Health is one of the most important aspects of every person’s life. For this reason, all foreigners moving to Turkey for permanent residence are concerned about the issue of local health insurance regulations. must be issued by all foreigners who apply for a residence permit and are in the age group from 18 to 65 years. When applying for a residence permit for a year or two, medical insurance is mandatory for the same period.

Compulsory health insurance in Turkey, what is the difference between insurance for foreigners and Turks?

Content:

• In practice, there are 2 types of state insurance program
• Features of compulsory medical insurance for foreign citizens
• What does compulsory health insurance cover in Turkey?

Compulsory Health Insurance in Turkey

Fig.1 Compulsory health insurance in Turkey

Health is one of the most important aspects of every person’s life. For this reason, all foreigners moving to Turkey for permanent residence are concerned about the issue of local health insurance regulations.

Compulsory health insurance must be issued to all foreigners who apply for a residence permit and are in the age group from 18 to 65 years. When applying for a residence permit for a year or two, medical insurance is mandatory for the same period.

This condition is spelled out in the legislative framework of the Republic of Turkey and is strictly controlled by the migration service. Insurance for foreigners should only be taken out by insurance companies in Turkey. For children, an insurance policy is issued at will.

SGK is a state insurance company in Turkey. This type of insurance provides the opportunity for free treatment in public hospitals and discounts on services in private medical institutions.

In practice, there are 2 types of state insurance program:

• SSK – for foreigners and working citizens.
• Bağkur is for private entrepreneurs.

Since January 2012, the law on the registration of compulsory health insurance in Turkey, which applies to foreigners and Turks, has been in force. In accordance with this provision, if the stay in the country exceeds the visa-free time period, then medical insurance is mandatory.

The insurance policy is issued at SGK offices in a few minutes. Valid insurance also entitles you to a discount on the purchase of prescription drugs.

Features of compulsory medical insurance for foreign citizens

It should be noted that compulsory insurance is issued by foreign citizens, regardless of the purpose of stay in Turkey:

• rest;
• Study;
• work;
• Long stay.

The cost of the insurance policy depends on the age of the person making the document and can vary from 150 to 1,000 Turkish liras for 1 year. In the process of registration, it is recommended to check with the representative of the insurance company with which medical institutions it works. Most insurance organizations, together with the policy, issue a list of hospitals where paid insurance will be valid.

What does compulsory health insurance cover in Turkey?

• Inpatient treatment – 100% coverage.
• Outpatient treatment is covered in 60%.

This type of insurance does not provide for payment for regular examinations related to chronic diseases, pregnancy management, dental services, and planned procedures. Accordingly, according to the mandatory honey. insurance in the Republic of Turkey, you can go to the hospital in case of an accident or an acute illness.

If you want to get insurance with a wider field of validity, then after the residence permit is issued, you can conclude a voluntary health insurance contract.