Quick Answer
What health insurance do I need for ikamet?
You need private health insurance valid for the full duration of your residence permit (minimum 1 year), covering all of Turkey. Turkish private insurers like AXA Turkey, Allianz Turkey, and MAPFRE are the safest choices. Travel insurance, EHIC, and employer insurance from your home country are NOT accepted.
Accepted Insurance Providers
| Provider | Type | Monthly Cost | Ikamet Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Turkey | Turkish private | €50–120/month | Yes | Most widely accepted for ikamet |
| Allianz Turkey | Turkish private | €55–130/month | Yes | Strong coverage, widely accepted |
| Cigna Global | International | €80–200/month | Yes | Full international coverage, good for movers |
| GlobeCover / IMG | International | €60–150/month | Varies | Check if accepted in your province |
| MAPFRE Turkey | Turkish private | €45–100/month | Yes | Budget option, widely accepted |
| Günes Sigorta | Turkish private | €40–90/month | Yes | Cheapest accepted option |
What Your Insurance Must Include
- Insurance must cover the full duration of the requested permit (usually 1 year)
- Policy must be valid across all of Turkey — not restricted to one region or city
- The insurance document must be in Turkish or include a certified Turkish translation
- Policy must clearly state start and end dates that fully cover your permit period
- Minimum required coverage: medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency evacuation
- The insured person must be the applicant — no third-party policies
What Is NOT Accepted
- !Travel insurance (seyahat sigortasi) — this is for short trips, not residence
- !EU Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — not recognized for ikamet purposes
- !Employer-provided insurance in your home country — unless it explicitly covers Turkey residency
- !SGK (Turkish state health insurance) — only available with a valid work permit
- !Insurance covering only emergencies or short hospital stays
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use travel insurance for ikamet?
No. Travel insurance is not accepted for residence permit applications. You must have private health insurance specifically covering long-term residence in Turkey.
What if I already have SGK?
If you have a Turkish work permit and SGK coverage, you can use this instead of private insurance. Without a work permit, SGK is not available to foreigners.
Does my European EHIC card count?
No. The EHIC is not recognized by Turkish immigration authorities for ikamet purposes.
How much coverage do I need?
No minimum sum is officially specified, but a minimum of TRY 50,000 (approximately €1,500) per event is generally recommended. Higher coverage provides better acceptance rates.
Can I buy insurance on the day of my appointment?
Some online providers offer same-day digital policy issuance. This can work, but check the document is accepted before relying on this.