Healthcare in Turkey is well known for its accessibility and affordability, with a wide range of medical facilities available for residents and tourists. With many healthcare workers speaking English, communication is easy for international patients.
The private healthcare sector in Turkey makes it a top international health tourism destination, drawing in thousands each year from across the globe.
In this guide you will learn about:
- The Turkish healthcare system
- Universal healthcare in Turkey
- Private health insurance in Turkey
- Family healthcare centers in Turkey
- Healthcare in Turkey for retirees
- Cost of healthcare in Turkey
- Medication and pharmacies in Turkey
- Getting an appointment or emergency cases
- Alternative medicine in Turkey
- Benefits of the Turkish healthcare system
- Disadvantage of the Turkish healthcare system
- Is healthcare in Turkey good?
- How can foreign nationals qualify for SGK in Turkey?
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.
Turkey offers both public and private healthcare services. Private healthcare operates alongside the Universal Healthcare Insurance, which provides basic coverage for Turkish citizens and is funded through taxes. The country’s medical standards are on par with international levels.
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.
History of the Turkish healthcare system
The Turkish healthcare system has seen dramatic improvements over the last 24 years, with healthcare access and standard of care improving drastically.
Before 2000, the Turkish healthcare system was not sufficient. Less than two thirds of the population had health insurance, leaving many to pay out of pocket or not receive treatment.
In 2003, the Turkish government along with the World Bank launched the Health Transformation Program. This sought to overhaul the entire healthcare system, providing equal access for all.
To further success, in 2010, the Turkish Ministry of Health launched the PPP (public-private partnership program). Along with backing from the World Bank, the program saw a drastic increase in private insurance firms in Turkey. This meant more financial backing and an overall improvement in public and private health facilities.
Overall, the health system in Turkey has seen some significant improvements, offering a high standard of care and better access to health services.
Read our Turkey Citizenship by Investment Guide
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.
What healthcare benefits are covered by SGK?
The following healthcare services are covered by Universal Health Insurance in Turkey:
- Emergency health services
- Preventive health services
- Diagnostics and tests
- Optical and dental examinations and treatments (available at certain medical facilities)
- Primary healthcare services
- Maternity and pregnancy services (including IVF treatment)
- Prescription drugs (partially covered)
- Rehabilitation services
- Travel expenses (applicable when treatment is needed outside city of residence)
In certain cases, SGK may also cover healthcare services received abroad. However, the Universal Health Insurance scheme does not cover aesthetic or cosmetic procedures.
Private Health Insurance in Turkey
While 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 Turkey 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
Regardless of whether you choose private or public health insurance, you can access family 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 clinics your residency permit or passport to have a free consultation.
The family healthcare centers are available throughout the country, offering primary care to residents and citizens of all ages.
Important to note: Rural areas may not have sufficient facilities, something to be aware of if you have an existing medical condition.
Healthcare in Turkey for Retirees
Retirees in Turkey are well taken care of, with numerous family healthcare centers available throughout the country. Whether you choose to rely solely on SGK or supplement the shortfalls with private health insurance, the care given to retirees in Turkey is great.
Those with chronic health conditions are generally able to receive adequate care at a fraction of the cost when compared with western Europe and the US, a big advantage for those looking to retire in Turkey on a budget.
However, most foreign retirees in Turkey choose private health insurance to ensure they can access the very best care throughout Turkey.
Costs of Healthcare in Turkey for Foreigners
The cost of medical treatment in Turkey 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 and the US.
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 main street, and are generally 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. In emergency situations, you may consider calling either a public or private ambulance by dialing 112. Keep in mind that private ambulances tend to arrive more quickly.
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.
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.
Disadvantages of the Turkish Healthcare System
While things have improved drastically for the Turkish healthcare system, it’s important to understand that the public healthcare system is still under significant strain.
Turkey does not have enough qualified professionals to sustain the public healthcare system. This means the wait times are long and the level of service may be affected, particularly in rural public healthcare facilities.
However, the Turkish government is hard at work to improve this, with about 50 medical education institutions actively working to increase the number of healthcare professionals in Turkey and a close eye kept on health expenditures. In fact, the World Health Organization predicts an increase in people covered by essential services and not facing financial hardships to increase by 7.6 million between 2018-2025.
Is healthcare in Turkey 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. Turkey is also a well known international health tourism destination.
How can foreign nationals qualify for SGK in Turkey?
Foreign nationals in Turkey are likely to pay more for healthcare than residents and citizens of Turkey. For that reason, it’s always good to know your citizenship options to see how you might be able to benefit from the Universal Healthcare System in Turkey.
The Turkey citizenship by investment program is quickly becoming a popular way to obtain citizenship in Turkey for foreign nationals. There are a few options available, including:
- Real estate purchase: Purchase a property worth a minimum of $400,000.
- Bank deposit: Deposit a minimum of $500,000 into a Turkish bank account.
- Fixed capital investment: Invest a minimum of $500,000 into a Turkish business.
- Investment fund shares: Invest at least $500,000 into a real estate investment fund or venture capital fund.
- Government bonds: Invest a minimum of $500,000 into Turkish government bonds.
- Job creation: Create jobs for a minimum of 50 people in Turkey.
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.
Why is healthcare so cheap in Turkey?
There are several reasons why healthcare is cheap in Turkey, including lower operational costs, a highly competitive private sector, government subsidies, and tax incentives for medical tourism.
Where does Turkey rank in healthcare?
Turkey’s healthcare system ranks 63rd out of 167 countries across the globe.
How does the healthcare system work in Turkey?
The healthcare system in Turkey works through a combination of Universal Health Insurance and private health insurance. Everyone living in Turkey, under the age of 65 is required to have health insurance. There are public and private medical facilities throughout Turkey, with varying costs and copayments depending on the insurance plan.
Is healthcare in Turkey free for residents?
Not entirely. Residents that opt for the SGK system are required to contribute each month to receive care in public facilities. There may also be copayments on medication and treatment, but these are generally minimal.
How is the hospital quality in Turkey?
The public hospitals in Turkey are not of the highest standard and have long waiting times. However, the private hospitals are comparable to most of Europe, offering excellent service.
How to access healthcare in Turkey?
Turkey’s Universal Healthcare system is mandatory and covers almost all citizens. Public healthcare services are managed by the Ministry of Health. Every town in Turkey has a healthcare clinic, and pharmacies are conveniently located on almost every street.
