, minus any insurance repayments).
- Submit the form. Revenue will process the claim and deposit the 20% refund directly into your Irish bank account, typically within five working days.
Why Dent of Istanbul is the Trusted Choice for Irish Patients
At Dent of Istanbul, we welcome hundreds of Irish patients every year. We understand that traveling abroad for dental work can feel daunting, which is why we have designed our services to be as seamless and supportive as possible.
Our administrative team is fully trained in Irish Revenue requirements, ensuring that your Med 2 forms are filled out correctly and stamped by Dr. Nilgün Başar. We also use premium, internationally recognised materials—such as Straumann dental implants and E-Max ceramics—which are widely used by dentists in Ireland. This ensures that if you ever need routine maintenance back home, any Irish dentist will be familiar with your restorations.
Furthermore, our all-inclusive packages cover private VIP airport transfers, hotel accommodations near our clinic, and a dedicated English-speaking coordinator who will accompany you to your appointments. We also provide a lifetime guarantee on our implant screws and a 5-year warranty on our crowns and veneers, giving you complete peace of mind.
Ready to claim your 20% savings? Contact our Dublin-dedicated patient coordination team today to receive a free virtual consultation and a personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Med 2 and Turkey Dental Holidays
We have addressed some of the most common questions regarding Irish tax relief and dental travel below. If you need further clarification, please get in touch with our team.
