How does healthcare work in Turkey, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health care system work in Turkey?

Turkey has a well-organized health care system. The care is modern, efficient and of the same quality as in, say, the U.S., but the costs are a lot lower.
Life expectancy is around 78 years. Not bad, in other words!
The country is particularly known for fields such as cosmetic surgery, dental care and fertility treatments. There is a lot of medical tourism.
The system consists of public health care and private health care.
Insurance is mandatory for everyone under the age of 65 living in Turkey. Whether this is public or private insurance.
In fact, Turkey also has a public insurance system, Genel Sağlık Sigortası (GSS). You pay for healthcare through the Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK).
Emigrants can join this universal healthcare system only after one year of living in Turkey. For the first year, you are required to purchase your own international health insurance.
Eventually, many people who have moved to Turkey choose to keep their own private insurance because the costs are often not that bad, the care is better and you are also insured for other things such as repatriation.
In Turkey, you can also go to the pharmacy for a consultation. Here you can get medication right away, or you are referred to a specialist.

The public healthcare system (SGK) covers much of the cost of public health care.
The quality of care is generally good, but you can expect long waiting times.
Good quality healthcare is generally less accessible in the country side than in the big cities.

Almost all expats choose private hospitals: waiting times are shorter, there are English-speaking doctors and it is more comfortable than public hospitals.
The cost of care is also quite reasonable compared to costs in Western Europe, for example. Dentistry, cosmetic surgery, hair transplants, people come to Turkey for everything.

In Turkey you can visit general practitioners, including Family Health Centers (Aile Sağlığı Merkezleri).
You can find these through your own embassy, among others, or through the Turkish government's “Family Medicine Information System” (FMIS).
Be aware that not every doctor speaks English. So call in advance to check this.

Turkey is a top destination for dental tourism. So even as an expat, you have many, and good, choices!
Dental care is generally a lot cheaper than in Western Europe.
Most people choose private clinics. Surely those are just a little better.

During your pregnancy and birth, you can go to public and private hospitals. The former is obviously cheaper, but the care is also less personal and the language barrier can be big.
The care is comprehensive, with many checks, tests and personal counseling.
Home birth is also an option and allowed in Turkey. It can be more difficult to find appropriate care for a home birth, though, because the system is not fully equipped for it.
Cesarean sections are common, as are medical interventions. Be sure to discuss your needs in advance and ask other expats about their experiences with doctors.
Fun fact - many private hospitals have hair dressers and photographers in their birthing packages.
Breastfeeding in public is normal in Turkey, but only if the mother covers up.

Turkey is reasonably safe, but in crowded tourist areas such as the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, watch out for pickpockets.
Try to stay away from political discussions and demonstrations as these can get out of hand.
It is not recommended to visit the border areas with Syria.
There is also a risk of terrorist attacks in Turkey, this happens several times (on a small scale) a year and especially in the south but also in other areas.
Beware of “drink & food spiking” - that someone puts something in your drink or food.
There is risk of sexual abuse, especially in the evening, but also for example if you go to toilet facilities alone.
There are street dogs almost everywhere. These kinds of groups of dogs can be aggressive, never approach them and keep your distance!
We may not be used to it, but it is illegal to insult the Turkish nation or flag - both online and offline. You could end up in jail in no time.
Turkey also suffers from natural disasters including floods and earthquakes.

Tap water is technically safe to drink, but can taste like chlorine.
There are a number of recommended vaccinations. Check with your local vaccination center.
Rabies is a problem in Turkey. If you are bitten by an animal, go immediately to a hospital/clinic for medical advice.

Many people find driving in Turkey quite a challenge. There are many road accidents, especially at night.
The roads between major cities are generally good, but in remote areas, on the other hand, they can be very bad.
Drive carefully, especially at night, and keep in mind checkpoints.
It is illegal to ride a scooter or moped without a helmet.
As a pedestrian, you don't always get the right of way! Not even at a crosswalk.

Is the trip to Turkey and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

It is mandatory to have your own private international health insurance during your first year in Turkey. Most people keep this insurance after that as well (rather than switching to the public system) because there can always be things you may face as an expat or emigrant that are not covered by public insurance (think repatriation and wider treatment choices, for example). Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

Access:

Public

Check related region !