Health Insurance in Türkiye: Everything You Need to Know About SGK and Private Insurance

Health insurance in Türkiye is a fundamental part of the social system, aiming to provide healthcare to citizens and residents.

 The system is continuously evolving to ensure broader coverage and better services. Health insurance in Türkiye can be divided into two main types: Public Health Insurance (SGK) and Private Health Insurance.

1. Public Health Insurance (SGK - Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu)

The Social Security Institution (SGK) is the government body responsible for managing all social security branches in Türkiye, including health insurance. This insurance covers the following categories:

• Employees and Employers: This includes salaried workers and the self-employed.

• Retirees: They enjoy health coverage after retirement.

• Family Members of the Insured: This includes spouses and dependent children (up to a certain age or as long as they continue their education).

• Individuals Paying Voluntary Contributions: Non-working individuals or those not belonging to other categories can pay voluntary contributions to benefit from SGK services.

• Foreign Students: Foreign students enrolled in Turkish universities can register with SGK to benefit from health insurance.

Benefits of Public Health Insurance (SGK):

• Broad Coverage: It covers most essential medical services, including:

• Doctor visits (in public hospitals and some contracted private hospitals).

• Medications (with a co-payment).

• Laboratory tests and X-rays.

• Surgical operations.

• Hospitalization and in-patient treatment.

• Some rehabilitation services.

• Emergency services.

• Low Costs: Monthly SGK premiums are typically lower compared to private insurance and are automatically deducted from employee salaries.

• Accessibility: It provides access to a wide network of public hospitals and health centers throughout Türkiye.

Limitations and Challenges of SGK:

• Waiting Times: There can be long waiting times for appointments and operations in public hospitals, especially for specialized treatments.

• Overcrowding: Some public hospitals suffer from overcrowding due to the large number of patients.

• Lack of Modern Equipment: The latest technologies or advanced treatments may not be available in all public hospitals.

• Private Hospital Care: To receive treatment in private hospitals not fully contracted with SGK, significant out-of-pocket payments may be required, or coverage might be denied entirely.

How to Obtain SGK Insurance and Required Documents:

The application process and required documents depend on your category:

1. For Employees (Sigortalı Çalışan):

• How to Obtain: Your employer automatically registers you with SGK when you start working. They notify SGK of your employment start date.

• Required Documents (from you):

• Turkish ID Card (Kimlik Kartı) or passport for foreigners.

• Tax Number (Vergi Numarası).

• Proof of address.

• Employer's Role: Your employer is responsible for all registration procedures and monthly premium payments.

1. For Self-Employed Individuals (Bağ-Kur'lu):

• How to Obtain: You must register with SGK yourself.

• Required Documents:

• Turkish ID Card / Passport.

• Tax Number.

• Business registration certificate (for freelancers/self-employed).

• Proof of address.

• Bağ-Kur registration application.

1. For Individuals Paying Voluntary Contributions (İsteğe Bağlı Sigorta):

• How to Obtain: Apply directly to the nearest SGK branch.

• Required Documents:

• Turkish ID Card / Passport.

• Proof of address.

• "Voluntary Insurance" application form (İsteğe Bağlı Sigorta Başvuru Formu).

• Certificate of no other insurance (if requested).

1. For Foreign Students:

• How to Obtain: After university enrollment, students can apply to an SGK branch within three months of their university registration date.

• Required Documents:

• Passport.

• Student registration document from the university (Öğrenci Belgesi).

• Foreigner's ID Number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası - obtained after address registration).

• Proof of address (residency certificate from Nüfus Müdürlüğü).

• Student Health Insurance Application Form (Öğrenci Sağlık Sigortası Başvuru Formu).

1. For Family Members (Spouse/Children):

• How to Obtain: They are added to the primary insured's policy (employee, self-employed, etc.).

• Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate (for spouses).

• Birth certificates for children.

• ID cards of family members.

• Document proving dependency status (e.g., student certificate for children above a certain age).

Estimated Cost of SGK Insurance for 2025:

The cost of SGK premiums primarily depends on the minimum wage in Türkiye (Asgari Ücret), which is usually determined at the end of each year for the following year. As the exact figure for 2025 is already published (as of July 2025), I'll use those concrete numbers.

• For Employees: The employee's share is 14% of the gross minimum wage, and the employer's share is 20.5% (or more depending on the work and occupational risks).

• Actual Minimum Wage (Gross) for 2025: 26,005.50 TRY.

• Employee's Monthly Share (14%): Approximately 3,640.77 TRY.

• Employer's Monthly Share (approx. 20.5%): Approximately 5,331.13 TRY.

• Total Monthly Payment to SGK for an Employee: Approximately 8,971.90 TRY.

• For Self-Employed Individuals (Bağ-Kur):

• Monthly Premium (2025): If paid regularly (with a 5% discount), the monthly Bağ-Kur premium is 7,671.38 TRY. If not paid regularly, it's 8,971.62 TRY.

• For Individuals Paying Voluntary Contributions (İsteğe Bağlı Sigorta):

• Monthly Premium (2025): The monthly voluntary insurance premium is calculated based on the minimum wage, generally similar to Bağ-Kur, around 8,451.79 TRY (if paid at the lower earning limit without unemployment insurance) or 9,101.93 TRY (with unemployment insurance).

• For Foreign Students: Usually a fixed fee determined annually by SGK.

• Estimated Monthly Fee (2025): Based on recent patterns, monthly fees might be around 700 to 1,000 TRY, or paid annually ranging from 8,400 to 12,000 TRY. (Exact student fees are set by SGK directly and may not strictly follow minimum wage percentages).

Important Note: While the gross minimum wage for 2025 is set, specific SGK contribution rates and fixed fees for categories like foreign students can be adjusted. Always confirm the latest figures with SGK directly or through official channels.

2. Private Health Insurance

Many individuals, especially foreigners and residents, opt for private health insurance to supplement or replace public insurance, or to ensure a higher standard of healthcare. Private insurance companies offer a wide range of plans and prices, allowing individuals to choose coverage that suits their needs and budget.

Benefits of Private Health Insurance:

• Higher Quality of Care: It allows access to a broader network of private hospitals and clinics, which are often equipped with modern technology and provide more comfortable services.

• Shorter Waiting Times: Waiting times for appointments and treatments in private hospitals are usually much shorter.

• Flexibility in Doctor Choice: It allows the insured to choose their preferred doctor and hospital.

• Broader Coverage: It can include coverage for services not covered by SGK, such as:

• Comprehensive dental services.

• Certain medications not listed on the SGK formulary.

• Comprehensive preventive check-ups.

• Alternative therapies.

• Emergency medical transportation.

• Additional Services: Some packages may include services like teleconsultations or wellness programs.

• Residency Requirements: Private health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a residence permit for foreigners in Türkiye, unless they are covered by SGK (e.g., students or employees).

Limitations and Challenges of Private Health Insurance:

• Higher Costs: Private insurance premiums are significantly higher compared to SGK and vary by age, health status, and type of coverage.

• Limited Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: There may be restrictions or exclusions for covering pre-existing chronic medical conditions.

• Complex Terms and Conditions: Policy terms and conditions should be read carefully to understand what is covered and what is excluded.

How to Obtain Private Health Insurance and Required Documents:

1. How to Obtain:

• Directly from Insurance Companies: You can contact local insurance companies in Türkiye directly (e.g., Anadolu Sigorta, Allianz, Acıbadem Sigorta, AXA Sigorta, Sompo Japan Sigorta, Mapfre Sigorta, etc.).

• Through Insurance Agents (Acenteler): Many people prefer to deal with insurance agents who can compare offers from multiple companies and provide advice.

• Online: Many companies and agents offer services to obtain quotes and purchase policies through their websites.

• For Residence Permit: If the purpose is to obtain a residence permit, you must ensure that the insurance policy meets the minimum requirements set by the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management. New regulations effective April 1, 2025, significantly increased mandatory coverage limits for residence permits.

1. Required Documents:

• Valid Passport: (For residence permit health insurance, it must be valid for the requested duration of stay plus an additional 60 days).

• Foreigner's ID Number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası): If you have already obtained it.

• Tax Number (Vergi Numarası): You can easily obtain this from any tax office.

• Proof of Address: For sending the insurance policy.

• Contact Information: Phone number and email.

• Completed Application Form: This includes personal and health information. Some companies may request detailed health history or a medical examination in certain cases (especially for older ages or comprehensive coverages).

Cost of Private Health Insurance for 2025 (Updated Estimates):

The cost of private health insurance is highly dependent on several factors, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact figure. However, I can provide updated ranges based on the latest information, particularly the increased coverage limits for 2025.

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Age: The older the individual, the higher the cost.

• Gender: Costs may vary slightly between males and females.

• Health Status: The presence of chronic illnesses or a pre-existing medical history may increase costs or lead to exclusions.

• Type of Coverage (Comprehensive vs. Basic):

• Basic Residence Permit Insurance (İkamet Sigortası): This covers the minimum required for obtaining a residence permit. Effective April 1, 2025, new limits are 15,000 TRY for outpatient and 150,000 TRY for inpatient (for non-contracted hospitals).

• Comprehensive Insurance: This covers a broader range of services (doctor visits, medications, dental, physical therapy, etc.).

• Coverage Limits (limitation): The maximum amount the insurance company will pay per year.

• Co-payment (Co-pay): The percentage of the service cost paid by the insured.

• Provider Company: Prices vary between different insurance companies.

Estimated Annual Costs for 2025 (in Turkish Lira - TRY):

• Basic Residence Permit Insurance (for a young adult in their 20s or 30s, meeting new minimum coverage):

• Due to the significant increase in coverage limits (up to 300% premium increase mentioned by some sources), these policies are now estimated to range from 4,000 TRY to 15,000 TRY annually. This is the type most often required for obtaining a residence permit.

• Comprehensive Private Insurance (for a young adult in their 20s or 30s, with good coverage):

• These policies will also likely see increases, potentially ranging from 15,000 TRY to 40,000 TRY annually.

• Comprehensive Private Insurance (for older ages, above 45-50, with good coverage):

• This could range from 30,000 TRY to 90,000 TRY or more annually, potentially reaching significantly higher amounts for individuals over 65 or those with complex health conditions.

• Family Coverage (for spouses and children): Costs are added per individual, with potential discounts for families.

Important Notes Regarding Cost:

• These figures are estimates for 2025 and reflect the impact of the newly implemented coverage limits and general inflation. Actual prices will vary and depend on the specific factors mentioned above.

• Transparency: When getting a quote, always ask for comprehensive details on what's included and excluded, coverage limits, and co-payment percentages.

• Negotiation: In some cases, there might be room for negotiation or you might be able to choose a less expensive plan by reducing certain coverages.

3. Health Insurance for Foreigners in Türkiye

For foreigners residing in Türkiye, there are primary options for obtaining health insurance:

• Mandatory Health Insurance for Residence Permit (Private Health Insurance for Residence Permit): This is a type of private health insurance required to obtain a residence permit in Türkiye. These policies typically cover basic emergency and hospitalization services, and as of April 1, 2025, they have significantly increased coverage limits.

• SGK Registration: Foreigners legally working in Türkiye can register with SGK through their employers. Foreign students can also register with SGK. After one year of residence with a valid permit, many foreigners may become eligible to apply for the Universal Health Insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası, or SGK) system if not already covered.

• Comprehensive Private Health Insurance: Foreigners can purchase comprehensive private health insurance policies from Turkish or international insurance companies, which offer broader coverage and greater flexibility.

Important Points for Foreigners:

• Check Requirements: Foreigners must check the specific health insurance requirements for the type of residence permit they are applying for. The rules for 2025 are stricter regarding coverage limits.

• Language Barrier: Some foreigners may face difficulties communicating in public hospitals due to language barriers, which can often be overcome in private hospitals.

• Medical Network: It's advisable to choose an insurance policy that provides a wide network of hospitals and clinics in the area where you reside.

4. Future of Health Insurance in Türkiye

The Turkish government continuously strives to improve the healthcare system, including health insurance, through:

• Infrastructure Modernization: Building new hospitals and equipping them with the latest technologies.

• Expanding Coverage: Working to include larger segments of the population under health insurance.

• Digitization: Improving digital services for easier access to information and appointments.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between public and private hospitals to deliver better services.