Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Our Top Picks
Turkish expats form one of Europe's largest diaspora communities, concentrated heavily in Germany, Netherlands, UK, and France. Here's what we recommend:
- Cigna Global: Best overall for Turkish expats worldwide. Strong networks, reliable service, comprehensive coverage.
- Allianz Care: Excellent for European destinations. Strong German networks, Turkish support available.
- Signal Iduna: German insurer with Turkish expertise. Popular among Turkish-Germans, good EU coverage.
- Anadolu Sigorta: Major Turkish insurer with international products. Full Turkish service, includes Turkey coverage.
- Axa Turkey: Another Turkish option with good international reach. Turkish service, Turkey coverage included.
Germany-Turkey Social Security Agreement
Turkey and Germany have a bilateral social security agreement. This affects healthcare access, pension rights, and insurance requirements. Understand your status before choosing coverage.
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Leaving Turkish Healthcare
Turkey has universal healthcare through SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu). Here's what happens when you leave:
SGK Coverage
SGK coverage is linked to employment and residence in Turkey. When you leave Turkish employment or establish residence abroad, your SGK healthcare entitlement changes. The Yeşil Kart (Green Card) system for low-income individuals only applies to Turkish residents.
Continuing SGK
Turkish citizens abroad can voluntarily continue SGK contributions (isteğe bağlı sigorta) to maintain pension rights. This is primarily for pension, not healthcare—you still need international insurance for coverage abroad.
Private Turkish Insurance
Turkish private insurers (Anadolu Sigorta, Axa, Allianz Turkey) offer some international coverage, typically limited to 30-90 days of emergency treatment. For long-term stays abroad, you need dedicated international coverage.
Bilateral Agreements
Turkey has social security agreements with many countries, including Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and several others. These coordinate pension rights and may affect healthcare access in specific situations.
Germany-Specific Guidance
With over 3 million people of Turkish origin in Germany, this relationship deserves special attention:
German Health Insurance Requirements
Germany requires health insurance for all residents. If you're employed, you're enrolled in either:
- GKV (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung): Public insurance through a Krankenkasse, if your income is below the threshold
- PKV (Private Krankenversicherung): Private insurance, if your income exceeds the threshold or you're self-employed
Turkish-German Social Security Agreement
The bilateral agreement coordinates:
- Pension rights between Turkish SGK and German DRV
- Recognition of contribution periods in both countries
- Healthcare coordination for specific categories of people
Turkish-Speaking Healthcare in Germany
Major German cities have extensive Turkish-speaking healthcare options. Berlin, Köln, Stuttgart, München, and Frankfurt all have Turkish doctors, clinics, and hospitals with Turkish-speaking staff.
Dual Citizens
Many German residents of Turkish origin hold dual citizenship or have naturalized. Your citizenship status affects healthcare options and obligations. Dual citizens in Germany must maintain German health insurance regardless of Turkish SGK status.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Turkish Support | Germany Network | Turkey Coverage | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Limited | Strong | Add-on | €170/mo |
| Allianz Care | Yes | Excellent | Add-on | €180/mo |
| Anadolu Sigorta | Full (Turkish) | Good | Included | €140/mo |
| Axa Turkey | Full (Turkish) | Good | Included | €150/mo |
| Signal Iduna | Yes | Excellent | Add-on | €160/mo |
Detailed Reviews
Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers comprehensive international coverage suitable for Turkish expats worldwide. Strong networks in Europe and beyond, three coverage tiers with limits up to unlimited, efficient claims processing.
Turkish-language support is limited, but English and German service is excellent. Turkey coverage can be added for visits home.
Best for: Turkish expats who want reliable global coverage beyond Europe.
Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers excellent European coverage with strong German networks—critical for the Turkish-German community. Turkish support is available through their Turkish and German operations.
Competitive pricing for comprehensive EU coverage. Good option for Turkish expats across Europe.
Best for: Turkish expats in Germany and other EU countries.
Signal Iduna
Signal Iduna is a German insurer with significant experience serving the Turkish-German community. They understand the bilateral relationship, offer Turkish-language support, and provide excellent German coverage.
Strong option for those in Germany who want an insurer that understands their specific situation.
Best for: Turkish expats in Germany who want specialized understanding of Turkish-German insurance needs.
Anadolu Sigorta
Anadolu Sigorta is one of Turkey's oldest insurers, offering international health products. Full Turkish service, familiar processes, and Turkey coverage included automatically.
International networks are adequate for most destinations, strongest in Europe and the Middle East.
Best for: Turkish expats who prefer dealing with a Turkish insurer and want seamless Turkey coverage.
Compare Turkish and International Options
Turkish insurers offer familiarity; German and international insurers have stronger local networks. Compare based on your destination and needs.
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Returning to Turkey
Returning to Turkish healthcare depends on your employment and residence status:
If You're Employed in Turkey
Employment automatically enrolls you in SGK through your employer. Coverage begins immediately with your employment registration.
If You're Not Employed
You can register for Genel Sağlık Sigortası (general health insurance) through SGK. Premiums are based on income. Alternatively, private insurance is available.
Returning from Germany
Bring documentation of your German social insurance contributions (Versicherungsverlauf). The bilateral agreement helps coordinate benefits and may affect your Turkish pension entitlements.
Transition Period
Keep your international or German insurance active until Turkish coverage is confirmed. Registration processes take time, and having overlap prevents gaps.
Common Questions
Does SGK cover me in Germany?
No. SGK only covers care in Turkey. The bilateral agreement coordinates pensions, not healthcare. You need German or international insurance in Germany.
Do I need insurance if I work in Germany?
Yes. Germany requires health insurance for all residents. Employment enrolls you in GKV or you must arrange PKV. This is mandatory, not optional.
Can I use Turkish insurance in Germany?
Turkish insurance doesn't satisfy German requirements. You need German-compliant coverage for residence and employment in Germany.
What about my Turkish pension?
The bilateral agreement coordinates pension rights. German contributions count toward Turkish pension and vice versa. Contact SGK for your specific calculation.
Are there Turkish doctors in Germany?
Yes, extensively. Berlin, Köln, Frankfurt, and other cities have many Turkish-speaking doctors and clinics. Your insurer can help locate providers.
Should I maintain voluntary SGK?
If you plan to return to Turkey, voluntary SGK contributions maintain your pension rights. Healthcare coverage requires separate insurance.
Final Verdict
Turkish expats need insurance appropriate to their destination. In Germany, mandatory health insurance requirements mean you'll be enrolled in GKV or PKV. Cigna Global is our top recommendation for global coverage beyond German requirements.
Allianz Care and Signal Iduna offer excellent options for EU-based Turkish expats. Anadolu Sigorta and Axa Turkey suit those preferring Turkish insurers.
Understand the bilateral agreement implications for your pension, and consider voluntary SGK contributions if you plan to return. And remember—in Germany, health insurance isn't optional; it's required by law.
