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Healthcare Guide
SGK for Foreigners in Turkey
Understanding Turkey's state social security system — who qualifies, how to enroll voluntarily, and what it means for your healthcare and pension in 2026.
What Is SGK?
SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) is Turkey's state social security institution, roughly equivalent to the NHS in the UK, Social Security in the USA, or the GKV system in Germany. It combines health insurance, pension contributions, and disability/unemployment protections into a single system administered by the state.
When a Turkish employer hires you, they are legally required to register you with SGK within 1 day of your start date. The employer and employee split the contribution — employee pays approximately 15% of gross salary, employer approximately 22.5%. This covers healthcare at state and contracted private hospitals, maternity, disability, and long-term pension accumulation.
Sağlık sigortası
Health insurance component
Access to state hospitals (devlet hastanesi) and a growing number of contracted private hospitals without upfront payment.
Emeklilik
Pension component
Contributes to your Turkish state pension. Years count toward minimum retirement age (65 in Turkey) and benefits.
İş kazası / Malullük
Work injury / disability
Provides income replacement for workplace accidents and long-term disability, regardless of your nationality.
Who Qualifies for SGK?
Turkish employees
- Automatic enrollment by employer
- From day 1 of employment
- Turkish work permit required
- No application needed — employer handles it
- Covers spouse and dependent children
Self-employed residents
- Voluntary (Bağ-Kur) enrollment
- Valid residence permit required
- Apply at SGK office with ikamet + tax number
- Pay monthly premiums (₺3,000–5,000)
- Covers healthcare and pension
Treaty country retirees
- Retirees from treaty countries may transfer coverage
- Requires coordination between home country and SGK
- Benefits vary by bilateral agreement
- Contact home country's social security authority first
- Not automatic — apply in advance
Voluntary SGK Enrollment for Foreigners
Non-Turkish nationals with a valid residence permit can voluntarily enroll in SGK under the Bağ-Kur (self-employed) scheme. This gives full SGK healthcare coverage and begins accumulating pension rights. It is an alternative to private health insurance, though many expats find private insurance more practical due to language barriers and hospital access.
Cost note: Voluntary SGK contributions are currently in the range of ₺3,000–5,000/month (approximately €90–150/month at current exchange rates, though this shifts with TRY/EUR fluctuations). Premium-tier private insurance may be comparable or cheaper depending on your age and health profile.
How to Enroll Voluntarily
Get your tax number (vergi numarası)
Required for all SGK applications. Obtain from any Vergi Dairesi — free and takes 30 minutes.
Get your ikamet (residence permit)
A valid residence permit is required. Ironically, you need insurance for ikamet — consider getting private insurance first for your initial ikamet, then switching to SGK at renewal.
Visit your local SGK office
Bring: passport, ikamet, tax number, Turkish bank account details, and a registered address. SGK offices (Social Security Directorates) are in every district.
Complete the Bağ-Kur application
Staff will assign you to a premium band based on the current minimum wage multiplier. Coverage begins within 30 days.
Register with an aile hekimi (family doctor)
Once enrolled, register at your local family health centre (aile sağlığı merkezi) for primary care access. This is your entry point to the state system.
Bilateral Social Security Treaties
Turkey has bilateral social security agreements with approximately 30 countries. These coordinate pension contributions and, in some cases, healthcare recognition so you are not penalized for working between two countries.
| Country | Pension Agreement | Healthcare Recognition | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Yes | Yes | Strong bilateral agreement; pension contributions transferable |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Partial | Pre-Brexit agreement still applies for eligible individuals |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes | Full social security coordination |
| France | Yes | Yes | Comprehensive bilateral agreement |
| Austria | Yes | Yes | Full coordination including healthcare |
| Belgium | Yes | Partial | Pension coordination; limited healthcare crossover |
| Sweden | Yes | Partial | Pension transferable; healthcare limited |
| Italy | Yes | Yes | Full coordination |
| USA | Yes | No | Pension totalization only; no healthcare crossover |
| Canada | Yes | No | Pension only |
SGK vs Private Health Insurance
Both options satisfy the ikamet health insurance requirement. Here is how they compare in practice for expats.
| Aspect | SGK (State) | Private Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | ₺3,000–5,000 (voluntary) | €35–220/mo |
| Hospital access | State hospitals + contracted private | Wide private hospital network |
| Waiting times | Longer for specialists | Short (1–5 days typically) |
| English support | Limited / Turkish only | Available at top insurers |
| Ikamet acceptance | Yes (with confirmation letter) | Yes (standard) |
| Dental coverage | Basic dental at state hospitals | Plan dependent |
| Coverage quality | Adequate for basic needs | Comprehensive at premium tier |
| Family coverage | Spouse + children included | Additional premium per person |
Our take: If you are employed by a Turkish company, accept SGK enrollment — it is automatic and well-priced. If you are a freelancer, retiree, or remote worker, private insurance is generally easier to set up, more flexible, and gives better access to English-speaking care at top private hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Healthcare in Turkey for Expats
How public and private healthcare works for foreigners in Turkey.
Private Health Insurance in Turkey
Compare private health insurance plans available to expats in Turkey.
Insurance for Ikamet — What's Accepted
Exactly what health insurance is accepted for the Turkish residence permit.
Turkish Residence Permit Guide
How to apply for an ikamet and what documents you need.
Taxes for Expats in Turkey
Overview of all Turkish taxes that apply to foreign residents.
Moving to Turkey — Full Guide
Complete guide to relocating to Turkey as an expat.