Thousands of patients travel to Turkey annually to receive medical care. In recent years, the healthcare system has become more successful. 

According to research from 2020 that was published in The Lancet, Turkey has the 60th best healthcare system out of 195 countries. The latest research in mid-2022 shows Turkey’s big jump to 22nd from 60th.

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/health-care/rankings_by_country.jsp?title=2022-mid.

A sign of this is the rising number of medical schools and specialists nationwide. If you plan to live in Turkey, now is the time to learn about its healthcare system.

In Turkey, it is easy to find experienced, English-speaking medical personnel.

Turkey’s Healthcare System

Both governmental and private health services are available in Turkey’s healthcare system. The Ministry of Health (MOH), colleges, and the private sector offer healthcare services.

Foreigners and ex-pats living in Turkey can get private and universal (government) health insurance.

Turkey’s European Health Insurance Card is ineffective; You must have health insurance to obtain a residency or employment visa.

Government Health Insurance Program

Government health insurance pays for most health problems, such as diseases, pregnancies, medical emergencies, and sometimes plastic surgeries. The Social Security Institution (SGK) is in charge of managing government healthcare. You must contact the neighborhood Social Security office to achieve this. Enrolling in this program entitles you to discounts at private hospitals as well. But keep in mind that public hospitals might occasionally be overcrowded.

How to Submit an Application for Government Health Care

After residing in Turkey for one year, you may apply for Government Insurance. With a monthly charge, you can get access to all medical treatments. In 2021, the monthly premium was about 850 TL, but it could change yearly. It became around 2000 TL in mid-2022, roughly 100 dollars. The application centers in Turkey that help foreigners get health care can give you the most up-to-date information. There are about 600 social security offices in Turkey. Your spouse and kids younger than 18 years old are eligible for foreign healthcare when you apply for SGK.

Treatment services that SGK covers:

• Services for inpatients and outpatients.

• Occupational illnesses and accidents

• Pregnancy, childbirth, and associated costs

reductions at private clinics and hospitals, etc.

• Infectious conditions

• Assistance for preventing illness

• Foreigners’ and their families’ medical expenses, excluding those for chronic conditions

Private Health Insurance in Turkey

In Turkey, private health insurance can be obtained by paying an insurance provider a monthly fee. Compared to SGK, private health insurance has better advantages. There are fewer unforeseen costs, better service, and shorter waiting periods. Additionally, locating more doctors who speak English in private hospitals is easier. Therefore, you could favor a private healthcare option over SGK.

Treatment services that Private Health Insurance covers:

• Cost of a medical examination
• Cost of diagnostic tests
• Cost of medications
• Services provided by hospitals (operations, anesthesia, medication, lab, radiology, etc.)
• A patient’s room, bed, meals, and related costs are covered during hospitalization.
• Transplants of the cornea, kidney, pancreas, liver, heart, and lungs.
• Radiation therapy, dialysis, and chemotherapy
• Diagnostic radiographic, imaging, microbiological, pathological, and biochemical investigations while in the hospital.
• Artificial limb expenses if a person loses limbs due to an accident or sickness.
• After-surgery physical therapy
• Fewer than twenty-four hours of medical attention (food poisoning, simple burn treatments)
• Intensive care unit treatments
• Treatments for injuries to the teeth and nose brought on by a car accident
• The insurance agent’s interpretation of these benefits may differ. Before selecting your healthcare plan, make sure to obtain comprehensive information.

Turkish Family Health Care Centers

Each district also has a family healthcare facility. At these clinics, you must show your passport or residency permit to get a free consultation. Some medical professionals also run their practices. These doctors set their own rates and don’t work for an insurance company.

Private clinics, on the other hand, also offer expert care. In such private clinics, insurance is not accepted. You can contact them online or by visiting their clinic in person.

Turkish Healthcare Costs For Foreigners

In comparison to other European nations, Turkish healthcare costs are considerably less expensive. Many people choose Turkey for specialty procedures, reproductive treatments, or hair transplants. Additionally, a pervasive healthcare application is cosmetic surgery.

Turkey’s healthcare system is generally improving every day. Additionally, medical tourism is progressing well.

For instance, dental care is 70–90% less expensive than in the US, UK, and Europe. Free dental care is available in government and university hospitals if you have SGK. The cost of your dental care may vary depending on your private insurance plan.

Additionally, medication is more affordable and accessible. Unlike the US and other European nations, only pharmacies offer medical services in Turkey. Many medications are free for insurance holders. Additionally, pharmacies can be found on every corner.

Pharmacy consultation and assistance are available there as well. When required, they can send you to the doctor after carefully considering your complaints.

Pharmacy hours are typically Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. After 6:00 pm, Guard pharmacies are open. On Sundays, most pharmacies close, but there are usually pharmacies on guard duty as they are available all day. You can find the open Pharmacy with this link:

https://www.istanbuleczaciodasi.org.tr/nobetci-eczane/

Appointment and Emergency

Call 182 to schedule an appointment. The hours of operation for the neighborhood family health care center are 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You do not need to make an appointment, but you may have to wait.

Emergency care in Turkey is free, but some private hospitals may charge an admission fee. These fees are usually less expensive than in other countries. You can call both public and private ambulances in case of serious accidents. You can dial 112 in case of an emergency.

Turkish Alternative Medicine

Lokman The originators of alternative medicine in Turkey are medical practices. Turkish people created herbal remedies by fusing various plants and natural substances. Cupping and homeopathy are two examples of applications in traditional medicine.

Only licensed doctors are permitted to administer such treatments. Because of this, you should confirm the clinic’s or doctor’s license. Additionally, Turkey is home to many top-notch spa resorts with thermal springs.

Conclusion

Ex-pats who want to live in a country with a high standard of living and a reliable healthcare system choose Turkey. To attract expatriates, Turkey offers a citizenship-by-investment program. Please see our guide on obtaining Turkish citizenship by investing for more details.

Link

https://www.estatesistanbul.com/turkey-citizenship/