Turkey – Health Insurance

Is health insurance mandatory for expats in Turkey?

Holding valid health insurance is a firm legal obligation for any foreign national who intends to stay in Turkey beyond 90 days. This rule applies across all permit categories — whether someone is moving to Turkey to study, take up employment, retire, or simply live there as a long-term resident.

Health insurance is a compulsory requirement when applying for any form of residency permit in Turkey, including short-term, student, work, and long-term permits. Proof of valid insurance covering the full duration of the permit must be included among the supporting documents at the time of application. Immigration authorities apply this rule strictly, so arranging cover well before submitting an application is essential.

Any application submitted to the Directorate General of Migration Management through the online portal without acceptable health insurance documentation can be refused under Turkish law. Missing or late insurance paperwork risks application rejections, processing delays, and potential penalties.

All foreigners under the age of 65 living in Turkey must maintain active health insurance coverage, whether through the private or public system. Those aged 65 and over who are retired and whose home country has a bilateral social security agreement with Turkey that includes healthcare may be exempt from the private insurance requirement.

It is worth noting that neither the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) nor the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) carries any validity in Turkey. Expats arriving from countries where these cards are used must make independent insurance arrangements before travelling to or settling in Turkey.

How does the public health system in Turkey work?

Turkey’s public healthcare framework is built around a Universal Health Insurance model that extends to all citizens. It is managed by the Social Security Institution — known as SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) — through a scheme called Genel Sağlık Sigortası, or GSS. Funding comes from payroll-linked contributions made by employees, employers, and the state, placing it closer in structure to France’s social insurance model than to a tax-funded national health service like the UK’s NHS.

The programme was introduced in 2003 through a collaboration between the Turkish government and the World Bank as part of the country’s Health Transformation Program, and it has since achieved remarkable reach. Nearly 99% of the population now hold public health insurance, with the scheme covering more than 70% of overall healthcare expenses.

The system draws on taxation for funding, with employers obliged to contribute on behalf of their staff and self-employed individuals contributing independently. Although contribution rates differ, everyone receives the same level of coverage irrespective of income.

Citizens and eligible residents — including expats who have completed the required one-year residency period — can access subsidised public healthcare services. However, foreigners who have not yet registered with SGK must typically rely on private facilities, which generally offer better speed and more consistent service quality.

A notable strength of Turkey’s healthcare system is its broad scope: it addresses not only routine and emergency care but also major health conditions including various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. The country is well covered geographically, with a family health centre (Sağlık Merkezi) in virtually every neighbourhood. Patients are not restricted to the centre closest to their home — any regional family health facility may be used.

Every town across Turkey has at least one healthcare clinic, and pharmacies are plentiful on most streets. Care can be accessed by walking in and waiting, or by booking in advance via the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS) by dialling 182. MHRS also provides a Turkish-language app for scheduling appointments on a mobile device.

How do expats register for public health coverage in Turkey?

To enrol voluntarily in the SGK system, a foreign national must have resided in Turkey legally and without interruption — under a valid residence permit — for a minimum of one year. Expats employed by a Turkish company and holding a work permit (Çalışma İzni) are enrolled automatically from their first day on the job. Foreign students have a separate pathway: they may apply for universal health insurance coverage within three months of registering at their institution, without needing to satisfy the one-year residency condition.

According to guidance published by the Directorate General of Migration Management and the Social Security Institution (SGK), eligible expats follow these steps to register voluntarily:

1. Obtain a valid residence permit. A residence permit is a fundamental prerequisite for accessing public health insurance. Without one, SGK registration is not possible. Applications are submitted through the Directorate General of Migration Management via the e-ikamet system.
2. Confirm one year of continuous legal residence. Foreign nationals who have lived uninterruptedly in Turkey for more than one year and who are not covered under any foreign social security arrangement may apply for universal health insurance. Documentation demonstrating your continuous stay should be gathered in advance.
3. Gather required documents. Visit your nearest SGK office with your passport, residency application form, proof of address, and a medical report from a doctor approved by SGK. You will also need to demonstrate that you have no existing insurance entitlement or active coverage from your home country. Your local SGK office can supply a list of approved physicians.
4. Submit your application to the nearest SGK office. Applications must be lodged at the nearest provincial or central SGK directorate. With around 600 social security centres distributed across Turkey, access to an office is generally straightforward.
5. Begin making monthly contributions. After registration, you will be assigned a monthly contribution amount and must begin paying promptly. A minimum of 30 days of contributions is required before care can be accessed. Once that threshold is met, you may use Turkey’s healthcare services on the same basis as any other resident.
6. Select a primary care physician (family doctor). Following registration, you will choose a family doctor as your primary point of contact. This doctor manages your routine care and provides referrals to specialists when required.
7. Update your coverage at renewal. Each time your residence permit is renewed, you will need to visit your SGK office to update your healthcare coverage accordingly.

Always confirm the current documentation requirements directly with your local SGK office or through the official SGK website, as procedures may differ between provinces and are subject to revision.

What costs are involved in the public health system in Turkey?

The SGK system is financed through shared contributions from the government, employers, and workers. Employees contribute 5% of their gross salary, while employers add 7.5%, bringing the combined total to 12.5%. This shared contribution structure is broadly comparable to Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV) model.

Foreign nationals who are resident in Turkey but not in employment and who choose to join the universal health insurance scheme voluntarily are charged at a rate of 24% of the national gross minimum wage each month. Because the Turkish government typically revises the minimum wage twice a year, the actual monthly figure in Turkish lira will fluctuate. Always check the prevailing rate with the SGK when planning your budget.

Foreign students enrolled at Turkish institutions pay 4% of the national minimum wage as their SGK contribution — a considerably lower rate than that applicable to voluntary resident members.

For those actively enrolled and using the system, many services are fully covered, including emergency treatment, preventive health measures, and childbirth. Out-of-pocket expenses are most common for medications, where patients generally pay around 20% of the cost. Retirees receive a reduced rate of 10% on medication expenses.

For the private insurance policies required for residence permit applications, premiums vary according to age and the level of cover chosen. As a broad indication for 2025, basic annual policy costs might range from approximately 1,800 TRY for a younger applicant to upwards of 8,000 TRY for an older individual, with comprehensive plans costing considerably more. These are indicative figures only — for accurate and up-to-date premiums, contact licensed Turkish insurance providers directly, as rates shift frequently.

What does public health cover in Turkey include and exclude?

Public health coverage in Turkey encompasses both inpatient and outpatient services, covering consultations, surgical procedures, hospital stays, rehabilitation, dental treatment, laboratory diagnostics, and prescription medications. The GSS scheme also extends to pregnancy-related care and workplace injuries.

In terms of breadth, the GSS provides full coverage for primary care, preventive services, emergency treatment, and diagnostic tests and procedures. Dental and eye care are included in principle, though not all SGK hospitals consistently deliver these services, which leads many patients to seek private alternatives at their own expense.

There are notable gaps and restrictions within the public scheme. Cosmetic and aesthetic treatments are not covered under any circumstances. Regarding pre-existing conditions, the scheme does not cover chronic illnesses that were present before the date on which a foreign national first became an insurance holder or dependant — meaning that conditions already present at the time of enrolment are generally excluded from coverage.

Basic dental care such as extractions is covered at public facilities, but SGK provides only limited support for glasses and ophthalmic services. Dental, optical, and maternity care are not comprehensively funded unless the situation involves an emergency or falls within prenatal conditions.

Mental health care is another area where public provision falls short. Specialist mental health services are largely concentrated in major urban centres such as Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir, leaving some regions with little to no access to relevant professionals.

Overall, Turkey’s public health infrastructure continues to improve, with significant investment in facilities and a growing number of hospitals holding international accreditation. That said, public hospitals — particularly those outside large cities — can suffer from overcrowding, leading to lengthy waiting times for both appointments and treatment.

What are the advantages of international private health insurance for expats in Turkey?

A significant proportion of expats living in Turkey opt for international health insurance, which provides quicker access to medical care, greater availability of English-speaking and multilingual doctors, and coverage at both Turkish private hospitals and facilities abroad. For those accustomed to immediate, comprehensive public coverage — such as France’s social security system or Australia’s Medicare — the one-year waiting period before SGK eligibility can be an unwelcome discovery, making private cover not just preferable but immediately necessary.

Private insurance often extends to treatments that fall outside SGK’s scope, including elective procedures, dental work, and mental health therapy. Policyholders can also tailor their plans to their personal circumstances and financial situation — a degree of flexibility that the public system simply cannot offer.

Turkey’s private hospital sector has grown substantially, with institutions such as the Acıbadem Healthcare Group and the Memorial Hospitals providing high-quality medical care with significantly reduced waiting times and more predictable costs. Private insurance opens the door to these facilities.

Turkey has 35 public and private facilities accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a US-based non-profit body that sets and monitors quality and safety standards in healthcare. Many of these accredited facilities are in the private sector and are most accessible through private insurance.

International health insurance delivers broad global coverage on top of any locally required policy, including access to leading private hospitals worldwide, medical evacuation services, and support in multiple languages. For expats who travel regularly or anticipate needing specialist care in their home country, this global dimension is particularly valuable.

Even when an employer provides group insurance, these plans frequently carry low coverage ceilings, exclude key services such as dental, optical, and maternity care, and are not portable in the event of changing jobs. Taking out supplementary or primary private insurance therefore makes practical sense for anyone seeking comprehensive, uninterrupted protection.

How do international private health insurance plans work in Turkey?

Health insurance is a legal requirement for both Turkish citizens and long-term foreign residents. The system encompasses public coverage through the Social Security Institution (SGK) and voluntarily chosen private insurance. For immigration purposes, policies must be issued by insurers licensed to operate within Turkey.

Turkish private insurers offer a range of plans broadly divided into two tiers: inpatient coverage (Yatarak Tedavi), which addresses expenses arising from hospital stays of more than 24 hours, surgical treatment, intensive care, and associated costs; and more extensive plans that layer on outpatient and specialist services. “Residence insurance” is the term commonly applied to the most affordable and basic plans that meet only the minimum thresholds set by immigration authorities — typically inpatient cover alone.

From April 2025, all new and renewal residence permit applications must include Foreign Health Insurance that covers state, public, and private contracted hospitals in accordance with updated regulations. The revised coverage thresholds include 15,000 TL for outpatient treatment and up to 250,000 TL for certain public hospitals. Sudden illness and acute conditions are now also included within the mandatory coverage requirements. Refer to the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Authority (SEDDK) for the most current minimum standards.

Prominent international providers with a presence in Turkey include: Allianz, which operates extensively in the Turkish market and offers expats flexible plans — including options that complement SGK public insurance; Bupa, which — through its acquisition of Acıbadem Sigorta — delivers premium coverage designed for families, frequent business travellers, and long-term expats, with strong ties to the Acıbadem hospital network; and Cigna Global, which, while not a Turkish company, provides globally portable cover that includes Turkey and suits expats who move between countries or travel frequently.

When evaluating plans, the following factors deserve careful attention:

• The coverage period must align with the duration of your residence permit.
• Scrutinise exclusions thoroughly — many policies omit pre-existing or chronic conditions unless an upgraded plan is selected.
• Ensure the policy carries the government-recognised signature and e-stamp, as documents lacking these may be rejected by immigration officials.
• Check the approved hospital network — certain policies restrict treatment to specific facilities.
• Consider whether add-ons such as dental, ophthalmology, maternity, and international coverage are worth the additional premium for your situation.

Age is the primary determinant of premium cost: the older the applicant, the higher the price. Comprehensive plans combining inpatient and outpatient cover are notably more expensive than basic inpatient-only policies.

What should expats watch out for with health insurance in Turkey?

Among the most frequent difficulties expats encounter is the coverage gap between arriving in Turkey and becoming eligible for the SGK system. Because a full year of legal residence is required before joining the public scheme, private insurance is mandatory throughout that period. Failing to arrange cover from the outset can leave new arrivals exposed to significant out-of-pocket medical expenses. Starting your coverage on day one is not just advisable — it is essential.

The exclusion of pre-existing conditions is one of the most consequential limitations of private insurance. Most policies decline to cover illnesses that existed before the policy was purchased, or demand substantially higher premiums to include them. To protect yourself from claim refusals, always disclose your full medical history honestly when applying, and retain a copy of your complete policy terms for reference.

Confusing travel insurance with health insurance is a mistake that catches many newcomers off guard. Travel policies are intended for short trips and do not provide the sustained, continuous protection needed for long-term residency. Private health insurance must remain uninterrupted — allowing it to lapse before renewal can jeopardise your residency status.

Language barriers present a real challenge for non-Turkish speakers. Some insurance contracts are issued solely in Turkish, and misunderstandings arising from mistranslation can lead to confusion about what is and is not covered. Always request a policy summary in a language you understand fully, or consult a qualified translator or legal professional before signing.

Delays in receiving official policy documents from some insurers can create problems when submitting residence permit applications. To avoid this, choose providers known for rapid digital delivery or same-day processing.

Maternity coverage requires forward planning: most private policies impose waiting periods before pregnancy-related benefits become available. If starting or expanding a family is on the horizon, review the maternity provisions of any policy you are considering before the need arises.

Some countries hold bilateral social security agreements with Turkey that may mean their nationals are already partially covered if they have contributed to their home country’s system. France and Germany are among the countries with such arrangements, though the list is not exhaustive. Verify whether your home country has a relevant agreement with Turkey before assuming you need to arrange entirely new cover from scratch.

Without any insurance, a single unplanned hospitalisation in Turkey can generate bills exceeding TRY 20,000, placing enormous financial strain on individuals who rely on private care — as most expats do. Adequate insurance is therefore far more than a bureaucratic formality; it is genuine and substantial financial protection.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my home country’s health insurance in Turkey?

Insurance from your home country cannot be used to satisfy Turkish residency requirements, though it may cover international hospital costs depending on your policy’s terms. Certain countries have bilateral social security agreements with Turkey — including France and Germany — which may mean their nationals are already covered provided they have been contributing to their home system. Before making any assumptions, confirm the status of any such agreement with both your home country’s social security authority and the Turkish SGK.

Do I need private health insurance if I have a work permit in Turkey?

Foreign nationals employed in Turkey under a valid work permit are enrolled automatically in the SGK system through their employer, with contributions deducted from their salary from the very first day of work. Public coverage therefore begins immediately. You may still find it worthwhile to hold supplementary private insurance to gain faster access to specialists, private hospital facilities, and services that fall outside SGK’s remit.

What happens if my residence permit expires before I renew my insurance?

Health insurance must remain active and be renewed before it expires in order to avoid disruption to your residency status. A break in cover can result in a rejected permit renewal application. It is advisable to set reminders well ahead of both your insurance and permit expiry dates, ensuring that new insurance is secured before you submit a renewal application.

Is the EHIC or GHIC accepted in Turkey?

Neither the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) nor the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is recognised in Turkey. Every visitor and resident — regardless of nationality — must arrange their own separate health insurance cover for the duration of their time in Turkey.

When can I switch from private insurance to SGK?

Once a foreign national has completed a full year of residence in Turkey with a valid residence permit ID card, they become eligible to apply for SGK Universal Health Insurance and access Turkish public hospitals nationwide. A minimum of 30 days of contributions must be made before services can be used. It is also possible to retain supplementary private insurance alongside SGK coverage if desired.

Does SGK cover dental and optical treatment?

SGK covers only basic dental procedures — such as extractions — at public facilities, and provides very limited support for spectacles and eye care. More extensive dental or optical treatment will generally need to be funded out-of-pocket or through a private insurance plan that offers these services as optional add-ons.

What is the difference between “residence insurance” and a comprehensive private health plan?

“Residence insurance” describes the most basic and affordable private policies that satisfy only the minimum legal standards required by the immigration authorities — usually covering inpatient treatment alone. A comprehensive private plan goes further, incorporating outpatient consultations, specialist visits, and the option to add dental, optical, maternity, and international coverage. For anyone who anticipates using healthcare services with any regularity, a comprehensive plan is likely to represent significantly better value.

Are pre-existing conditions covered by health insurance in Turkey?

The majority of standard insurance policies exclude chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Coverage for these may be available under a higher-tier plan, provided they are disclosed at the time of application — concealing medical history risks outright claim rejection. SGK’s public scheme similarly excludes chronic illnesses that were present before the date of enrolment. Carefully reading the exclusions section of any policy before committing to it is strongly recommended.