Private and public health insurance of Turkey (Make informed choices)

Turkey operates a dual healthcare system, combining an extensive public health insurance network with an expanding private insurance sector. Both systems aim to ensure access to quality healthcare, but they differ significantly in terms of coverage, cost, speed, and accessibility—particularly for foreign residents and expats.

Public Health Insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası – GSS)

Administered by the Social Security Institution (SGK), Turkey’s public health insurance system is mandatory and nearly universal, covering around 99% of citizens and many legal residents. It is funded through employer and employee contributions, with self-employed individuals paying monthly premiums (around 780 TL in 2025).

Public insurance covers a wide array of healthcare services: emergency care, outpatient and inpatient treatments, specialist consultations, maternity and IVF services, diagnostics, prescription drugs, and preventive care. Services are provided through public hospitals, university hospitals, and Family Health Centers, with some private hospitals contracted under SGK. Most treatments are free or come with low co-payments, making it a cost-effective solution for the majority.

Foreigners under 65 seeking residency or work permits must enroll in a qualifying health plan—either GSS or a certified private plan. However, the public system generally excludes non-essential or cosmetic procedures and may involve longer wait times, especially in urban centers.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance in Turkey is voluntary and offered by companies like Allianz, AXA, Aksigorta, Anadolu Sigorta, and international providers such as Cigna and April International. These plans are popular among high-income locals and foreign residents seeking faster, more personalized care and access to private hospitals with modern amenities and multilingual staff.

Private plans cover inpatient and outpatient services, maternity care, dental, optical, wellness, and preventive services. They offer flexible, customizable options with a broader network of private healthcare providers. International plans often include coverage outside Turkey and higher policy limits, particularly appealing for expats. However, premiums can be significantly higher than GSS contributions.

In 2025, mandatory private health insurance for foreign residents (Yabancı Sağlık Sigortası – YSS) saw major updates: outpatient coverage increased to 15,000 TL, inpatient care up to 150,000 TL (unlimited at contracted hospitals), and coverage now includes sudden illnesses. Fees rose 50–300% accordingly, reflecting improved benefits and broader protections.

Key Similarities and Differences

Both systems aim to ensure access to quality healthcare, are regulated by the Turkish government, and require legal compliance for foreigners. However, GSS is mandatory and affordable with broad access, while private insurance is voluntary, more expensive, but faster and often more comfortable.

Top Public Health Insurances in Turkey

Turkey has a centralized and robust public healthcare system managed under a universal scheme called the General Health Insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası – GSS). Administered by the Social Security Institution (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu – SGK), GSS is the only significant public health insurance provider in Turkey. It forms the backbone of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, offering near-universal access to medical services. Due to the centralized nature of public health administration in Turkey, there are no multiple competing public health insurance funds, making GSS the primary public insurance provider.

1. General Health Insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası – GSS)(Official website: https://www.sgk.gov.tr/)

• Cost:
  Contributions are income-based. For salaried employees, approximately 12.5% of the gross salary is paid by the employer and around 5% by the employee. For self-employed individuals or those not covered by an employer, monthly contributions are calculated based on income declarations. Students, low-income citizens, and refugees may qualify for government-subsidized coverage or full exemptions.
  
• Available Services / Coverage Features:
  GSS covers a wide range of healthcare services including:
  
  • Primary care and specialist consultations
    
  • Emergency services
    
  • Inpatient and outpatient treatments
    
  • Surgeries and hospitalization
    
  • Maternity and reproductive health services
    
  • Mental health and psychiatric treatments
    
  • Prescription medications (partial reimbursement)
    
  • Chronic disease management
    
  • Preventive care and vaccinations
    
• The coverage includes both public hospitals and contracted private facilities, although co-payments may apply in private institutions.
  
• Open for All or Limited:
  GSS is open to all Turkish citizens, permanent residents, and qualifying refugees or asylum seekers. Foreign nationals who are legal residents in Turkey for more than one year may voluntarily enroll in GSS. However, tourists and short-term residents are not eligible.
  
• Core Financial Features:
  
  • No direct payment is required for most services provided at public health institutions.
    
  • Partial co-payment may be needed for prescription drugs and treatment in contracted private hospitals.
    
  • Catastrophic health coverage is included, which protects individuals from high medical expenses.
    
  • Government subsidies ensure that low-income families and individuals receive access to care without significant financial burden.
    
• Consumer Satisfaction Score:
  According to recent surveys by Turkey’s Ministry of Health and independent watchdogs, public satisfaction with GSS hovers around 75-80%. Citizens particularly appreciate the access to modern healthcare facilities, reduced financial risk, and the integration of digital health records. Criticisms mostly focus on long wait times in urban hospitals and varying service quality between regions.
  

Top Private Health Insurance Providers in Turkey

Private health insurance in Turkey complements the public General Health Insurance (GSS) by offering shorter wait times, broader access to private hospitals, and additional perks like international coverage or premium services. While not mandatory, many citizens and expatriates opt for private health insurance for faster, more personalized medical care. Below are the top five private health insurance providers in Turkey, each offering competitive packages for various needs.

1. Acıbadem Sigorta(Official website: https://www.allianz.com.tr/)

• Cost:
  Premiums start from approximately ₺8,000 to ₺25,000 annually, depending on the individual’s age, health status, and chosen coverage level.
  
• Available Services / Coverage Features:
  
  • Full coverage in Acıbadem Hospitals and partner institutions
    
  • Outpatient and inpatient care
    
  • Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
    
  • Preventive care and annual check-ups
    
  • Dental and maternity packages (optional add-ons)
    
• Open for All or Limited:
  Open to Turkish citizens, residents, and eligible expatriates.
  
• Core Financial Features:
  
  • Co-payments vary by plan (typically 0–20%)
    
  • International emergency coverage on higher-tier plans
    
  • Tax-deductible premiums for businesses
    
• Consumer Satisfaction Score:
  82% – High satisfaction, especially with premium customer service and hospital network quality.

2. Anadolu Sigorta(Official website: https://www.anadolusigorta.com.tr/)

• Cost:
  Annual premiums range from ₺5,000 to ₺20,000, adjusted for age, location, and medical history.
  
• Available Services / Coverage Features:
  
  • Full or partial coverage in private hospitals
    
  • Outpatient and inpatient services
    
  • Specialist consultations and diagnostic tests
    
  • Maternity, dental, and wellness benefits on premium plans
    
• Open for All or Limited:
  Available to all citizens and long-term residents, including expats.
  
• Core Financial Features:
  
  • Flexible co-pay options (0%, 10%, 20%)
    
  • Premiums may be reduced for no-claims history
    
  • Payment in monthly or annual installments
    
• Consumer Satisfaction Score:
  78% – Positive feedback for affordability and customizable plans.

3. Mapfre Sigorta(Official website: https://www.acibademsigorta.com.tr/)

• Cost:
  Starts at around ₺6,000 annually for basic coverage; premium plans can exceed ₺20,000.
  
• Available Services / Coverage Features:
  
  • Private hospital access
    
  • Full inpatient care
    
  • Extensive outpatient services
    
  • Emergency assistance and travel health options
    
  • Alternative treatments on some plans
    
• Open for All or Limited:
  Open to both Turkish citizens and legal foreign residents.
  
• Core Financial Features:
  
  • Deductibles and co-pay levels vary by plan
    
  • Network-specific discounts
    
  • Loyalty bonuses and family plan discounts
    
• Consumer Satisfaction Score:
  75% – Known for transparent claims processing and reliable network access.

4. Allianz Türkiye(Official website: https://www.mapfre.com.tr/)

• Cost:
  Premiums generally start from ₺7,500 to ₺30,000 per year, depending on coverage depth.
  
• Available Services / Coverage Features:
  
  • Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage
    
  • Wellness and lifestyle management programs
    
  • Home healthcare and second opinion services
    
  • International treatment options in some packages
    
• Open for All or Limited:
  Open to citizens and foreign residents with valid residency permits.
  
• Core Financial Features:
  
  • Option for zero co-payment at selected institutions
    
  • Installment plans available
    
  • Discounts for group policies and corporate clients
    
• Consumer Satisfaction Score:
  80% – Praised for innovation, digital tools, and broad hospital access.

5. Axa Sigorta(Official website: https://www.aksigorta.com.tr/)

• Cost:
  Annual premiums range from ₺4,500 to ₺18,000, depending on age, location, and selected plan.
  
• Available Services / Coverage Features:
  
  • Wide access to private hospitals across Turkey
    
  • General practitioner and specialist visits
    
  • Emergency services and surgeries
    
  • Maternity care, physiotherapy, and mental health services in advanced plans
    
• Open for All or Limited:
  Available to all residents with a valid Turkish ID or residency permit.
  
• Core Financial Features:
  
  • Various co-payment levels and deductibles
    
  • Multiple plan tiers with modular add-ons
    
  • Mobile app for claims and appointment booking
    
• Consumer Satisfaction Score:
  76% – Appreciated for user-friendly interfaces and broad service options.

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