Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Turkey
- Health insurance is REQUIRED for Turkish residence permits—you must show valid coverage to get or renew your ikamet (residence permit).
- SGK (public insurance) is available to residence permit holders after 1 year—costs around ₺2,000-4,000/month ($60-120) based on age.
- Turkey is a medical tourism hub—private hospitals (Acibadem, Memorial, Florence Nightingale) offer excellent care at 50-70% less than Europe.
- Private Turkish insurance is extremely affordable: ₺5,000-15,000/year ($150-450) for comprehensive coverage at top Istanbul hospitals.
- Currency devaluation means healthcare is very cheap for those earning in USD/EUR—a private specialist visit costs ₺500-1,000 ($15-30).
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Turkey?
Turkey requires health insurance for residence permit (ikamet) applications and renewals. You must provide proof of valid insurance covering your entire permit period. Options include: private Turkish insurance, international insurance that meets Turkish standards, or SGK enrollment (after 1 year of residence). Most expats start with private insurance, then optionally switch to SGK after the first year.
Insurance is required for:
- All residence permit applicants—insurance is mandatory for ikamet
- Digital nomads and remote workers on tourist residence permits
- Retirees seeking affordable quality healthcare
- Those wanting access to Istanbul's excellent private hospitals
- Expats who prefer to avoid SGK bureaucracy and public hospital waits
Public vs Private Healthcare in Turkey
Public Healthcare
SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu)
- Access: Available to residence permit holders after 1 year of continuous residence. Must apply and pay monthly premiums.
- Cost: ₺2,000-4,000/month ($60-120) depending on age bracket. Under 28: lowest tier. Over 45: highest tier.
SGK covers public and some private hospitals. Quality varies—Istanbul public hospitals are better than rural areas. Wait times for specialists can be long. English is limited in public facilities. Many expats use SGK as backup while maintaining private insurance for faster access.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local Turkish: ₺5,000-15,000/year ($150-450). International: $100-250/month.
Turkey has world-class private hospitals, especially in Istanbul. Acibadem, Memorial, Florence Nightingale, American Hospital, and Liv Hospital are JCI-accredited and popular with medical tourists. Local Turkish insurance provides excellent coverage at these hospitals. Currency devaluation makes private care extremely affordable for those earning foreign currency.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Turkey. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Meets residence permit requirements plus worldwide coverage for frequent travelers
Not ideal for: Long-term Turkey residents—local insurance costs 70% less with same hospital access
Allianz Care
Best for: Expats splitting time between Turkey and Europe
Not ideal for: Turkey-only residents—local insurers offer better value at Acibadem/Memorial
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions without Turkish insurer waiting periods
Not ideal for: Budget expats—Turkish healthcare is already very affordable
IMG Global
Best for: Residence permit requirement compliance at lower international rates
Not ideal for: Long-term residents—may lack direct billing at top Istanbul hospitals
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Turkey
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Meets residence permit requirements | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Expats splitting time between | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions without Turkish | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Residence permit requirement compliance | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Turkey
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Insurance is MANDATORY for residence permits. Your coverage must be valid for the entire permit period or renewal will be rejected.
- SGK requires 1 year of residence before you can enroll. You need private insurance for your first year.
- SGK premiums are age-based and have increased significantly. For older expats, private insurance may be similar cost with better service.
- Some private Turkish insurers exclude pre-existing conditions for 1-2 years. Check terms carefully.
- If paying for local insurance in TRY, currency fluctuations can significantly affect your costs if you earn in USD/EUR.
- Public hospital quality varies. Istanbul and Ankara have good public facilities; rural areas are less reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do I need for a Turkish residence permit?
You need valid health insurance covering your entire residence permit period. Options: private Turkish insurance (cheapest, ₺5,000-15,000/year), international insurance meeting Turkish standards, or SGK (only after 1 year residence). Most expats use private Turkish insurance for the first year.
How do I enroll in SGK as an expat?
After 1 year of continuous residence with a valid ikamet, you can apply for SGK at your local SGK office. You will pay monthly premiums (₺2,000-4,000 depending on age). SGK covers public hospitals and some private hospitals. The process requires paperwork and patience with bureaucracy.
How good is private healthcare in Turkey?
Excellent, especially in Istanbul. Turkey is a top medical tourism destination. Private hospitals like Acibadem, Memorial, and Florence Nightingale are JCI-accredited with modern facilities and many English-speaking doctors trained abroad. Costs are 50-70% less than Western Europe.
Is Turkish healthcare really that cheap?
Yes, due to currency devaluation. A private specialist consultation costs ₺500-1,000 ($15-30). Private insurance covering top hospitals costs ₺5,000-15,000/year ($150-450). The same care would cost 3-5x more in Western Europe. For expats earning in USD/EUR, Turkey offers exceptional healthcare value.
Should I get SGK or private insurance?
It depends. SGK: Lower cost, covers public hospitals, available after 1 year. Private: Faster access, better English support, covers top private hospitals, available immediately. Many expats maintain private insurance even after SGK eligibility for better service and no wait times.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.