Health insurance in Turkey is mandatory. You need to have an insurance to get residency or work permit. This condition is prescribed in the legislative framework of the Republic of Turkey and is strictly controlled by the migration service. Insurance for foreigners should be issued only in insurance companies in Turkey. For children, an insurance policy is issued at will.

If your insurance plan in your home country is compatible with Turkish law, you may be able to use that plan. (Some countries - France, Germany, etc. have reciprocal agreements with Turkish government). If your country doesn’t have the agreement, you will need to have a Turkey expat health insurance.

The government approved insurance system is called SGK. Once you lived in Turkey for over a year, you are eligible to make use of this system by paying a fixed premium.

The price of private medical insurance will depend on the age and coverage of insurance accidents. In general, the easiest option before reaching 35 years will cost you from 250 TL for a year or more.

Compulsory private insurance is issued to all foreign citizens whose age is more than 18 years and less than 65 years. Only if it is available will the residence be issued. Accordingly, it is possible to make insurance for a period of 1-2 years for the residence.

The insurance is issued in the SGK offices in a few minutes. Current insurance also entitles you to a discount when buying prescription drugs.

What does mandatory health insurance cover in Turkey? In-patient treatment - 100% coverage. Out-patient treatment - covered at 60%. This type of insurance does not provide payment for regular examinations related to chronic diseases, pregnancy management, dental services, scheduled procedures. Accordingly, mandatory medical insurance in the Republic of Turkey can be applied to a hospital in case of an accident or acute illness.

If you want to receive insurance with a wider field of action, then after the registration of the financial insurance, you can conclude a voluntary medical insurance contract.

Major players operating in the market are:

Allianz Sigorta AŞ, Acıbadem Sağlık ve Hayat Sigorta AŞ, and Anadolu Anonim Türk Sigorta Şirketi, Mapfre Sigorta AŞ, Aksigorta AŞ, and Axa Sigorta AŞ, which contribute more than 60% in the overall market value.