Expat Health Insurance in Turkey – New SEDDK Regulations & What It Means

If you're an expatriate living in Turkey, securing the right health insurance is crucial for your residency and well-being. The Sigortacılık ve Özel Emeklilik Düzenleme ve Denetleme Kurumu (SEDDK) has recently updated its regulations regarding health insurance requirements for visa and residence permit applicants. This new policy, effective April 1, 2025, significantly impacts expatriates and international residents in Turkey.

This article breaks down these new changes, how they impact expatriates, and how you can optimize your health insurance policy to stay compliant while ensuring maximum coverage.

For the best expatriate health insurance in Turkey, visit Ikamet Sigorta – the official source for purchasing fully compliant health insurance: app.ikamet.com/sigorta.

Understanding SEDDK's New Health Insurance Regulation (2024/34)

The latest regulatory update standardizes the minimum coverage requirements for expatriate health insurance. Here’s a summary of the most critical aspects:

New Minimum Coverage Limits

• Outpatient Treatment: 15,000 TL annually.
• Inpatient Treatment:
  • Unlimited for contracted healthcare institutions.
  • 150,000 TL for non-contracted healthcare institutions.
  • 250,000 TL for selected public hospitals (see list below).

Public Health Institutions Covered (EK-1)

• Ankara: Ankara Bilkent Şehir Hastanesi, Ankara Etlik Şehir Hastanesi.
• Antalya: Antalya Şehir Hastanesi.
• Bursa: Bursa Şehir Hastanesi.
• Gaziantep: Gaziantep Şehir Hastanesi.
• İstanbul:
  • İstanbul Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
  • Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
  • Başakşehir Çam ve Sakura Şehir Hastanesi.
  • İstanbul Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
  • İstanbul Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu Şehir Hastanesi.
  • İstanbul Haseki Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
  • Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
  • Taksim Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
  • Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın Şehir Hastanesi.
  • Pendik Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
  • Bağcılar Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.
• İzmir: İzmir Şehir Hastanesi.
• Kocaeli: Kocaeli Şehir Hastanesi.
• Mersin: Mersin Şehir Hastanesi.
• Muğla: Muğla Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi.

Annual Minimum Coverage Limits

• Outpatient Treatment:
  • Contracted Healthcare Institutions: 15,000 TL (Insured pays 20%, Insurer covers 80%).
  • Non-Contracted Healthcare Institutions: 15,000 TL (Insured pays 40%, Insurer covers 60%).
  • EK-1 Public Healthcare Institutions: 15,000 TL (Insured pays 20%, Insurer covers 80%).
• Inpatient Treatment:
  • Contracted Healthcare Institutions: Unlimited (Insured pays 0%, Insurer covers 100%).
  • Non-Contracted Healthcare Institutions: 150,000 TL (Insured pays 20%, Insurer covers 80%).
  • EK-1 Public Healthcare Institutions: 250,000 TL (Insured pays 0%, Insurer covers 100%).

Expanded Coverage Network

• The EK-1 list now includes 20 designated public hospitals with enhanced insurance limits, offering a more cost-effective option for expatriates.

Mandatory Inclusion of Emergency and Sudden Illness Treatments

• Insurance providers cannot exclude emergency medical conditions from policy coverage, ensuring expatriates have access to essential care when needed.
• Cancellations must be reported within five (5) business days to the Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı (Immigration Authority).

Choosing the Best Health Insurance Policy for Expats in Turkey

1. Opt for a Policy That Includes EK-1 Hospitals – These provide the highest inpatient coverage.
2. Verify Your Provider’s Hospital Network – Ensure partnerships with contracted hospitals.
3. Compare Cost-Sharing Structures – Stick to contracted providers for minimal expenses.
4. Ensure Full Emergency Coverage – Policies must cover all urgent medical conditions.
5. Work with a Reputable Insurance Provider – Compliance with strict regulations is essential.

Why Choose Ikamet Sigorta?

• Official & Trusted Source – Ikamet Sigorta is the leading expatriate insurance provider in Turkey.
• Lowest Guaranteed Rates – We offer competitive pricing and will match any registered agency’s quote.
• Fast & Easy Policy Issuance – No lengthy paperwork, instant approval.
• Comprehensive Network Coverage – Access to EK-1 hospitals for the best inpatient benefits.
• 24/7 Customer Support – Multilingual agents are available for assistance anytime.

Conclusion

Understanding and selecting the right expatriate health insurance in Turkey is now more critical than ever. With the new SEDDK regulations, it’s essential to choose a compliant, affordable, and comprehensive policy that meets residency permit requirements.

For hassle-free, SEDDK-compliant coverage, Ikamet Sigorta is your trusted partner. As the official source for expatriate health insurance, we provide the best plans to ensure peace of mind and seamless visa approvals.

🔗 Apply today at: app.ikamet.com/sigorta.