SGK Health Coverage Extended to Short-Term Residence Permit Holders
Turkey's Social Security Institution (SGK) has expanded voluntary health insurance access to all valid short-term residence permit holders, removing the previous requirement for a minimum one-year permit duration to qualify for voluntary SGK enrollment.
In a significant policy update announced in February 2025, Turkey's Social Security Institution (SGK) has extended voluntary health coverage enrollment rights to all holders of a valid short-term residence permit, regardless of the permit's remaining duration.
Previously, foreign nationals holding a short-term residence permit were required to demonstrate a minimum of 12 months remaining on their permit in order to enroll in SGK's voluntary health insurance scheme (Genel Sağlık Sigortası — GSS). This condition excluded a significant number of newly arrived expats and those in the process of permit renewal from accessing the public health system.
Under the revised enrollment criteria, foreign nationals with any valid short-term residence permit issued by the Directorate General of Migration Management may now register as voluntary SGK contributors. The standard monthly voluntary contribution is currently set at 1,084 TRY per month, granting access to public hospitals and the Family Medicine (Aile Hekimliği) system.
The change is particularly significant for retirees and non-working expats who rely on SGK as a cost-effective alternative to private health insurance. Enrollment must be completed at the applicant's local Social Security Provincial Directorate (SGK İl Müdürlüğü) and requires a valid residence permit, Turkish tax number (vergi numarası), and notarised proof of address.
It is important to note that this change does not affect the private health insurance requirement for the initial residence permit application — applicants must still hold an approved private health insurance policy to submit a new ikamet application.