Health Insurance in Turkey for Foreigners – What You Need to Know
The Turkish government mandates private health insurance coverage for at least a year as a visa requirement. If you want to work, live, or travel to Turkey, Pacific Prime recommends you familiarize yourself with their healthcare system and evaluate the need to extend your insurance coverage.
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Turkey is known for its historical sites, delicious gourmet, beautiful beaches, and the famous Turkish bath. Expats who have been to Turkey love everything about it: the history, culture, hospitality, people, and most importantly affordability.
Turkey’s Health Insurance Options for Foreigners
Long-term and short-term insurance options for expats in Turkey are designed to cater to different needs based on the duration of stay and individual requirements
Long-Term Visits
Expats who are legally employed in Turkey can automatically benefit from the public health insurance system by contributing to the Social Security Institution (SGK). Other than that, private is the way to go.
Many local Turkish companies offer comprehensive private health insurance plans specifically designed for expats. These often include inpatient and outpatient care, prescription coverage, and optional dental, vision, and maternity care.
International insurance providers also offer the same, to provide coverage in Turkey and other countries at a higher cost. The insured enjoys a higher degree of flexibility and can rest assured that their personal health is protected wherever the journey takes.
Some expats opt for combination plans, choosing SGK for basic coverage and supplementing it with private insurance for additional benefits and access to private healthcare facilities. That would be the most cost-effective way to expand coverage while accessing private facilities.
Short-Term Visits
Short-term insurance options include travel insurance, which is suitable for tourists or short-term visitors. This type of insurance typically covers emergency medical care, evacuation, and sometimes trip cancellation.
For those staying a few months to a year, short-term/expat/visitor health insurance offers more comprehensive coverage than travel insurance but is less extensive than long-term plans.
Understanding Turkey’s Healthcare System
Turkey is one of the top countries that made significant progress in enhancing healthcare infrastructure, medical care access, accreditation, education, and research— all thanks to the Health Transformation Program (HTP) launched in 2003 which aims to provide universal coverage to all.
The program turned out to be one of the most successful healthcare reforms in the world. The percentage of the Turkish population covered by government health insurance increased from about 41.5% in 2002 to 98.8% in 2021.
Up until today, there are a total of 1,519 medical institutions in Turkey (947 public hospitals, 572 private hospitals), 35 of which were accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an organization that monitors the quality and safety of medical care.
That said, Turkey’s healthcare is not yet fully developed, and the standard of healthcare varies widely between the public/public systems and urban/rural areas. Akin to many other public healthcare systems, it is often associated with long wait times and a shortage of medical professionals.
Public Healthcare in Turkey
Turkey has a universal public health insurance system, Social Security Institution (SGK), which includes coverage for prescription medication, emergency care, and childbirth. Although these services are subsidized or fully covered, you need to keep in mind two important things.
- Expats are only eligible for subsidized or free services if they are residents or have contributed to the system for at least a year. Expats are by law required to secure private health insurance for the first year and are left with the choice to switch to public or keep private after the year.
- Public healthcare facilities are less likely to have English-speaking staff. Unless you have a translator with you, there is a higher chance that you can find English-speaking medical professionals to communicate your needs in private facilities.
Considering the affordability of international private health insurance in Turkey, most expats prefer going private to access quality care, with shorter wait times and English-speaking staff to better communicate their medical needs.
Private Healthcare in Turkey
Private healthcare in Turkey offers high-quality care with modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. These institutions are readily accessible in urban areas, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialist centers catering to a wide range of medical needs.
The country’s strategic location and competitive pricing have made Turkey a popular destination for medical tourism. The country attracts international patients seeking various treatments, particularly cosmetic surgery, dental work, and specialized medical procedures such as IVF treatments.
While private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, private medical services in Turkey are often more affordable than those in Western European countries or the United States, making it an attractive option for both locals and foreigners.
It is important to note that although private medical expenses in Turkey are fairly affordable, it is still expensive and costs do add up quickly. We recommend expats to secure (international) private health insurance to cover that cost.
The Cost of Health Insurance in Turkey for Foreigners
Public Health Insurance
The public healthcare system in Turkey is funded by employees, employers, and the government. The employed pay monthly fees based on their spending, and these fees are split among them.
Outside of covered procedures by the SGK, patients pay about 20% of the costs of medications out-of-pocket, and retirees pay 10%.
Private Health Insurance
The average premium of international individual private health insurance (IPMI) and private family health insurance in Turkey for foreigners are USD $5,511 and USD $15,299 respectively. The plans can be tailored to adjust the premium depending on your healthcare needs and budget.
Best Health Insurance in Turkey
The best private health insurance plans in Turkey are AXA International Insurance, Cigna Global, and IMG Global Medical Insurance.
AXA Insurance in Turkey for Foreigners
AXA’s international insurance plan offers a range of plan levels— Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. These plans feature annual benefits limits from USD $160,000 to $8,000,000, catering to various needs and budgets.
Some benefits that stand out to many expats are second medical opinion, evacuation and repatriation coverage, telehealth service, and mind health support.
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Cigna Global in Turkey for Foreigners
Cigna offers a vast network of hospitals and doctors and round-the-clock customer support to expats in Turkey. Featuring four levels of coverage, the basic level offers just emergency medical coverage, while the Platinum plan has unlimited annual benefit limits with comprehensive coverage.
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IMG Global in Turkey for Foreigners
IMG Global Medical Insurance is designed for expats and families on extended stays in Turkey. Their health plans provide comprehensive coverage under a non-renewable lifetime limit model. This helps keep premiums affordable while offering adequate coverage.
This private health insurance is perfect for those planning to stay for only a few years. Those planning permanent relocation might need to consider a more sustainable option.
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Health Hazards in Turkey
Turkey, like many countries, has its own set of health hazards that visitors and residents should be aware of. One of the primary concerns in certain regions is waterborne illnesses.
Waterborne illnesses: Tap water in rural areas or less developed regions might not be safe for drinking. Expats are advised to drink bottled water and be cautious about consuming raw fruits and vegetables wasted in untreated water.
Risk of Infectious diseases: There are occasional outbreaks of diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and brucellosis. These are often associated with contaminated food or water. In rural areas, there is an additional risk of tick-born encephalitis, particularly during the warmer months.
Air Pollution: The combination of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and geographic factors can lead to poor air quality, particularly during winter months. Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory conditions and pose risks to those with pre-existing heart or lung diseases.
Extreme Weather Conditions: Most of the countries enjoy a Mediterranean climate, and some regions experience very hot summers or cold winters. Heat waves can lead to dehydration and heat stroke in coastal areas, and harsh winters can pose a risk of hypothermia in eastern regions.
Emergency Care in Turkey
Expats should dial 112 in case of any emergency. However, it is not guaranteed that an English-speaking operator will pick up the phone as Turkish remains the primary language across the country.
The ambulance service in Turkey is developed and advanced, covering both urban and rural areas across the country. The average time for an ambulance to arrive is around 10 minutes, depending on the traffic and your location.
Expats who have secured private health insurance can also directly call a private hospital for faster service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare in Turkey free for foreigners?
No, healthcare in Turkey is not free for foreigners. Legally employed foreigners can contribute to Social Security and access public healthcare services at heavily subsidized rates. Tourists and short-term visitors need to have travel insurance or pay out-of-pocket for medical services.
What is the quality of healthcare in Turkey compared to Western countries?
The quality of healthcare in Turkey is generally comparable to Western standards. Turkey has many JCI-accredited hospitals, modern medical facilities, and well-trained doctors. Public hospitals may vary more in quality, but overall, Turkey’s healthcare system ranks well globally.
How does the public healthcare system (SGK) work in Turkey?
Turkey’s public healthcare system operates on a universal health insurance model. Employees, employers, and the government contribute to the system. Those under coverage can access a wide range of medical services at public hospitals and contracted private hospitals for free or at a minimal cost.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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