How to Register for SGK Health Insurance in Turkey

Turkey has universal healthcare, which is provided by the Social Security Institution (SGK). All residents, including foreigners with a residence permit, are entitled to benefit from general health insurance. To qualify, foreigners should not be insured in any country except Turkey and should not have a right to benefit from other health insurance.

The SGK contracts with hospitals and other healthcare providers to provide medical care to its members. The cost of medical care is covered by the SGK's budget, which is funded by contributions from employers and employees.

The quality of healthcare in Turkey has improved in recent years. The government has invested in new hospitals and medical equipment, and it has recruited more doctors and nurses. The satisfaction rate of patients with the healthcare system has increased significantly.

Turkey is a popular destination for medical tourism. Foreigners come to Turkey for a variety of medical procedures, including cosmetic surgery, dental care, and fertility treatments. The cost of medical care in Turkey is often much lower than in other countries, and the quality of care is high.

If you are a foreigner who is planning to travel to Turkey, you should make sure that you have health insurance. You can purchase health insurance from a Turkish insurance company or from an international insurance company. If you purchase health insurance from an international insurance company, you should make sure that it will cover you for medical care in Turkey.

To receive benefits from health services and to be included in the scope of general health insurance, foreigners need to apply for a Social Security card from the Social Security Institute. This can be done by visiting your nearest social security center. The following documents are required from foreign nationals during the Social Security application process:

• Original or approved form of residence permit
• Original or certified photocopy of the official healthcare provider indicating the general health insurance application from the social security institution of the country of citizenship
• Passport
• Work permit (if applicable)

Please note that the requirements may change without notice. It is always best to check with the Social Security Institute for the latest information.

To get a work permit, you should first find a job in Turkey. Your prospective employer must apply for your work permit on your behalf. Foreigners cannot apply for work permits on their own or without having a job in Turkey. Work permit applications for foreigners with a valid residence permit for at least 6 months can be filed in Turkey. Those without a residence permit must apply through their Turkish consulate in their home country.

Residence permits can be extended only before they expire. Please be advised that, at present, tourist residence permits can only be extended by citizens of EU countries, OECD countries, Russia, and China. Those from other countries can only extend their residence permits if the purpose of their stay is not for tourism.

After completing the entire process and submitting all the required documents and applications, foreigners can avail of health services in Turkey. The family members of foreign nationals who are covered by universal health insurance can also avail of these health services.

Family Benefits in Turkey: Limitations

Spouses and children of qualified foreign nationals who are living, working, or studying outside of Turkey are not eligible to benefit from Turkey’s universal health services. Only the following people can benefit from health services:

• Their spouses and children who are living in Turkey
• Their children who are under 18 and living in Turkey
• Their children who are not married, under 20 years old, and enrolled in a high school or equivalent educational institution
• Their children who are not married, under 25 years old, and enrolled in an institute of higher education
• Their children who are considered invalid
• Their parents who are considered dependents

All foreign nationals are required to pay healthcare premiums, which is a percentage of their income. For example, a minimum wage earner will pay approximately 24% of their income in order to benefit from all of Turkey’s health services and health insurance.

What foreign students need to benefit from the health services

Foreign students can get health insurance in Turkey after three months of their registration. They are required to pay 4% of the current minimum wage as health insurance premiums.

The health insurance premiums for foreign students must be paid within 30 days after registration. Any additional potential rate variations arising from changes in the minimum wage must be paid by the end of the month in which the change is implemented.

Foreign students are not required to have a first-year residency permit to continue their education in Turkey. Educational institutions will register students who request it three months prior to the date on which they wish to begin having public health insurance coverage.

Universal Health Insurance in Turkey: What's Covered

Some SGK-contracted hospitals offer dental care, but in most cases, patients must rely on private dental services and cover the costs. In addition, patients must partially cover the cost of some prescription drugs and outpatient services. The Social Security Institute website has a complete list of all covered services, which change frequently. It is recommended that you check to see whether coverage is available for the treatment/service you want.

Here are some specific details about the SGK health insurance program:

• SGK is the Social Security Institution of Turkey.
• It is a government-funded health insurance program that covers most health expenses for Turkish citizens and their dependents.
• SGK contracts with private hospitals and clinics to provide health care services to its members.
• In most cases, patients must pay a co-pay or deductible when they use SGK-covered services.
• The cost of prescription drugs and outpatient services is also covered by SGK, but patients must usually pay a co-pay or deductible.
• A complete list of all covered services can be found on the SGK website.
• It is recommended that you check to see whether coverage is available for the treatment/service you want before you receive care.

Here's a list of things that are covered under universal health insurance in Turkey:

• Emergency services
• Preventive care, including vaccinations
• Treatment for common illnesses and injuries
• Prescription drugs
• Hospitalization
• Maternity care
• Childbirth
• Mental health services
• Rehabilitation services
• Long-term care
• Hospice care

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and may change over time.

Conclusion

The Social Security Institution (SGK) is a government-funded health insurance program that covers most health expenses for Turkish citizens and their dependents. Foreign residents can also register for SGK health insurance by visiting their local SGK office. You will need to provide your passport, residence permit, and other documents. Once you are registered, you will be covered for medical treatment in SGK-contracted hospitals and clinics.