Turkey has a high number of accredited healthcare institutions that are accessible to both residents and tourists alike. Medical professionals are also very proficient in English in Turkey. In fact, the quality of healthcare in Turkey has thousands of patients from across the world traveling to the nation every year to receive the excellent treatment provided by its medical professionals.
In this guide you will learn about:
- The Turkish healthcare system
- Universal healthcare in Turkey
- Private health insurance in Turkey
- Cost of healthcare in Turkey and more
The Turkish Healthcare System
Healthcare services in Turkey are provided by the Turkish Ministry of Health (MOH), university hospitals, and the private sector. Anyone living in the nation, who is under the age of 65, has to be covered by a health insurance policy, regardless of whether they choose the private or public healthcare system.
It’s important to note that the Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in Turkey. However, visitors and expats can get Universal Health Insurance or private health insurance. Foreign nationals should also note that medical coverage is necessary to receive work permits or residency. This is particularly important for those that are planning obtain Turkey citizenship by investment.
Universal Health Insurance in Turkey
Launched in 2003 by the Turkish government and World Bank as part of the Health Transformation Program, Universal Healthcare Insurance in Turkey has been a massive success for the country. Universal Health Insurance in Turkey, otherwise referred to as Sosyal Guvenlik Kurumu (SGK), covers most matters of health for free in public hospitals, including emergencies, illnesses, childbirth, and fertility treatment.
Sometimes even dental care services are covered by Universal Healthcare, and certain discounts are offered at private hospitals. You’ll only have to partially cover some of the cost of certain prescription drugs and outpatient services.
How can you apply for Universal Health Insurance?
Anyone who has lived in Turkey for an entire year becomes eligible for SGK and can register for it at any social security institution center in the country. This may be fast tracked with the Turkish Golden Visa once you obtain a Turkish passport after four months.
There are around 600 centers, so it should be easy. Medical care under this policy can be accessed for a monthly fee of around €47 to €66 on average and can include coverage for your spouse and children under 18. You may contact the local application centers for healthcare for more details regarding the policy.
Healthcare benefits covered by SGK include:
- Outpatient and inpatient services
- Occupational accidents and diseases
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or other related health expenditures
- Discounts in private clinics and hospitals
- Treatment of infectious diseases
- Preventive and primary care health services
Read our Turkey Citizenship by Investment Guide
Private Health Insurance in Turkey
Private Health Insurance in TurkeyWhile public healthcare services cover a wide range of treatments, foreigners and residents often prefer to have private health insurance, as it offers more benefits than SGK. You can access the highest quality of care and have shorter waiting times and fewer unexpected expenses through private healthcare. You will also find more English-speaking medical professionals in a private hospital.
Healthcare benefits covered by private insurance include:
- Medical and diagnostic examination costs
- Hospitalization costs – room, meals, hospital beds, etc.
- Medication and medical equipment costs
- Hospital services – operation, radiology, anesthesia, microbiological tests, imaging tests, postoperative physical therapy, organ transplantations, etc.
- Medical treatments for less than 24 hours – food poisoning, IV drips, simple burns
- Treatments in intensive care
Benefits provided under the private health care system may vary depending on the policy of various health insurance plans. You may want to contact more than one company to see which offers the most coverage and the best insurance premiums. On average a basic private health insurance plan will set you back between $75-$300 per year, while a comprehensive option is between $150-$560 per year.
Family Healthcare Centers in Turkey
Healthcare is quite affordable and accessible in Turkey, even for a family, and it is a reason why the nation is one of the best places to retire in Europe. The public healthcare system charges a married couple the same as an individual and treats children under 18 for free. Whereas the private healthcare system provides discounted offers, where you can expect to pay anywhere between $45 to $80 a year as a family of four.
Regardless of your choice, you can access healthcare centers in every city, town, or village, which is perfectly convenient if you’re considering buying property in Turkey. You only need to show those clinics your residency permit or passport to have a free consultation. Do note that some healthcare providers have their own practices, and therein, their own schedules and consultation fees.
Costs of Healthcare in Turkey for Foreigners
The cost of healthcare is generally very affordable for locals and foreigners alike and is one of the reasons why the cost of living in Turkey is so low. In fact, Turkish healthcare is much more affordable in comparison to that of other countries in Europe.
Often patients from across the world prefer to seek specialist operations, hair transplants, or cosmetic surgery in Turkey than in their home country. This rise in Turkey medical tourism and patient satisfaction has only helped improve the level of medical services in Turkey.
Let’s take a look at some of the medical costs in Turkey compared to the USA:
Item | Turkey | USA |
Consultation at a private clinic | $32-$54 | $100-$200 |
Online consultation | $16-$32 | $50-100 |
Dental filling | $35-$70 | $90-$250 |
Root canal treatment | $150 | $1,000-$1,600 |
Dental implants | $444 | $1,500-$3,000 |
Abdominal surgery (one day hospitalization) | $3,600 | $6,000-$18,000 |
Hair transplant | $1,400 | $4,000-$11,000 |
Bypass surgery (cardiovascular) | $18,500 | $170,000 |
Medication and Pharmacies in Turkey
Medication in Turkey is both cheap and accessible. You can generally go to any pharmacy for a consultation regarding your illness, and they would either prescribe you medication or refer you to a specialist to treat you.
Pharmacies in Turkey can be found on almost every street, and are open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 am to 7 pm, however, there are certain pharmacies that are open 24 hours. Depending on your insurance policy, you may only pay a small fee for your medication.
Getting an Appointment or in Cases of Emergency
To get a medical appointment in Turkey, you may call the Central Physician Appointment System on 182 and they will schedule one for you. Alternatively, you can visit a local healthcare center or primary physician and wait your turn to receive treatment. Do note, that the latter option may require a longer waiting period, depending on the doctor’s availability.
In cases of emergency, treatment is free in Turkey, however, private hospitals may charge you admission costs – which will still be a lot lower than you would expect to pay in the US or UK. You may call 112 and ask for an ambulance to arrive at your location. In severe cases, you may consider calling either a public or private ambulance. Keep in mind that private ambulances tend to arrive at a faster time.
Alternative Medicine
You can find a lot of alternative medicine in Turkey aside from modern-day medicine. Turkish citizens are actually known to incorporate natural treatment methods in their treatment of illnesses. They usually blend different plants and natural products together or use traditional practices such as cupping and homeopathy.
That being said, only certified healthcare providers are allowed to practice such treatments. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the doctor or clinician is licensed.
Is Turkey’s healthcare good?
The healthcare system in Turkey is fantastic, offering a range of services to meet the needs and budgets of everyone. In fact, Turkey’s healthcare system ranks 63rd out of 167 countries across the globe.
Benefits of the Turkish Healthcare System
There are a range of benefits of the Turkish healthcare system, including:
- Accessibility: Expats living in Turkey have access to the public healthcare service once they have resided in Turkey for one year or they obtain Turkish citizenship.
- Affordability: Healthcare in Turkey is significantly cheaper than other countries in the EU and the US, making healthcare accessible for all. In fact, looking at the turkey medical tourism cost breakdown, it’s clear to see why travelers from across the globe choose Turkey, with its fantastic medical services for a fraction of the cost.
- Various insurance options: One of the biggest benefits of the Turkish healthcare system is that there are insurance options to fit any budget or family size. Whether you want to remain on the public healthcare system or move to a comprehensive private health insurance plan, there are options for everyone.
The healthcare system in Turkey has come a long way since the inception of the Universal Health Insurance program. Whether you’re an expat, resident, or citizen of Turkey you have access to a fantastic network of healthcare facilities.
Read our Guide to Getting a Turkish Passport
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare in Turkey
Is healthcare in Turkey free?
Healthcare is generally free under the Turkish public health system. However, you are required to make out-of-pocket payments for certain medications and consultations even in state hospitals. Private healthcare, on the other hand, requires a higher annual fee. However, it covers a lot more services and treatments.
Is the European health insurance card valid in Turkey?
The European Health Insurance Card is not valid in Turkey. This means you will have to register in the local healthcare system by either signing up for Universal Health Insurance in Turkey or private health services.
Can I use a GHIC in Turkey?
No, Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) are not accepted in Turkey.
Is healthcare free in Turkey for foreigners?
No, healthcare is not free for foreigners in Turkey. If you are visiting for a short time you will need private health insurance. If you are a resident or citizen of Turkey you will need to obtain Universal Health Insurance.
What is the cost of medical treatment in Turkey?
The cost of medical care in Turkey is considerably cheaper than European countries and the USA. The health insurance options are also significantly less expensive. For example, a non-complicated emergency room visit in Turkey will set you back around $50-$150, the same treatment in the US will costs anywhere from $500-$1,500.
What are the challenges of healthcare in Turkey?
Like every other country, the healthcare system in Turkey also faces challenges, including, a shortage of medical professionals and overcrowding in public hospitals.
What healthcare options are available for expats in Turkey?
Expats in Turkey are required to obtain private health insurance to ensure they are covered while living in the country. Once they become a resident after one year or a citizen, they are entitled to Universal Health Insurance which offers significantly reduced medical co payments. However, private health insurance is still very affordable and is the most popular option for expats.
How to find English-speaking doctors in Turkey?
Finding an English-speaking doctor in Turkey is much more likely at private hospitals and healthcare facilities. You can also speak with your private health insurance company and they can assist in finding the right healthcare provider.
Can tourists get free healthcare in Turkey?
Not in general. Tourists in Turkey can receive free emergency care for serious conditions at public hospitals but once stable, further care is not free. However, if you visit a private hospital, you will be charged for treatment. To avoid unexpected medical expenses, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers healthcare costs during your stay.
