At a Glance: Turkish Healthcare
| System Name | Genel Sağlık Sigortası (GSS / SGK) |
|---|---|
| Managed By | Social Security Institution (SGK) |
| Foreigner Eligibility | After 1 year of legal residence |
| Key ID | Kimlik Number (Starting with 99) |
| Appointment System | MHRS (182) or E-Nabız |
| Emergency Number | 112 (All Emergencies) |
Turkey's healthcare transformation over the last decade has been immense. The Genel Sağlık Sigortası (GSS), managed by the SGK, is a comprehensive insurance scheme that covers nearly 98% of the population.
For expats and foreign residents, SGK is a game-changer. It provides unlimited access to state hospitals, heavily discounted access to private hospitals, and covers the entire family (spouse and children under 18) for a single monthly premium.
Who Can (and Should) Apply?
Unlike tourist insurance which only covers emergencies, SGK covers chronic illnesses, surgeries, and cancer treatments.
- Work Permit Holders: You are automatically enrolled by your employer. Your premium is deducted from your salary.
- Residence Permit Holders (Ikamet): If you have lived in Turkey for more than 1 continuous year, you have the right to apply for voluntary GSS.
- Students: Foreign university students can apply within 3 months of registration for a discounted rate.
How Much Does SGK Cost? (2024/2025)
For voluntary payers (foreign residents without a job), the premium is pegged to the minimum wage.
Estimated Monthly Premium
The standard monthly premium is approximately 3% to 4% of the Gross Minimum Wage.
*Note: Rates change every January and July. Check the official SGK website for the exact current Lira amount. As of 2024, it was roughly 6000+ TRY per month for a family.
Step-by-Step: Applying for SGK
You cannot do this online; you must visit the office.
- Visit your local SGK Office: Go to the "Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu" in your district.
- Documents Required:
- Passport & Copy.
- Residence Permit (Kimlik) card.
- Proof of Address (from E-Devlet or Nüfus office).
- Health Report (sometimes requested to prove no pre-existing chronic terminal conditions, though rules vary).
- Sign the Contract: You will sign a document enrolling you into the system.
- Payment: You can pay monthly via bank transfer (Ziraat, Garanti, etc.) using your Kimlik number.
- Activation: Coverage usually starts immediately after the first payment (Provizyon).
Devlet (State) vs. Özel (Private) Hospitals
Once insured, where should you go?
🏥 Devlet Hastanesi (State)
Cost: 100% Free.
Pros: Totally free, huge facilities (City Hospitals).
Cons: Very crowded, doctors may not speak English, short appointment times.
🏨 Özel Hastane (Private)
Cost: SGK covers a part, you pay the rest.
Pros: Luxury service, English speaking doctors, fast.
Cons: You might still pay 20% to 200% on top of SGK rates depending on the hospital class.
How to Book an Appointment (MHRS)
You cannot just walk into a state hospital for a checkup (except emergencies). You MUST book an appointment.
3 Ways to Book:
- Call 182: The operator might speak English, but mostly Turkish.
- MHRS Website/App: The "Merkezi Hekim Randevu Sistemi". You need your Kimlik number and E-Devlet password.
- E-Nabız: The personal health record app where you can see your results and book appointments.
Eczane (Pharmacy) & Medication
With SGK, you do not pay full price for medicines.
- Co-payment: You typically pay 10% to 20% of the drug cost.
- E-Reçete: Doctors send prescriptions digitally to your Kimlik number. You just go to the pharmacy, give your ID number, and they see the script. No paper needed.
Book Appointment (MHRS)
Login to the official Ministry of Health portal to find doctors and book appointments at State Hospitals.
Go to MHRS Portal →Check your insurance status on E-Devlet