Compare permit-compliant cover, SGK alternatives and practical claims steps before applying for residence in Türkiye.
Residence permit cover
For a first application, the policy start date should match the application start date. For a renewal, it should match the current permit’s expiry date.
1, 2 and selected 3-year terms
Policy wording in Turkish and English where available
Coverage issued through a licensed Turkish insurer
Support understanding the policy and claims route
This policy covers the minimum coverage structure specified in Circular No. 2024/34 dated 25/12/2024 regarding foreign health insurance (YSS) for visa and residence applications in Türkiye.
Choose the correct evidence
These three routes serve different needs. Choose one to compare its purpose, eligibility and residence-permit use.
Yabancılar için Sağlık Sigortası is the permit-focused form of private health insurance. It follows the minimum structure set for foreign visa and residence applications.
Özel Sağlık Sigortası is broader private medical cover. Unlike permit-focused YSS, benefits, networks, limits and underwriting vary by insurer and product.
This public-system route includes active SGK entitlement and voluntary GSS where eligible. It is commonly used by an employed sponsor covering a spouse, children or other registered dependants.
Official minimum benefits
SEDDK Circular 2024/34 updated the annual minimums and applies to policies issued under the residence and visa framework.
Sudden illnesses and conditions cannot simply be excluded from the minimum coverage structure, subject to the circular and policy terms.
These are regulatory minimums, not a promise that every treatment is payable. Limits, contribution rates, networks, waiting periods, exclusions and authorisation rules in the issued policy still apply.
Match the requested duration
PMM states that valid health insurance should cover the residence period requested. Availability still depends on the insurer.
The most common term for first applications and annual renewals.
Useful when applying for a two-year permit and the insurer accepts the applicant.
Limited by insurer availability. For three-year family permits, eligible SGK/GSS may be more practical.
Family permits
Family residence permit files must show health coverage for everyone in the household. The “Genel Sağlık Sigortalısının Bakmakla Yükümlü Olduğu Aile Bireyleri Belgesi” lists the sponsor’s registered dependants. A separate SPAS Müstehaklık Belgesi for the sponsor and each applying dependant confirms active entitlement to health services. PMM makes the final assessment.
Before you buy
A policy can satisfy the permit requirement yet still be poor value for a particular hospital, condition or treatment plan.
The policy should cover the residence period requested. A shorter policy can limit the term PMM considers.
Contracted hospitals and departments can change. Check the insurer’s current network before treatment.
The reviewed policy applies waiting periods to specified conditions. Exact periods and conditions are policy-specific.
Symptoms, diagnoses and treatment before the start date may be excluded. Complete, accurate disclosure matters.
Using the policy
The exact procedure follows the issued policy. These steps reflect the reviewed live policy and common insurer practice.
Before treatment
Use a contracted institution where practical. Planned inpatient treatment may require insurer approval before admission.
At the provider
The hospital requests provision. You normally pay the policy contribution and any non-covered amount.
Reimbursement claim
Non-network claims may require the claim form, itemised invoices, reports, test results and treatment records.
Time-sensitive
The reviewed policy requires emergency notice within 48 hours and a reimbursement application within 45 days of invoice.
Do not rely on the headline limit alone. Non-contracted treatment may be capped by the policy payment rate and the Turkish Medical Association tariff. Obtain insurer approval whenever possible.
Changing or cancelling cover
The reviewed wording permits cancellation when supported by defined evidence: replacement private cover, GSS coverage, permit rejection, application withdrawal, or permit cancellation/non-extension.
Official sources
Government and regulator links open in a new tab so this guide remains available.
No. PMM also accepts qualifying social-security agreement evidence, SGK provision, or proof of a GSS application. Some age exemptions apply.
For short-term and student applications, e-İkamet provides an under-18 or over-65 option. Family permits require valid cover for all family members.
Possibly. The family-members document lists registered dependants, while a SPAS certificate confirms each named person’s active health entitlement.
First check SGK/SPAS. A Turkish sponsor cannot buy YSS, but may use eligible SGK/GSS or OSS with inpatient and outpatient benefits.
Yes. A foreign sponsor may use accepted YSS, OSS or SGK/GSS, but the evidence must cover the sponsor and every applying family member.
One and two-year policies are commonly available. Three-year private policies are rare and case-specific; SGK/GSS may suit eligible family cases.
Often not. The reviewed policy excludes illnesses with symptoms, diagnosis or treatment before the start date. Always read the issued wording.
Check the network, show your policy and ID, and ask the provider to obtain insurer approval. Planned inpatient care may need advance authorisation.
Submit the claim form, itemised originals, medical reports and test results promptly. Deadlines, payment rates and tariff limits follow your policy.
Only in defined cases, such as replacement cover, GSS coverage, permit rejection, withdrawal or cancellation. Evidence and insurer approval are required.
Ikamet is a private company and is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of PMM, SGK, SEDDK or any government authority. This page provides general information, not medical, legal or insurance advice or a guarantee of permit approval, eligibility, coverage or claim payment. The issued policy, insurer decision and competent authority’s assessment are binding.
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