Health System in Turkey: SGK Turkey Foreigners
The Republic of Turkey’s constitution states that “Everybody has the right to health benefits and social security.” As a social state, Turkey offers high-quality health services to all citizens. Everyone can benefit from public and private health services. They are easily accessible and affordable.
The main providers of the Turkish health system are the Ministry of Health, teaching hospitals, and the private sector. Most medical centers in Turkey have international accreditation, including JCI (International Joint Commission), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), and JCAHO (Joint Accreditation Commission of Healthcare Organizations).
In Turkey, there are more than 50 JCI-accredited. Most of them are in Istanbul, Antalya, Bursa, Izmir, Kocaeli and Adana. This is the highest number of accreditations a country has ever had. Some hospitals have partnerships with major U.S. medical service providers, such as Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins Medical School.
You must apply for insurance if you want to benefit from public and private hospitals.
There are two types of health insurance in Turkey for foreigners:
- Universal Health Insurance
- Private Health Insurance
Universal health insurance is governed by the Social Security Institution (SGK). It provides complete, fair, and equitable access to health services for all insured and uninsured people in the country. Many insurance companies offer affordable policies if you’re considering applying for private insurance.
You can also apply for Turkish citizenship with a real estate investment program to benefit from a Turkish citizen’s health care rights. You can contact experts if you need further information.
Can you Benefit from Universal Health Insurance in Turkey (SGK Turkey Foreigners)?
Yes. You can take out health insurance for a monthly fee (SGK Turkey Foreigners) if you have been living in Turkey for at least one year. Basic medical care services that you can access with this insurance (SGK Turkey Foreigners):
- Internal and external patient services
- Infectious diseases
- Pregnancy, birth, and related expenses
- Preventive health services
- Occupational accidents and diseases
- Treatment costs for foreigners and their dependents, except for chronic diseases
- Discounts in private hospitals and clinics, etc.
The insurance (SGK Turkey Foreigners) does not cover chronic diseases like embolic diseases or arteriosclerosis. But you can benefit from medical care in case of falls, trauma, sudden heart attack, sudden respiratory illness, etc.
How to Apply for Health Insurance in Turkey (SGK Turkey Foreigners)?
You can contact the nearest provincial/central directorate of social security institutions. However, applicants may benefit from the insurance if they:
SGK Turkey Foreigners: Consider the
reciprocity principle
Having a residence permit.
Not benefiting from foreign country insurance and do not have the right to benefit from it.
Having lived in Turkey for more than one year without interruption and have applied for it on that date.
SGK Turkey Foreigners: here are the required documents:
- Petition and application form
- Document of residence permit
- Documents of social security status submitted by the social security institution or the labor attachés of the foreign country concerned.
- Recognition form
Cost of SGK Turkey Foreigners
The cost is about 1000 TL. We recommend that you check the updated information by the application centers as the fees change yearly.
Suppose they are living in Turkey and are not insured under the legislation ofTurkey or another country (except for those studying abroad). In that case, applicants can benefit from the insurance:
Applicants who can benefit from SGK Turkey Foreigners:
- Spouse
- Underaged children
- Unmarried children under 20 years old who are studying in high school.
- Unmarried children under 25 years old who are studying at the university.
- Single children with disabilities, regardless of their age.
- Parents who are cared for by foreign nationals and identified by the institution.
.
Note: Applicants must present the identity information of their dependents to the competent authority if they want them to be covered by the SGK Turkey Foreigners insurance.
Private Health Insurance in Turkey for Foreigners (different from SGK Turkey Foreigners)
You can get private health insurance (different from SGK Turkey Foreigners) by paying a monthly contribution to an insurance company in Turkey. You can purchase a tailor-made policy to your budget and needs based on age and health condition.
Unlike general health insurance (SGK Turkey Foreigners), the private health insurance policy determines the scope of health services. Foreigners need to evaluate the content of the police to find out what health services they will receive. Some policies do not cover the provision of specific medical procedures and equipment.
The best private health insurance in Turkey (different from SGK Turkey Foreigners) would be one that covers many of your healthcare needs.
* Foreigners who have stayed in Turkey on a short or long-term basis without obtaining a residence permit must have private health insurance if they want to benefit from health services.
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in Turkey (different from SGK Turkey Foreigners)?
Many factors determine insurance prices. The applicant’s age, gender, marital status, and even medical history affect prices.
Health and age variables will increase the prices of insurance. Additionally, each insurance company has a different pricing system. Therefore, we cannot give a clear and accurate price.
You can pay your insurance costs (different from SGK Turkey Foreigners) in cash or installments. The insurance company determines the staging plan. You can make payments with credit cards valid in Turkey and some foreign credit cards.
The Cost of Healthcare in Turkey
The cost is 50-60% lower than in EU countries and the US. Also, it is cheaper than in other countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Do pensioners have a Good Healthcare System in Turkey?
Yes. In Turkey, Health tourism has focused on special wellness programs, especially for retirees as well as medical tourists over 65. Compared to European countries, these programs are also very cheap .
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