How Foreigners Can Receive Medical Examination in Türkiye

Foreigners living in Türkiye have the same right to medical examinations and healthcare services as Turkish citizens. According to Article 60 of the Turkish Constitution, every individual has the right to social security and healthcare assistance. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye is responsible for providing healthcare services to all individuals, Turkish citizens or foreigners, without discrimination based on race, language, religion, gender, political opinion, philosophical belief, or economic and social status.

In this blog we explain how foreigners in Türkiye can benefit from healthcare services, the role of health insurance, and the special procedures that apply depending on their legal status.

Healthcare Coverage Through the Social Security Institution (SGK)

In Türkiye, foreigners are legally required to have health insurance throughout their stay. They must also obtain either a residence permit or a work permit.

• Foreigners working for a Türkiye based employer are automatically registered in the Social Security Institution (SGK) system by their employer.

• Foreigners with valid residence permits but no employment contract may voluntarily pay monthly SGK premiums to access healthcare. Premium amounts vary depending on factors such as age, nationality, prior health records, and the scope of coverage.

SGK provides access to inpatient and outpatient treatment in all state hospitals and clinics across Türkiye. Coverage includes pregnancy care, occupational injuries, and most other health services. SGK members are also entitled to temporary incapacity allowances and discounted care at many private hospitals and clinics.

Private Health Insurance in Türkiye

As an alternative to SGK, foreigners may obtain private health insurance policies from local or international providers. Private health insurance is particularly attractive because:

• Many private hospitals in Türkiye employ English speaking doctors and staff, making communication easier.

• Coverage usually includes shorter waiting times and more comfortable hospital facilities.

• Treatment can be obtained at internationally accredited hospitals.

Important Note from Bayraktar Attorneys: A comprehensive private health insurance plan covering Türkiye’s top private hospitals can be obtained for approximately 50,000 TL per year. However, such policies are only available after acquiring a residence permit in Türkiye. This makes the residence permit application process a crucial first step for foreigners seeking premium healthcare coverage.

Emergency Medical Services for Foreign Tourists

Foreign tourists in Türkiye have access to emergency medical services free of charge, whether at public or private hospitals. This ensures that foreigners without any health insurance can still receive life saving medical care during emergencies.

Foreigners Employed Under Service Contracts

According to the Social Insurances and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510, foreigners employed under valid service contracts in Türkiye are considered insured persons, provided they are not covered by an international social security agreement.

• In practice, employers of foreign workers are required to pay social security and health premiums, granting foreign employees access to all healthcare services under the SGK system.

• Foreigners temporarily working in Türkiye for a non resident company and still subject to their home country’s social security system are not considered insured under Turkish law.

International Social Security Agreements

Türkiye has signed bilateral social security agreements with many countries, including Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Georgia, Libya, Norway, and others.

These agreements ensure:

• Equal treatment for foreign employees

• Protection of rights during the insured period

• Portability and consolidation of social security rights across borders

General Health Insurance (GSS)

General Health Insurance in Türkiye covers the healthcare expenses of individuals who do not have health insurance under their home country’s laws but have valid residence permits in Türkiye.

According to Article 60 of the Social Security and General Health Insurance Law:

• Foreigners residing in Türkiye for more than one year are subject to General Health Insurance premiums.

• This ensures they can benefit from healthcare services in the same way as Turkish citizens, provided reciprocity applies between Türkiye and their home country.

Conclusion

Foreigners in Türkiye enjoy broad healthcare rights, provided they comply with residence and insurance requirements. Depending on their circumstances, they may access healthcare through:

• SGK coverage via employment or voluntary premiums

• Private health insurance, with comprehensive coverage starting around 50,000 TL per year after obtaining a residence permit

• International agreements safeguarding social security rights

• Free emergency medical services for tourists

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we assist our clients not only with residence permit and citizenship applications but also with ensuring that they and their families secure the right healthcare coverage in Türkiye. We provide end to end guidance from residence permit applications to obtaining premium private health insurance policies.