Turkey is not only a popular medical tourism destination, but it also has a highly developed healthcare system.

The quality of medicine there can be compared to that of the United States and Israel. Universal Health Insurance covers over 80% of Turkish residents’ healthcare expenditures. It is a national healthcare plan sponsored by the state. We have developed a complete introduction to the Turkish healthcare system, medical service rates in the nation, and the availability of Turkish healthcare for foreigners.

Overview of the healthcare system in Turkey

Many individuals prefer Turkey as a medical tourism destination. The pricing here are lower than in the EU or the United States, but the quality of medical treatments remains the same.

Foreigners choose Turkey over other nations for dental treatment, plastic surgery, and hair transplants. A dental implant costs around $1,200 in Turkey, which is two times less than in the United States. Rhinoplasty in Turkey typically costs around $3,000 per procedure. In the United States, the identical surgery costs more than $6,000. The Turkish healthcare system has been proved effective; as of 2023, the country’s life expectancy is 78 years, which is 20% higher than a year before. Turkey’s healthcare system is both public and private. Turkish people benefit from universal health insurance.

Healthcare system for the general public

In Turkey, universal health insurance is at the worldwide level: about 99% of the population has public healthcare insurance, which covers more than 70% of healthcare expenditures, including dental treatment. Health insurance is required in Turkey, hence all citizens are enrolled in the national SGK system (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu). The system is supported by taxes; companies are required to contribute to the plan for their employees, while self-employed individuals contribute on their own. In big families, children under the age of 18 and their wives are usually covered by their father’s insurance. SGK permits Turkish residents to get free medical treatment in public facilities and pays the cost of some private clinic treatments. It allows you to access free healthcare in a private institution that is part of the SGK system, as well as purchase prescription drugs at half the price or for free. The healthcare system in Turkey is unique in that it includes not only basic care and emergencies, but also the majority of potential health problems, such as various forms of diabetes and cancer, cardiovascular disease, and so on. Universal Health Insurance also covers pregnancies and work-related injuries, whereas Grenada’s National Insurance Scheme solely covers occupational injuries. Expats who have resided in Turkey for more than a year are eligible for a public insurance system. To apply, you must pay a monthly charge of around ₺800, or $30, depending on the chosen package. If you have resided in the nation for less than a year, you are required to get private healthcare.

Health insurance for trip to Turkey

All travelers to Turkey are required to obtain health insurance throughout their stay. Most insurance firms offer foreign travel insurance for expatriates; these policies often cover $30,000 or more in medical expenditures and cost between $50 and $300. The cost is determined on the kind of coverage and length of stay. The European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC, is not valid in Turkey; thus, European individuals must purchase travel insurance before visiting the country. Insurance firms have recently begun to incorporate other risks, such as earthquake damage, in their expanded packages.

Healthcare for children and their families in Turkey

Despite Turkey’s tiny size, each neighborhood has a family health center, Sağlık Merkezi. Family medical facilities may be found in any place; they do not have to be near your home. Legal residents and citizens of the nation are entitled to free care in public family health centers, often with no wait, provided they schedule an appointment online at mhrs.gov.tr.

Other Medical Services in Turkey

Mental health. Turkey is attempting to improve the present mental healthcare system by building new facilities and training professionals. According to Turkey’s Ministry of Health, one out of every nine persons needs mental health care.

Alternative treatments. Turkey also has alternative medical methods that use natural goods like herbs and plants, as well as established health procedures. Licenced physicians practice alternative medicine based on well-known herbal combinations. Cupping treatment is a popular alternative medicine practice in which warm cups are put to the patient’s back. This and other alternative medicine operations can only be carried out by a licensed physician.

How much does healthcare cost in Turkey?

The quality of healthcare in Turkey is comparable to that of the EU, the UK, and the United States, but prices are 70% or more lower.
Dental treatment, which is paid for in the United States and the European Union, is free for Turkish legal residents and citizens. Private healthcare services are also less expensive than in other nations with comparable levels of medical treatment quality. The average cost of sophisticated coronary bypass surgery in Turkey is $14,000, which is nine times less than in the United States. In Turkey, persons covered by Universal Healthcare Insurance receive free pregnancy care. A scheduled C-section delivery costs $300 or more, compared to $2,300 or more in the United States or the United Kingdom.

5 advantages of the Turkish healthcare system.

1. Public healthcare is affordable. Turkey’s public healthcare system is both functional and economical; treatments offered are comparable to those in other nations recognized for medical tourism, such as Israel or the United States. However, the prices are considerably lower. Legal residents and Universal Health Insurance beneficiaries can receive free, international-level healthcare.
2. A thriving private healthcare industry. In addition to superior public health insurance, Turkey boasts a diverse market of insurance providers to fit any budget.
3. Cheaper private healthcare. On average, private healthcare services cost 50-70% less than those in the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union. Turkey is more cheap than any other well-known medical tourism destination, including the UAE and Israel.
4. Easy access to healthcare for foreigners. Immigrants who have been in Turkey for more than a year are eligible for national healthcare services; they only need to apply at the local Social Security Centre. Expats who earned Turkish citizenship by investment have full access to the country’s healthcare system.
5. Family coverage through public insurance. When an investor registers for SGK services, their insurance policy also protects their spouse and children under the age of 18.

Summary

Turkey’s healthcare system is both public and private. Private healthcare choices coexist alongside Universal Healthcare Insurance, which offers basic coverage to Turkish residents. Universal Healthcare Insurance is supported by the state through taxation. Turkish medicine is on a global scale. The country boasts the most JCI-accredited medical facilities in Europe, with over 20. In Turkey, medicine is inexpensive. Prices are often 50% or cheaper than in the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union. Turkey is a famous location for medical tourism. One of the drawbacks of the Turkish healthcare system is a scarcity of medical personnel, which is why facilities are often better in larger cities such as Istanbul and Ankara. Immigrant Invest is a licensed agency offering citizenship and residence via investment programs in the EU, Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turkey’s healthcare satisfactory?

Healthcare in Turkey is comparable to that in the United States, however prices are often lower. The Turkish healthcare system is successful; the country’s life expectancy is 78 years, which is the same as the United States.

Is Turkish healthcare free?

Turkey provides taxpayer-funded health insurance to its residents. It covers the majority of potential health risks, such as basic care, surgery, and workplace injuries. To be eligible, expats must have lived in Turkey for at least a year. Investors who earned Turkish citizenship by investment do not need to live in the country to qualify for SGK services.

What is Turkey’s healthcare system like?

Turkey’s healthcare system offers both public and private solutions. Turkish residents have access to mainly free healthcare, thanks to a state-funded national insurance coverage. State hospitals may charge minimal fees for certain treatments, but they are still much less expensive than paying for private healthcare out of pocket. Private healthcare choices in Turkey are represented by paid health insurance plans offered by major insurance firms such as Allianz and Axa.

Do you need medical insurance in Turkey?

In Turkey, you are required to have health insurance. Tourists who visit Turkey are required to obtain travel insurance. It must cover at least $30,000 in medical expenditures and be valid in Turkey.

Are public hospitals free in Turkey?

Public medical institutions normally give free treatments to people covered by Universal Health Insurance. However, patients may be charged an additional fee for co-treatment and some on-the-spot treatments. When compared to the costs of private clinic treatments, these fees are reasonable.