Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 122 times
10 August 2025
For foreigners residing in Turkey, understanding the country’s healthcare system and available insurance options is not just a matter of convenience but a legal necessity. Having a valid health insurance policy is a mandatory condition for obtaining and renewing a residence permit. The quality of medical care in Turkey is comparable to that of many European countries, while the cost of treatment remains considerably lower. Choosing between private and public health insurance will have a direct impact on both the standard of care you receive and the amount you pay for it.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the types of medical insurance available to expatriates, explains the differences between the public SGK system and private policies, and offers practical advice on selecting the most suitable option.
Healthcare in Turkey is open to foreigners on the same terms as it is to citizens, provided they have the right insurance coverage. The system integrates a public healthcare network with a well-developed private sector. Public hospitals and clinics operate in all provinces, delivering both primary and specialised care under the management of the Ministry of Health, which is responsible for regulating service quality, controlling medicine prices, and overseeing the construction of new facilities.
The private sector, particularly strong in major cities and popular coastal areas, includes a broad range of modern hospitals and clinics, many of which hold international accreditations. With the appropriate insurance, foreign residents can choose treatment in either a public or a private facility, depending on their needs and financial capacity. Most insurance policies cover both types of institutions, although the proportion of costs they cover may vary significantly.
In practice, new residents usually rely on private health insurance during their first year in Turkey, later switching to the SGK public health system. This is because foreign nationals who are not employed in the country become eligible for SGK only after completing one year of uninterrupted residence on a residence permit.
In the first year, private insurance is compulsory for the residence permit application. It often costs less than SGK and, at a basic level, provides sufficient protection for emergencies and short-term healthcare needs. After the first year, many residents transfer to SGK, which offers a much broader range of coverage, including the treatment of chronic conditions and high-cost surgical procedures, without restrictions based on health history. Private insurance providers, by contrast, generally exclude pre-existing conditions or apply high additional charges, and many refuse coverage to people over 60–65 years of age. For retirees, SGK often becomes the only realistic option for comprehensive coverage.
Residence insurance is a policy issued by a licensed Turkish insurance company that all foreigners between the ages of 18 and 65 must present when applying for an ikamet (residence permit). Without such a policy, the application will not be accepted.
Since 2025, residence insurance must meet state-approved standards, provide a defined minimum level of real medical coverage—such as emergency care in public hospitals—and be fully paid to the insurer. The practice of issuing symbolic or incomplete policies has been eliminated, meaning applicants must now purchase a genuine, functioning insurance product.
Private policies for residence permits generally provide a limited range of healthcare services. Coverage is usually divided into outpatient care—doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and other procedures within an annual limit of around 5,000 TL—and inpatient care, which includes surgery, hospitalisation, and intensive care, typically up to 50,000 TL per year.
These policies apply only within the network of hospitals and clinics that have contracts with the insurer. Basic residence policies almost never cover pre-existing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or cancer, nor do they cover dental or ophthalmological treatment except for emergencies. Pregnancy and childbirth are also excluded from standard coverage but can sometimes be added for an additional premium or accessed through SGK.
The cost of private health insurance depends on age, health status, and the extent of coverage. As of 2025, the minimum prices are considerably higher than the low-cost symbolic policies once available. A basic annual policy for a 25–30-year-old applicant ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 TL. By the age of 50, the same type of coverage may cost 7,000–8,000 TL per year. Expanded packages that include a wider range of services can reach 15,000 TL or more.
Even so, private health insurance in Turkey remains affordable by European standards, with many policies costing between $150 and $300 annually. However, the relatively low price reflects the fact that such insurance is primarily intended to protect against major unexpected expenses, not to provide full, ongoing medical care. A policy costing 3,000 TL per year may cover appendicitis or a broken bone, but will not finance long-term treatment of chronic illnesses. For this reason, many residents consider switching to SGK after their first year in the country.
The SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) is Turkey’s national social security and health insurance system. Foreigners can apply for SGK after completing one year of continuous residence on a residence permit. Exceptions apply to those who are formally employed in Turkey, in which case the employer registers the employee for SGK from the first day of work and pays the necessary contributions. Foreign students may apply after three months of study at a Turkish university.
Enrollment is completed at the local SGK office. Applicants must submit a set of documents:
Requirements can vary slightly by province, so it is important to verify the exact list locally.
Once the application is approved, an individual social security number is issued, and coverage begins immediately, provided contributions are paid regularly. The policy covers the applicant, their spouse, and children up to 18 years of age—or up to 25 if they are enrolled in full-time education.
For retirees and people over 65, SGK often becomes the only viable option for comprehensive medical coverage, as private insurers may decline to offer policies in this age group. SGK offers foreigners the same access to healthcare as Turkish citizens, ranging from dental care in public clinics to complex surgical procedures in university hospitals.
SGK covers almost the entire spectrum of medical services. Holders of an SGK policy can use public clinics and hospitals free of charge, with the state covering 100% of the costs for doctor visits, diagnostic tests, surgical operations, hospitalisation, and other forms of treatment. If a particular specialist or service is not available in a public facility, the patient can be referred to a private clinic, and SGK will pay the bill.
The system also partially covers treatment in private hospitals that have contracts with SGK. Depending on the clinic and the type of procedure, the patient may pay only 20–60% of the total cost. For example, if an MRI scan costs 1,000 TL, the out-of-pocket amount could be between 200 and 600 TL, with the remainder covered by the insurance.
In addition, SGK significantly subsidises prescription medicines, covering up to 80% of the cost when prescribed by a Turkish doctor. The same level of subsidy applies to many medical supplies and consumables. Crucially, SGK places no restrictions on coverage for chronic or high-cost conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, or cardiovascular disease, regardless of when they were diagnosed.
SGK is funded through mandatory contributions. For Turkish citizens, these are typically paid by employers or, in the case of the self-employed, by the insured individual, with the state subsidizing part of the cost. For foreigners joining voluntarily, the contribution rate is higher: in 2025, the monthly premium is around 2,400 TL per family, payable monthly, quarterly, or annually via bank transfer, online payment systems, or directly at the bank. The payment amount is fixed and does not change based on the number of family members covered. Failure to pay results in suspension of coverage.
Beyond the basic residence insurance and the SGK system, there are extended private insurance options designed for those who prioritize comfort, speed, and convenience. These packages, which can be purchased instead of or in addition to SGK, typically offer rapid access to specialists in private clinics, often within days rather than weeks. They also frequently include English- or Russian-speaking doctors, interpreter services, and single private rooms for hospital stays, with the option for a relative to remain overnight—a valuable benefit during surgery or childbirth.
Some policies include private ambulance services or medical evacuation, even abroad, for planned treatment. Expanded coverage can also encompass rehabilitation, physiotherapy, advanced dental care such as implants, and medically necessary plastic surgery.
A popular option is Tamamlayıcı Sağlık Sigortası (TSS), a complementary policy for SGK members. TSS covers the portion of treatment costs in private clinics that SGK does not pay. For instance, if SGK covers 50% of a private hospital bill, TSS will pay the remaining half, making the treatment effectively free for the patient. These policies are widely used by Turkish citizens and are available to foreigners with residence permits, often bundled with extra services such as annual health check-ups, home visits, and consultations with dietitians or psychologists.
Spain is often used as a benchmark by expatriates considering healthcare quality abroad. The Spanish public system is considered one of the best in the world, with residents and long-term visitors receiving free or low-cost treatment funded by taxes. In Turkey, SGK operates on an insurance-based model, where citizens contribute through payroll or self-employment, and foreigners pay the full rate themselves. While public healthcare in Spain is technically free for residents, the higher tax burden and cost of living offset some of the apparent advantage.
Both countries have modern healthcare infrastructures. Spain consistently ranks among the top 10 globally for healthcare quality, while Turkey has risen to a comparable level over the last two decades, driven in part by its growing medical tourism sector.
The private sector is strong in both countries. In Spain, many residents purchase private insurance to avoid waiting lists and to choose their doctors, with monthly premiums averaging €50–100 depending on age and coverage. In Turkey, premiums are lower thanks to the lower cost of living, and SGK members can often access private care at reduced or no cost through TSS. Without private insurance in Spain, patients rely entirely on the public system, which, while high-quality, can involve long waits in busy areas.
Private healthcare services in Turkey are generally more affordable. A specialist consultation costs €30–50 in Turkey, compared to €100 or more in Spain. Complex surgeries and dental procedures are also much cheaper in Turkey than in the EU or the US. SGK covers a substantial portion of these costs, whereas in Spain, without resident status or insurance, hospital bills can be significant.
Obtaining Turkish citizenship through real estate investment provides immediate and substantial benefits in healthcare access. Citizens can join SGK from day one, either directly or via automatic employer registration. In some cases, such as for retirees or low-income families, the state pays the entire premium.
Citizenship also removes any restrictions related to pre-existing medical conditions. For foreigners, SGK may not cover illnesses diagnosed before joining, but citizens have full coverage regardless of health history. Citizens also benefit from reciprocal agreements allowing emergency medical care abroad in certain countries.
For families, citizenship extends SGK coverage to spouses and children automatically, with children insured until age 18 or 25 if in full-time education. Elderly parents who move to Turkey can also obtain public insurance through their children. Most importantly, a Turkish passport guarantees lifelong access to the healthcare system without the need to renew residence permits or change insurance providers annually—an assurance that becomes invaluable with age.
Licensed real estate agency Luxury Estate Turkey offers clients more than just assistance in selecting and purchasing property. We provide full support in all related matters, from obtaining legal status to securing essential documentation. Our team works with specialist lawyers to manage residence permit or citizenship applications on a turnkey basis.
When applying for a residence permit, we advise on the type of insurance required and, if desired, arrange the policy on the client’s behalf. We maintain relationships with medical institutions and insurance companies that employ English-speaking staff, and we can recommend hospitals best suited to foreigners in your region—especially important for families with children.
With our guidance, you receive not only a home by the sea but also comprehensive after-sales support, including attention to your health and well-being, ensuring peace of mind and comfort in your new life in Turkey.
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