The Requirements Method for Foreign Students to Receive Free Healthcare in Turkey

Turkey’s Social Security Institution (SGK) has announced specific requirements that allow newly enrolled international university students to benefit from the country’s public health insurance system.

In a statement addressed to international students, the SGK said that eligibility for enrollment in the public health insurance system is conditional on submitting a written application to the provincial Social Security Directorate (SGK İl Müdürlüğü) in the province where the university is located.

The application must be submitted within a maximum period of three months (90 days) from the date of the student’s first official university registration.

The institution warned educational and legal bodies that missing this deadline would result in the permanent loss of the student’s right to join the public healthcare system, forcing them to rely on private health insurance throughout their studies in Turkey.

Under the regulations in force in 2026, the financial contribution has been set as follows:

• Monthly insurance premium: 1,321.20 Turkish liras, equivalent to 12% of one-third of the gross minimum wage.

Medical Coverage

This insurance entitles foreign students to free treatment, medical examinations, and surgical procedures at all public hospitals. It also provides discounts of up to 75% on medicines and prescriptions, as well as access to private hospitals contracted with the SGK, subject to specific conditions.

It is worth noting that holding a valid health insurance policy is a mandatory requirement for obtaining or renewing a student residence permit (Öğrenci İkamet İzni) in Turkey.

Turkish regulations prohibit foreign students from staying in the country for more than 90 days without legally valid health coverage. Students who complete their registration with the General Health Insurance system within the specified deadline do not need to purchase an additional private insurance policy for their residence permit application.