Straddling Europe and Asia and known for its hospitality, Turkey is a popular destination for expats. In addition to the must-see attractions, the country also offers excellent healthcare to all residents. In 2018, The Lancet ranked Turkey’s healthcare system 60th out of 195 countries.
The public scheme offers comprehensive coverage and is available to all citizens or people who have resided in the country for at least one year.
Keep in mind, though, that medical insurance is a requirement for anyone under 65 applying for a visa, and foreigners must wait one year to enroll in the public system. Furthermore, European Health Insurance Cards are not valid in Turkey.
To ensure extensive coverage during this waiting period, most expats rely on international health insurance plans. This guarantees coverage both within and outside Turkey, providing access to high-quality private hospitals with shorter waiting times.
Another benefit of private hospitals is that there’s a better chance that your healthcare providers will speak English.
The History of Turkey’s Healthcare System
Turkey started to improve its healthcare system at the turn of the century. Before this, the healthcare system in Turkey had high levels of patient dissatisfaction. Less than two-thirds of the population had health insurance, and the system for receiving care was inefficient.
To combat this, the government launched the Health Transformation Program (HTP) with the support of the World Bank in 2003. The goal was to overhaul the system and provide universal healthcare, ensuring all citizens would have equal access to quality care.
In 2010, the Ministry of Health developed the public-private partnership program (PPP) to expand its resources. With the backing of the World Bank, more private firms began to enter the health insurance market in Turkey.
The result of this was increased financial support for public hospitals, a rise in private hospitals, and a greater focus on specialized services.
Healthcare in Turkey is now often cited as a success story. The HTP managed to achieve all health-related Millennium Development Goals ahead of the 2015 deadline.
There are now hospitals and clinics offering high-quality care available throughout the country, although disparities in services and amenities persist in more rural areas.
Pros & Cons of Healthcare in Turkey
Pros of Turkey’s Healthcare System
Turkey has offered universal healthcare through its Social Security Institution (SGK) since 2003. The system provides comprehensive and equitable access to care for all citizens, regardless of their income level. Patients can schedule appointments online through the Ministry of Health’s website or mobile app.
While the majority of emergency and primary care services are fully covered, some are only subsidized. Luckily, out-of-pocket fees for services tend to be minimal.
Due to the relatively affordable costs of healthcare in Turkey, medical tourism is experiencing significant growth in the country. Cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, and laser refractive surgery are some of the most common therapies visitors seek.
The rise in medical tourism has infused more money into the country’s healthcare system and further helped to improve its medical services.
Turkey is also working to integrate alternative care treatments with modern practices. In 2014, the Ministry of Health created the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practices Department.
Acupuncture, homeopathy, and cupping therapy are among the treatments being studied and offered at select medical centers. However, these alternative treatments are not covered by insurance.
Cons of Turkey’s Healthcare System
Although healthcare in Turkey has made great strides in the past decades, care can still be limited in rural areas. You may find poorly maintained or out-of-date equipment in rural hospitals, especially public ones.
While doctors are well-trained throughout the country, fewer medical workers are willing to work in rural areas, so you’ll find that doctor-to-patient ratios are far lower outside of urban areas.
This means that overcrowding is a consistent issue in rural areas, and long wait times for specialized services are a common occurrence. Foreigners living in rural areas may be hard-pressed to find an English-speaking doctor.
Challenges of Turkey’s Healthcare System
There are significant limitations to mental health treatment in Turkey. The country’s Mental Health Law has been pending in legislation since 2019. Funding is lacking, and there are not enough trained mental health professionals to meet the nation’s needs.
Due to the limited workforce, the vast majority of mental health services are primarily available in the cities of Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. Some regions have no mental health specialists on staff.
Yes, Turkey has provided universal healthcare through the SGK for the past decade. The state, employers, and workers fund the system. For all economically active people, the contribution rate is 12.5% of earnings. This is split between the employees, who pay 5%, and employers, who pay the remaining 7.5%.
For unemployed people, the contribution rates vary. Pensioners have a default right to universal healthcare after one year of residency, with their fees covered by either the SGK or the State, depending on whether they contributed to the healthcare scheme prior to their residency.
While people pay different contribution rates, everyone receives equal coverage, regardless of their income level.
What’s Covered Under Turkey’s Universal Healthcare
Primary, preventative, and emergency care are all thoroughly covered.
Tests and different diagnostic methods.
Dental and optical examinations and treatments. However, not all SGK hospitals offer these services — patients often rely on the private system and cover the costs themselves. Additionally, any procedures performed for aesthetic purposes, rather than medical needs, will require out-of-pocket payments.
Pregnancy and maternity services are covered. This includes assisted reproductive technology such as IVF, though the treatment is typically limited to three attempts.
Rehabilitation services.
Healthcare services due to a work accident or occupational disease.
Prescription drugs are only partially covered by Turkey’s universal healthcare and require co-payments. Generally, patients pay approximately 20% of the medication costs out-of-pocket, with retirees paying a reduced 10% of the medication costs.
Travel expenses in the case of treatment needed outside your city of residence, including costs for a companion in some cases.
In some instances, treatment received abroad may also be covered.
Complementary Insurance in Turkey
While the healthcare system in Turkey has made significant improvements and offers comprehensive coverage for residents, most people still opt to purchase supplemental health insurance plans. These plans can be bought from licensed brokers, banks, or directly from insurance companies.
Holding additional private insurance allows patients to access the private hospital system. Private hospitals often have shorter waiting times, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and better amenities. For those who do not speak Turkish, it’s much easier to find English-speaking doctors within the private system.
While the SGK often enters into contracts with private hospitals to receive discounted care for residents, patients will still be expected to pay some out-of-pocket expenses. Complementary insurance plans are used to cover these bills and minimize unexpected expenses.
How to Access & Receive Healthcare in Turkey
Turkey’s universal healthcare system is a compulsory system that covers nearly all citizens of the country. The Ministry of Health provides public services. Every town in Turkey has a healthcare clinic, and pharmacies are found on almost every street.
To receive care, you can go to your local center and wait in line or call the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRs) at 182 to schedule an appointment. MHRS also offers an app in Turkish, which you can use to schedule appointments.
Additionally, some hospitals and clinics allow patients to make appointments on their websites. Due to the difference in amenities between rural and urban centers, it’s a good idea to seek treatment in larger cities.
The healthcare system in Turkey has three different types of hospitals: government-funded hospitals, university hospitals, and private hospitals. Generally, state hospitals suffer from overcrowding and limited funding.
University hospitals offer the highest standard of care with more highly specialized personnel. Private hospitals provide high-quality care and treatment, and they also have the added benefit of more English-speaking doctors.
If you are traveling to Turkey, you may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance. This will provide you with additional options and access to private hospitals.
Emergency care is free at all state hospitals, regardless of whether the individual is insured or not. Dial 112 to reach emergency health services. Both public and private hospitals have emergency departments that are open 24 hours a day, although private hospitals may charge a fee for treatment.
To do this, you will need copies of your passport, your residency application form, proof of your address from the Goc Idaresi, and a health assessment from a doctor approved by the relevant authorities. You should ask your SGK office for a list of their approved doctors in advance.
You will also need to show proof that you aren’t already insured or entitled to benefits from your home country.
Once you are registered in the public system, you must select your primary care physician. You must contribute to the SGK for at least 30 days before requesting care. After that, you can use Turkey’s healthcare system just like any other citizen.
However, when it comes time to renew your residency permit, you will again need to visit your nearest SGK office to update your coverage period.
Due to the long waiting period and visa requirements, many expats opt to purchase international health insurance plans. These plans can be used in private hospitals worldwide, providing better access to English-speaking doctors.
Most people in Turkey tend to carry private insurance even if they are enrolled in the public system. This guarantees shorter wait times, better hospital amenities, and English-speaking doctors.
To learn about the best health insurance plans in Turkey for both short and long-term visits, check out our Insurance in Turkey for Foreigners page.
The Best Health Insurance in Turkey for US Citizens
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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