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Healthcare in Turkey
Insurance, SGK, hospitals
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How to Get Health Insurance in Turkey
Required for your residence permit — here is how to choose the right policy and get covered quickly.
Quick Answer
Do expats need private health insurance in Turkey?
Yes, for the residence permit application. Private insurance (özel sağlık sigortası) must cover the duration of your permit. Cost: €35–150/month depending on age and coverage level. Turkish insurers are accepted; international policies also work if they meet local requirements.
5 Steps to Get Covered
Decide: Turkish insurer or international policy?
If you are primarily living in Turkey and want the cheapest option that satisfies permit requirements, a Turkish insurer (Acibadem, Allianz Türkiye, Mapfre) is the right choice. If you travel frequently or want global coverage with evacuation, go international.
Get quotes from 2–3 providers
Contact insurers directly or use a broker. Provide your age, nationality, and desired coverage level. Quotes can vary significantly — shopping around saves €20–40/month. Some brokers specialise in expat insurance and can compare multiple providers.
Review what is covered — check for permit compliance
The policy must cover the full period of your permit application (typically 1 or 2 years). Confirm with the insurer in writing that the policy meets Turkish residence permit requirements. Some cheaper policies have exclusions (pre-existing conditions, maternity) — read carefully.
Purchase and obtain your certificate
Pay for the policy. The insurer will issue an insurance certificate (sigorta poliçesi). You will need this for your residence permit application. It should show your name, policy dates, and coverage summary.
Submit with your residence permit application
Include the insurance certificate in your ikamet application documents. If applying in a city where translations are required, have the certificate translated by a sworn translator (yeminli tercüman). Cost: €30–80.
Provider Comparison
Acibadem Sigorta
€45–120/mo
Premium Turkish insurer. Best hospital network in Turkey. Well-regarded by expats.
Allianz Türkiye
€35–90/mo
Familiar European brand. Competitive pricing. Permits requirements met easily.
Mapfre Sigorta
€35–85/mo
Good value. Spanish parent company. Widely accepted at private hospitals.
Allianz Care (international)
€90–300+/mo
For those wanting global coverage and evacuation. Meets permit requirement. Higher cost.
Cigna International
€100–350+/mo
Full international coverage. Preferred by high earners and those travelling frequently.
SGK vs Private Insurance
| Feature | SGK (State) | Private Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Turkish employees, some bilateral agreements | Anyone who pays for it |
| Cost | Contributions via employer/self-employment | €35–350/month |
| For residence permit | Only if officially enrolled | Yes — standard method |
| Hospital access | State hospitals (anlaşmalı) | Private clinics and hospitals |
| Waiting times | Can be long | Usually fast |
| English-speaking staff | Rare | Common in expat areas |
| Available to retirees | Only via bilateral treaty | Yes, at any age |
Bottom line: Almost all expat retirees and digital nomads use private insurance. SGK is only relevant if you are formally employed by a Turkish company or come from a country with a bilateral social security treaty (some EU countries have partial agreements).
What to Watch Out For
- Pre-existing conditions: many Turkish policies exclude them or charge a loading. Disclose honestly — non-disclosure can void claims.
- Age limits: some Turkish insurers cap new policies at 60 or 65. Over-65s often need international insurers.
- Annual vs permit duration: your policy must cover the entire permit period, not just one year if you apply for a 2-year permit.
- Hospital network: check your local hospital (Antalya, Fethiye, Alanya) is in-network before purchasing.
- Renewal price rises: Turkish insurers can raise premiums significantly at renewal, especially after claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance required for a Turkish residence permit?
Yes. You must submit proof of valid private health insurance covering the full duration of your permit application. The insurance must be issued by a Turkish insurance company or a company registered to operate in Turkey. International policies are accepted if they meet Turkish requirements.
Can I use the Turkish state health system (SGK)?
Only if you pay into SGK through formal employment in Turkey, or if you are from a country with a bilateral social security agreement with Turkey. Most foreign retirees and digital nomads do not qualify for SGK. Private insurance is the standard route.
How much does health insurance cost in Turkey?
A basic Turkish private policy for a healthy person under 45 starts at €35–45/month. Comprehensive coverage runs €55–90/month. International policies (Allianz Care, Cigna) start around €90–100/month and go up significantly with age and coverage scope.
What happens when I renew my residence permit? Do I need new insurance?
Yes. You need to show a valid insurance policy covering the new permit period. If your current policy does not cover the full renewal period, you will need to purchase a new or extended policy before submitting your renewal application.