- How does medicine work in Turkey?
- How high-quality are medical services in Turkey?
- What are foreigners who have a residence permit entitled to?
- Do I need to apply for a local policy for those who come for 1-3 months without having a residence permit?
- Where should I go for emergency help?
- Medical tourism
- Myths about medicine in Turkey
- Summary
How does medicine work in Turkey?
Turkey has a multi-level healthcare system, including district polyclinics, public hospitals and private clinics.
- District Polyclinics (Sağlık Ocağı)
Every citizen and resident of Turkey (holder of a residence permit) is attached to a family doctor (district therapist) at the place of residence. With simple questions Like acute respiratory viral infections, blood pressure measurements, prescribing tests, or getting vitamins for pregnant women, the easiest way is to go there. If something is more serious, you will be sent for an examination (for example, ultrasound) to a higher-level institution.
Please note that starting from July 4, 2025, some medical services in Turkey, which are free for citizens, have become paid for residents. What are the changes?
- Previously, foreigners with a residence permit could use the services of a family doctor for free. Now they have to pay 3,000 liras every 6 months through the official website of the Turkish Ministry of Health. After paying and receiving the receipt, you can contact the clinic.
- Any medical certificates, for example, for marriage or obtaining a driver's license, have also become paid.
- In some cities, there are separate polyclinics for foreigners with residence permits, and regardless of the area of residence, you need to apply there.
In Alanya, the building of the old state hospital was set aside for a special clinic for foreigners in the summer, while doctors and nurses working there do not speak foreign languages, as this is an ordinary district polyclinic according to documents.
2. Public hospitals
Appointments with specialized specialists are by appointment only through the MHRS system (you can make an appointment with any doctor in any institution). Foreigners with a residence permit are accepted, but without SGK state insurance, the consultation will be paid, although cheaper than in private clinics.
What is SGK?Social security system (SGK) - state insurance. It can be used byforeigners working in the country, paying contributions, as well as some other categories of visitors, for example, those under temporary protection. That is, just a residence permit and even citizenship is not enough, you need to have deductions from the employer.
Patients in acute condition are admitted without SGK for free.
3. Private clinics and hospitals
The private medicine sector is particularly well developed in large cities and resort areas. Doctors of various levels work here, from beginners to specialists with international practice. The cost of services can vary significantly, so it is important to read reviews and advice to communicate with those who have been living in the region for a long time.
Atlas private hospitals, for example, are as comfortable as five-star hotels.4. Private offices
Many experienced doctors receive patients in their own offices, combining private practice with work in hospitals. It is convenient to contact such a specialist if you need a quick consultation without queues and bureaucracy.
How high-quality are medical services in Turkey?
Many foreigners are pleasantly surprised by the quality of medicine in Turkey.
The level of healthcare has increased significantly in recent years. The country is actively developing medical tourism, purchasing modern equipment and building new hospitals. But the quality of service depends on the region and the type of clinic.
Advantages:
- The qualifications of doctors are generally high, especially in government institutions. Many doctors are lured to work in Europe.
- Modern equipment is available not only in large cities, but also in resort areas, especially in new public and private hospitals.
Many Turkish hospitals, especially ehir Hastanesi, which are located in every city, have the latest equipment and clean, equipped wards for 1 and 4 patients.
- The level of private clinics is good: many are focused on foreign patients.
- Prices for many procedures (especially dentistry, plastic surgery, diagnostics) are lower than in Europe or the Middle East.
In Turkey, public medicine is at a decent level, it is valued higher than private medicine. To get a job at a state clinic or hospital, doctors take a special exam, so only the most qualified get there. By the way, the profession of a doctor, like a teacher, enjoys special respect among Turks.
Disadvantages:
- Public institutions have high workload and queues, as many patients seek to receive services at the state clinic.
For a rendezvous (visit) with some specialists, you have to make an appointment in 1014 days (the patient can choose the hospital and the doctor himself). But once you get to the doctor, you often get tested immediately in one visit and receive referrals for additional examinations.
- The medical staff does not always speak English, and not every hospital has interpreters.
- In private clinics, the cost of services for those who do not have insurance or a residence permit may be significantly higher.
- In some cities it is difficult to find specialized specialists For example, a pediatric cardiologist, allergist, or oncologist.
In Alanya, for example, a pediatric cardiologist sees only once a month, and allergy tests are done only in Antalya.
- Some medicines may be missing - you have to order them from your homeland or look for analogues (you can't always find them at all, and those you find are not sure if they will be in the right dosage). Some treatments are not used.
Foreigners often ask to bring their compatriots from Russia and the CIS to take medications for the heart and sedatives.
What are foreigners who have a residence permit entitled to?
The holder of a residence permit in Turkey has the right to receive medical care within the framework of the healthcare system. However, what this right implies directly depends on one key factor: participation in the SGK state health insurance system (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu).
If you are registered with SGK:you receive extended rights that most Turkish citizens also have (who make contributions through their employer). This includes access to general practitioners, specialists, inpatient treatment, emergency care, and discounted prescription drug prices.
If you are NOT registered with SGK:your right to medical care is primarily limited to emergencies;(accident, sudden serious illness, life-threatening). You will have to pay for scheduled visits to the doctor, tests and procedures in full at the rates for private individuals.
Is it possible to be served in public clinics (hospitals)?
Yes, but with reservations.
SGK Insurance:If you are insured at SGK, you can be treated at public hospitals (devlet hastanesi) for free. The cost of prescribed medications is also partially subsidized. You will have to pay an additional 20% to 30% at the pharmacy.
Without SGK insurance:you can also come to a government clinic, but all services will be paid for you. Although prices are lower here than in private hospitals, the final bill for complex treatment can be substantial. In practice, foreigners without insurance or SGK often go to government clinics only for emergency care.
Is it really necessary to buy paid insurance?
In 99% of cases, yes, and here's why:
- A requirement when applying for a residence permit.Starting in 2019, the availability of a private health insurance policy (zel sa l 305k sigortas) that meets certain coverage criteria ismandatory for obtaining most types of residence permits. Without this policy, the application fromyou simply won't be accepted.
- Financial security.Even with a residence permit policy, which often has limited coverage, you are protected from unforeseen medical expenses. Treatment, especially in private clinics, is very expensive. Insurance saves you from financial disasters.
- Alternative to SGK.For many immigrants, especially unemployed (pensioners, rentiers), private insurance is an effective way to gain access to quality medicine.
How much does insurance cost per person/family?
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The annual cost of per can range from 250 to 600+ dollars. For a young person (under 35 years old) you can find options in the lower range. For people over the age of 50, the price starts to rise sharply.
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Insurance companies often offer discounts for families. The annual cost of a family policy for a couple aged about 40 years can range from 700 to 1,500 dollars. A relatively small amount is usually added for each child.
An important caveat: A residence permit policy often does not cover pre-existing diseases" (preexisting conditions). If you want full-fledged coverage with the inclusion of private clinics, the cost of insurance will be 1.5-3 times higher than the indicated approximate prices.
When contacting private clinics, be sure to check the price list and find out if the insurance covers the costs. Otherwise, unpleasant surprises await you.
Do I need to apply for a local policy for those who come for 1-3 months without having a residence permit?
Tourists do not have to apply for a Turkish policy It is much easier and more profitable to buy insurance in the country of residence before the trip. The policy must include COVID-19 coverage, hospitalization, and transportation in case of emergency.
You can purchase local short-term insurance from Turkish companies (for example, Allianz, Güneş, Sompo Japan). The cost is from 1000 to 2500 liras (from 25 to 60 dollars) per month, depending on the age and package of services.
In emergency cases (injury, loss of consciousness, heart attack) hospitals are required to accept any patient, even without insurance. However, all expenses are paid out of your own pocket, including tests, medications, bandages, and hospitalization.
In the absence of insurance, the foreigner is billed immediately after assistance is provided, and if they refuse to pay, they may be prohibited from applying again or have problems extending their visa/residence permit.
Where should I go for emergency help?
112 ambulance service. She works all over Turkey.
In the country, it is customary to call an ambulance only in the most urgent cases. If the patient can move, he gets to the hospital on his own.
In emergency cases, patients are served even without insurance, but all expenses are then paid from their own funds. Going to the emergency department of the state hospital will cost about 150 500 liras. If you need to be hospitalized, you will need to pay for it separately, and you will be billed before discharge. Prices are much higher in private hospitals.
Please note that only pharmacies on duty are open on weekends, the addresses of which can be found on a special website. It is better to stock up on necessary medicines in advance.
Take an m and a first-aid kit with you when traveling within the country, even if you are traveling with a tour group. If you think that the driver or escort has a first-aid kit with the minimum necessary, for example, antihistamines, you are very mistaken.
Medical tourism
Turkey in recent years, it has become one of the world's centers of medical tourism. It is among the top five countries in this area. Patients from Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and even the USA come here - a total of 1.5 million people in 2024.
Why are people driving? Three factors combined: modern equipment, highly qualified specialists and relatively affordable prices.
The most sought-after destinations:
- dentistry - implants, veneers, treatment under a microscope;
- hair transplant Turkey holds the world leadership in the number of successful operations;
- plastic and aesthetic surgery - rhinoplasty, facelifts, liposuction, figure correction after childbirth;
- ophthalmology - laser vision correction and cataract treatment;
- orthopedics and rehabilitation after injuries and operations;
- reproductive medicine (IVF and assistive technologies).
Special attention is paid to the rehabilitation and treatment of children with special needs - autism, Down syndrome, speech and motor delays. There are four specialized centers in Alanya alone, two of which deal specifically with children with autism. There are dozens of such institutions in large cities, and many of them accept foreign patients.
Most clinics aimed at foreign clients offer comprehensive packages "treatment + rest":
- airport pick-up and transfer;
- translation services;
- accommodation in a hotel or apartment;
- support at all stages of treatment and rehabilitation;
- organization of rest by the sea or in thermal sanatoriums after procedures.
Myths about medicine in Turkey
1. "State medical care is free for all foreigners with a residence permit."
The free service is available only to Turkish citizens and foreigners with valid SGK insurance. Holders of a residence permit without SGK insurance pay for admission and tests on their own.
2. "Private hospitals are cheaper and better."
Private clinics are indeed more comfortable, but in public clinics the quality of services is often higher and prices are lower. In large cities, municipal hospitals are well equipped and often employ the same specialists as private ones.
3. "Insurance is not needed as long as everything is fine," is a dangerous misconception.
A regular appointment with a doctor in a state clinic in Antalya province can cost from 800 lira ($18), in a private clinic from 120 dollars, a clinical blood test in a state clinic from 200 lira ($5), in a private hospital from $30. Hospitalization will cost tens of thousands of lira. Without insurance, payment will be required immediately upon discharge.
4. "All medicines can be bought without a prescription" is incorrect.In Turkey, antibiotics, hormonal drugs, sedatives, cardiovascular and strong painkillers are dispensed by prescription.You can buy antipyretics, mild analgesics, vitamins and ointments without a prescription.
5. "There are better medicines in Turkey than in other countries," it is debatable.
Counterfeiting is really extremely rare here - strict control. There is even a misconception among foreigners that counterfeiting medicines in Turkey carries the death penalty. The death penalty was abolished in Turkey in 2004, but the penalties for such crimes are quite serious.
Another nuance is that the range of medicines is limited: there are not many specialized drugs, especially cardiological, antiviral, and light sedatives. Turkish analogues are often less effective.Summary
- Many people praise medicine in Turkey, although the quality of services strongly depends on the region. There are also those foreigners who believe that he was "lucky to get sick in Turkey", and those who had to come to their homeland for further treatment.
- The country is one of the world leaders in medical tourism. Relatively low prices and high quality of servicesIt attracts those who want to improve their health or rejuvenate themselves.
- Having a residence permit entitles you to medical care in Turkey, but full access to it is provided either by registration in the state insurance system SGK (mainly through an employer), or by paying off high-quality private medical insurancein Turkey, which is also a mandatory document for the extension of legal status in the country.Access to free or almost free emergency care is provided by any, even the simplest, private insurance.
- The level of medical services in public institutions is usually higher than in private ones. Everyone wants to get there. However, there is a problem of queues.
- Six months ago, family doctor's appointments and some other services became paid for residents.
- Tourists, even those who come for 13 months, do not have to apply for a local policy It is much easier and more profitable to buy insurance in your country before traveling.
- It is worth replenishing the necessary medicines in advance, as pharmacies in Turkey close early and do not work on weekends (except for those on duty). It is better to have a mini-first aid kit with you when traveling around the country.
- The quality of medicines in Turkey is high, fakes are rare, but not all drugs are available.
Thank you for your help in preparing the material:
Anastasia Kezik,Marketing DirectorAlanya Property Sales
Alain Asorgin, DirectorExcluzival Group
Irina Timofeeva, manager Turkish Riviera Homes
