Since 2014, health insurance has been a legal requirement for all foreign nationals applying for a Turkish residence permit (ikamet izni). Without it, your application will be rejected.
Do I really need health insurance for a residence permit?
Yes — it’s not optional. The Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) requires all applicants to hold a valid health insurance policy that:
- Is issued by a Turkish-licensed insurance company
- Covers the full duration of your permit (usually 1 or 2 years)
- Meets the minimum coverage requirements set by DGMM
A policy from your home country (BUPA, Cigna, AXA International etc.) is generally not accepted for Turkish residency applications. You need a locally-issued Turkish policy.
What is the difference between foreign health insurance and TSS?
There are two types of health cover for foreigners in Turkey:
Foreign health insurance (yabancı sağlık sigortası) For people who don’t have Turkish state health insurance (SGK). A standalone private health policy. Required for residence permit applications.
TSS — Tamamlayıcı Sağlık Sigortası A complementary policy for people who do have SGK. It tops up state coverage for private hospital access. TSS is generally accepted for permit renewals if SGK is enrolled, but not always for first-time applications.
If you’re applying for your first permit and don’t have SGK, you need full foreign health insurance.
Which insurers operate in Turkey?
We work with all major Turkish insurers, including:
- Allianz Turkey
- AXA Turkey
- Mapfre Sigorta
- Anadolu Sigorta
- Groupama Sigorta
- Generali Sigorta
- Türk Nippon Sigorta
Each has different pricing, network hospitals and coverage levels. We compare them all to find the best fit for your age and circumstances.
How much does health insurance cost in Turkey?
As a rough guide for 2026:
| Age bracket | Approximate annual premium |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | ₺3,000 – ₺8,000 |
| 35–50 | ₺6,000 – ₺15,000 |
| 50–65 | ₺12,000 – ₺30,000 |
| 65+ | ₺25,000+ |
Premiums are denominated in Turkish Lira but we can quote in USD or EUR for reference. Prices vary significantly by insurer, coverage level and your nationality. Get a personalised quote from us.
What does Turkish health insurance cover?
A standard policy typically covers:
- In-patient hospital treatment
- Emergency care and ambulance
- Surgery and specialist consultations
- Diagnostic tests and imaging
- Some policies include out-patient care, dental and maternity
Higher-tier plans offer broader coverage including routine consultations, dental and optical.
Can I get cover with a pre-existing condition?
Some insurers will accept pre-existing conditions with exclusions. Others won’t. The key is to disclose everything accurately and let us find the insurer with the most favourable terms for your situation.
How quickly can I get a policy?
Same-day in most cases. Once we have your details, we can usually issue a policy document within hours — which you can submit with your permit application immediately.
Get a health insurance quote
Tell us your age, nationality and desired coverage level. Our team responds within 2 hours.
