Foreigners’ Access to Healthcare Services in Turkey
In Turkey, both Turkish citizens and foreign nationals have options for accessing healthcare services. Understanding these options is crucial for foreigners residing in Turkey, as healthcare is a fundamental aspect of life. In this blog post, we will explore the legal aspects of healthcare services for foreign nationals in Turkey, focusing on the General Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance options.
General Health Insurance for Foreign Nationals:
Foreign nationals in Turkey have the opportunity to benefit from the General Health Insurance under certain conditions, including:
- Residence Permit: Foreigners who have obtained a residence permit in Turkiye.
- No Insurance Abroad: Foreign nationals who do not have insurance coverage in another country.
- Minimum One-Year Residence: Foreign nationals who have been residing in Turkey for more than one year and apply for General Health Insurance afterward.
Foreign nationals can voluntarily apply for General Health Insurance based on their preferences.
Where to Apply for General Health Insurance:
Foreign nationals interested in General Health Insurance must personally apply at the nearest Social Security Center. There are over 600 Social Security Centers throughout Turkey. When applying, the following documents are required:
- Residence permit
- Original or photocopy of a letter from the relevant foreign country’s social security institution or labor attaché, indicating their social security status concerning the general health insurance
Who Else Can Benefit:
In addition to the foreign national who qualifies for General Health Insurance, the following family members can also benefit:
- Spouse
- Children under 18 years old (unmarried).
- Children under 20 years old if they are high school or equivalent students and
- Children under 25 years old if they are university students and
- Unmarried children, regardless of age, who are determined to be disabled by the
- Parents whose livelihood is provided by the foreign national, based on criteria determined by the Institution.
General Health Insurance Premiums:
The insurance premium for foreign nationals is set at 24% of the minimum wage in Turkey. For foreign students, the premium is 4% of the minimum wage. As of January 2017, the minimum wage in Turkey is 1603 Turkish Liras.
Private Health Insurance for Foreign Nationals:
Foreign nationals in Turkey are required to have private health insurance as one of the essential conditions for obtaining a residence permit. Private health insurance in Turkey is offered by various insurance companies, each with its coverage options.
Similar to General Health Insurance, private health insurance requires monthly premium payments to the insurance company in exchange for access to healthcare services.
It’s important to note that after obtaining a residence permit, foreign nationals can cancel their private health insurance and apply for General Health Insurance if they meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Obtain Private Health Insurance:
Insurance companies offering private health insurance have offices in most Turkish cities. These companies specialize in various insurance types, including health insurance. Interested individuals can gather information from the insurance companies’ websites or visit their offices to purchase private health insurance.
Covered Services by Private Health Insurance:
Private health insurance, like General Health Insurance, covers a wide range of healthcare services. These include:
- Organ transplants (cornea, kidney, pancreas, liver, heart, lung).
- ESWL and Gama Knife
- Medication
- Doctor consultation
- Diagnostic tests such as biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, radiological examinations, and
- Post-operative physiotherapy and
- Cardiac and vascular
- Home medical care services aimed at assisting the insured in their daily life activities and providing social support.
- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and dialysis, among
Private Practice Physicians:
In addition to doctors working in government and university hospitals, there are private practice physicians in Turkey. These physicians do not operate within insurance networks and have their fee schedules. Therefore, patients visiting private practice physicians may not be eligible for insurance coverage, making it financially challenging.
Conclusion:
Understanding the legal aspects of healthcare access in Turkey is essential for foreigners living in the country. General Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance are two options that cater to different needs and circumstances. It is crucial for foreign nationals to make informed decisions based on their specific situations and healthcare requirements. For more personalized advice and assistance, consult with legal experts or professionals in the healthcare sector.
Navigating healthcare in Turkey: For foreigners, options include General Health Insurance (conditions apply) and Private Health Insurance (required for residence permits). Understand eligibility, application processes, and coverage. Seek advice from legal or healthcare professionals. For tailored support, contact Bayraktar Attorneys.
