Health Insurance Application in Turkey for Foreigners

Turkey's Health Insurance System

Turkey has a well-established public healthcare system for foreigners who pay social security contributions. There are two types of health insurance in Turkey: general health insurance and private health insurance.

Turkey is currently introducing a general health insurance system (as of February 2012). Most foreigners who have resided permanently in Turkey for at least one year with a residence permit and do not have health insurance as required by their country's law have to pay a mandatory monthly fee to the program. For most foreigners, this entitles them to unlimited health care for around 200 lire per month. Payments for this plan are made monthly at the bank.

The private healthcare sector in Turkey is rapidly growing, with many expats opting for private insurance due to shorter waiting times for treatment and generally higher standards of healthcare in private hospitals. Private insureds do not need additional health insurance. Many foreign employers offer their employees additional private health insurance.

Treatments covered by general health insurance:

• Emergency situations
• Occupational Accidents and Occupational Diseases
• infectious disease
• Healthcare (Drug and Alcohol Abuse)
• born
• Special events (war, fire, earthquake)

Social security in Turkey does not cover the following treatments:

• Fertility Treatment for Women Over 39
• Cosmetic surgery unless medically necessary
• Cosmetic Dentistry Jobs
• dental services

Most social security hospitals do not provide dental care. Patients are referred to a private dentist and pay for the services themselves.

How Do Foreigners Apply for Universal Health Insurance?

Foreigners apply for general health insurance at the nearest social insurance agency (SGK). There are more than 600 social insurance centers in Turkey where this application can be made.

How Can Foreigners Get Private Health Insurance in Turkey?

Foreigners must have private insurance to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. In other words, one of the most basic requirements for obtaining a residence permit is having private health insurance. Private health insurance is provided by various insurance companies operating in the country.

There may be some differences in the coverage provided by insurance companies. Like general health insurance, private health insurance also pays insurance companies monthly premiums. In return, medical services are provided free of charge. It is worth mentioning that foreigners can apply for general health insurance by canceling their private insurance after obtaining a residence permit.

Insurance companies operating in Turkey have agencies in almost every city. These companies can specialize in home insurance, travel insurance, auto insurance, earthquake insurance, and health insurance. Therefore, you can obtain the necessary information on the website of the insurance company that offers private health insurance and obtain private health insurance by visiting an insurance agency in person.

What Documents Are Required for Turkey Health Insurance?

When applying for general health insurance, the following documents must be submitted:

• Residence permit
• The original or photocopy of the social security status certification letter related to the general medical insurance application received by the foreign social security institution or labor counselor's office.
• Statement of Commitment

What is the Cost of Healthcare for Foreigners in Turkey?

The premium rate foreigners must pay is 24% of the minimum wage. This rate is 4% of the minimum wage for foreign students. As of January 2017, the minimum wage in Turkey is TL 4250.

Turkey Residence Permit Health Insurance

According to the laws of the Republic of Turkey, foreigners applying for a residence permit are obliged to purchase health insurance. Foreigners who make an appointment for a residence permit must bring their original health insurance policy to the appointment.