Healthcare is often a top concern for expats living abroad, and understanding the healthcare system of their host country is of utmost importance. For expats moving to or living in Turkey, navigating the local healthcare system can be a bit overwhelming at first, with its blend of public and private services as well as differences from their home country. However, gaining a thorough understanding of the Turkish healthcare system can contribute greatly to a more comfortable and secure living experience in the country. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to remove the guesswork surrounding Turkey's healthcare system for expats, detailing its structure, services, insurance options, and tips for effectively accessing and utilising healthcare services.

We will begin with an overview of Turkey's healthcare system, explaining its structure and the key players in both public and private healthcare sectors. By doing so, expats will gain a fundamental understanding of how the system operates and the range of services available to them.

Likewise, we will examine the private healthcare system, discussing its offerings and the potential advantages it can provide for expats. This information can aid in determining whether private healthcare is a worthwhile investment based on individual needs and circumstances.

To help expats make informed decisions regarding healthcare coverage, we will present various health insurance options available within Turkey. This will include public options like the Social Security Institution's General Health Insurance (SGK), private health insurance policies, and even international coverage possibilities.

Additionally, we will outline how expats can access healthcare services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and emergency care within the country, providing essential information to ensure a seamless experience should healthcare needs arise.

Finally, we will offer practical tips and advice for navigating the healthcare system in Turkey, helping expats make the most out of their healthcare experience and prioritise their well-being.

Join us as we break down the complexities of the Turkish healthcare system, equipping expats with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to navigate their healthcare journey in Turkey with ease and certainty.

Overview of the Turkish Healthcare System

Before diving into the specifics of accessing healthcare services in Turkey, it is essential to have a general understanding of how Turkey's healthcare system operates. The Turkish healthcare system is composed of two primary sectors: the public health sector, which provides services through a network of public hospitals and clinics, and the private health sector, consisting of private hospitals, clinics, and medical centres. Both sectors deliver essential healthcare services to residents and expats, with the private healthcare sector often offering more variety and shorter wait times compared to its public counterpart.

Public Healthcare System

Turkey's public healthcare system is regulated and funded by the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Institution (SGK). The public system offers a range of services, including general practitioners, specialist doctors, hospital care, emergency services, and dental care, with costs typically being lower than those of private healthcare providers. However, the public system can also involve longer wait times and limited access to certain specialists, particularly in rural areas.

To access public healthcare services in Turkey, expats must first register with the General Health Insurance (GHI) system; also known as Genel Sağlık Sigortası (GSS), coordinated by SGK. Upon registering for GHI, expats can visit public healthcare providers at a reduced cost or even free of charge in some cases. Expats must possess a valid residence permit and have lived in Turkey for at least one year to be eligible for GHI. Alternatively, expats working in Turkey and contributing to the social security system are also entitled to public healthcare services for themselves and their dependents.

Private Healthcare System

The private healthcare sector in Turkey is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, high-quality care, and shorter wait times compared to the public sector. Additionally, private hospitals and clinics often provide a more extensive range of services, with some even specializing in specific areas of expertise. However, these advantages come at a higher cost, depending on the treatment required and the facility providing the service.

Many expats in Turkey opt for private healthcare coverage, which offers additional peace of mind, access to the best medical facilities, and potentially more tailored healthcare experiences. To utilise private healthcare services, expats typically need to have a separate private health insurance policy, either purchased locally or as part of an international plan.

Health Insurance Options

Navigating health insurance options in Turkey can be a complex task, but ensuring adequate coverage is crucial to safeguarding the health and well-being of expats and their families. Expats in Turkey have various health insurance options to consider, including:

  1. General Health Insurance (GSS): As mentioned above, (Genel Sağlık Sigortası) GSS is Turkey's public health insurance, accessible for eligible expats who possess a valid residence permit and have lived in the country for a minimum of one year. This option offers access to public healthcare services at a reduced cost or for free, depending on the service.
  2. Private Health Insurance: Many major international and local insurance companies provide private health insurance policies in Turkey. These policies offer coverage for private healthcare services, with the freedom to choose from a more extensive range of facilities, specialists, and treatments. Premiums and coverage will vary depending on the insurance provider, the plan selected, and the individual's health background.
  3. International Health Insurance: For expats seeking a more comprehensive or global healthcare coverage, international health insurance policies can be a suitable option. These plans often provide coverage for healthcare services both in Turkey and abroad, a valuable feature for expats who travel frequently or have plans to relocate in the future.

Accessing Healthcare Services

Once expats have secured the appropriate health insurance coverage, they can begin accessing healthcare services in Turkey with confidence. When seeking medical care, it is essential to understand how to efficiently utilize healthcare services in Turkey. Below, we outline how expats can access different healthcare services within the country:

  1. Hospitals: If expats require hospital care, they can choose between public hospitals, university hospitals, and private hospitals, depending on their health insurance coverage and preferences. When visiting a hospital, expats should bring their health insurance documentation, passport, and residence permit, if applicable.
  2. Pharmacies: Pharmacies, known as "eczane" in Turkish, are widely available across the country, with pharmacists often being able to provide expert advice on medicines and minor health concerns. Expats should remember to bring their prescription, passport, and insurance information when visiting a pharmacy.
  3. Emergency Care: In the event of a medical emergency, expats can call 112, the universal emergency number in Turkey. Ambulance services are available, but heavy traffic in urban areas can make driving or taking a taxi to the nearest hospital more practical in some cases.

Tips for Navigating the Healthcare System

  1. Keep the necessary documentation on hand, such as residency permits, passports, and health insurance information, when accessing healthcare services.
  2. Learn basic Turkish phrases related to healthcare or consider bringing a translator to appointments if language barriers present a challenge.
  3. Always carry a list of emergency contacts and relevant medical information, such as allergies or pre-existing conditions, in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively navigating the Turkish healthcare system is vital to ensuring the health and well-being of expats living in the country. By familiarising themselves with public and private healthcare services, securing appropriate health insurance coverage, and accessing healthcare services with confidence, expats can prioritise their well-being and fully enjoy their lives in Turkey. Look to Ikamet as your trusted resource for expat life in Turkey, providing all the information, guidance, and support needed to navigate the complexities of the Turkish healthcare system with ease.