Medicine in Turkey

The level of medical provision in Turkey is considered to be quite high and the local quality of services is comparable to the European level, while maintaining affordable prices. This applies both to classic treatment throughout the year and to issues related to neurosurgery, oncology, organ transplantation and cosmetology. Thanks to such indicators, Turkey is among the ten most popular countries in Europe, where medical tourism is developed at a high level. At the same time, prices for medicinal products are much more affordable than in Russia.

Turkey is an international center for medical tourism

The country's leadership is actively engaged in the development of this area: significant sums are annually allocated for medicine - up to 10% of GDP, new medical centers with the most modern equipment designed for a large number of patients are being actively built throughout the country. What is especially important is that not only the largest cities of the country and popular tourist zones, but also very small settlements, are well developed from a medical point of view. Even if some of the services are not provided in a particular place or there is no appropriate apparatus for conducting the examination, then it will not take long to go for it - most likely, everything you need will be in the neighboring town.

Being a doctor in Turkey is considered prestigious because local doctors earn good money, while the level of corruption in this area tends to zero. As in most countries, clinics and hospitals in Turkey are state-owned. The state insurance SGK includes not only daily treatment - for example, laser vision correction can be done free of charge. In addition to medical services, state insurance in Turkey provides for various types of payments: retirement, disability, unemployment. Russians should understand that there are no district doctors here - if necessary, the patient seeks medical help, contacting a specific institution directly or entering it through an ambulance call.

Classic insurance in Turkey

Turkish health insurance, which includes social insurance, is called a cigorta, which is usually arranged by an employer. In addition, if a spouse has one, then the husband or wife and children will also be able to use free medical services - without having to take out insurance for each family member separately. Many private clinics offer discounts for those who already have a regular service, so even choosing an institution with paid services, there is always a chance for a good discount, when the cost of payment can be reduced several times. When carrying out simple operations, the presence of the next of kin in the ward is possible, which for many becomes a very important factor, especially when it comes to children.

If a foreigner has been living in Turkey for more than one year, then he needs to issue a medical policy (private compulsory medical insurance), without which it will be impossible to obtain a residence permit. There are two types of state insurance: SSK - for working citizens and foreigners and bakur - for entrepreneurs. Until 2012, the insurance covered only local citizens and their families who are insured at the place of work or study. But since January 1, 2012, changes have been made to the law, which now apply to all residents of Turkey, including foreigners. There was even a fine of 886.5 liras for untimely appeals on the issues of obtaining insurance.

A document is drawn up in the relevant SGK offices: for Russian citizens the cost is - 213 lira per month (but in different cases it can reach 1000 lira), and for business owners about 400 lira per month. In case of outpatient treatment, this insurance covers up to 60% of the costs and covers up to TL 2,000 of costs within one year. Moreover, if inpatient treatment of a patient is required, the insurance company pays for 100% of the services provided. The insurance does not cover chronic illnesses - it only covers accidents.

Maximum health insurance

If desired, insurance with private voluntary health insurance can be issued, which will cost an average of 3500 liras per year (the price depends on the age of the person), but at the same time it will cover 80% of the costs, it is also possible to add services for receiving medical care in the field of dentistry, chemotherapy, pregnancy management, etc. You can also choose the size of the limit on expenses - from 3000 to 6000 per year. If the age of a foreigner is over 65 years old, then the only possible option for treatment was the state insurance program, to which you can join if at least one year has passed after the residence permit is issued.

If a foreigner is officially employed in Turkey, then the employer independently deals with the insurance issue. If a non-resident of Turkey comes to the country to study, then his medical insurance is drawn up by the educational institution itself - all students studying in the country. must be insured.

Thank you for your help in preparing the material:

Sergey Volchenkov, executive director of Tolerance

Anna Unal, CEO of MAXHOME Invest