Health Insurance for Residence Permit in Türkiye

Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Türkiye for more than 12 months must obtain a residence permit, and one of the key legal requirements for this process is mandatory health insurance. Known in Turkish as "Yabancı Sağlık Sigortası," this policy is designed to cover foreign nationals during their stay in Türkiye.

What Is Foreign Health Insurance (Yabancı Sağlık Sigortası)?

This is a legally required insurance plan for non-Turkish citizens who intend to reside in Türkiye for longer than one year. It provides access to both outpatient and inpatient healthcare services, and it is often referred to as "residence permit health insurance."

Is It Mandatory?

Yes, it became mandatory after the regulation that came into effect on April 11, 2014. Foreigners who want to apply for a residence permit (ikamet izni) must submit a valid health insurance policy, unless they qualify for exemptions such as:

• Having Turkish citizenship through dual nationality

• Being insured under SGK (the public healthcare system) through a Turkish spouse

• Holding a Blue Card (Mavi Kart)

What Does It Cover?

Coverage varies depending on the insurance company, but generally includes:

Outpatient Treatments:

• Doctor consultations

• Lab tests and diagnostics

• Medications

• Physical therapy

Inpatient Treatments:

• Surgeries

• Hospitalization costs

• Chemotherapy

• Radiotherapy

• Dialysis

• Prosthetics (e.g. artificial limbs)

The coverage is usually limited and basic, compared to private insurance plans. Policies are valid for 1 year but can be renewed annually. Some insurers offer 2-year policies upon request.

Can Foreigners Get Private Insurance Instead?

Yes. After obtaining residence, foreigners are allowed to apply for more comprehensive private or complementary health insurance (TSS), which offers wider hospital networks, higher coverage limits, and optional add-ons like maternity benefits.

Who Is Required to Buy It?

• Foreigners applying for their first residence permit in Türkiye

• Those seeking renewal if they are not covered by SGK or exempt by status

• Individuals aged 0–65 (most insurers limit their services to this age group)

Who Is Exempt?

• Blue Card holders

• Turkish citizens living abroad

• Foreigners already covered by SGK through employment or marriage

Can It Be Cancelled?

Yes, in two main cases:

1. If the foreigner becomes covered under SGK

2. If the residence permit is granted and another valid private insurance is presented

Does Having a Turkish Spouse Remove the Requirement?

If the Turkish spouse is an active SGK policyholder, the foreign partner does not need to buy a foreigner health insurance plan. If not, the requirement remains in place.

Sample Policy Review

The uploaded PDF is a typical example of a mandatory foreign health insurance policy issued in Türkiye. It includes:

• Policy Period: 1 year

• Coverage Type: Minimum regulatory coverage for residence permit

• Insurer: A Turkish health insurance provider

• Policy Terms: Outlined in Turkish, referencing general insurance conditions (Genel Şartlar) and the extent of outpatient/inpatient coverage.

This sample reflects the typical format and language of Turkish insurance documents for foreigners, and is sufficient to present during your residence permit application.

Conclusion

Mandatory health insurance is a vital part of your residence permit process in Türkiye. Although it offers limited benefits, it serves as a legal gateway to residency. For better protection and access to quality medical care, many foreigners switch to private or complementary health plans after settling in.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we help clients choose the right insurance provider and guide them through the residence permit process smoothly.