Turkey Business Guide

Medical insurance

In recent years, Türkiye's medical care level has improved significantly, and it has regional leading advantages. It is recognized as a medical destination with excellent technology and leading level. Every year, it receives thousands of foreign patients from the Middle East and European countries.

1 Overview of the Medical System

Türkiye's medical service system consists of a three-level structure, including primary health centers, secondary health care institutions and tertiary health institutions. Primary health centers include family health centers, immigrant health centers, and volunteer health centers, which generally provide outpatient diagnosis and treatment, immunization (vaccine) services, infectious disease services, gynecological and reproductive health services, and child and adolescent health services. Secondary healthcare institutions include oral and dental health centers, as well as private hospitals. The tertiary health institutions include education and research hospitals, branch hospitals, and university hospitals under the Ministry of Health. In case of sudden accidents and health problems in Türkiye, you can call "112" for emergency medical services.

2 Medical and Insurance

Türkiye's medical insurance is divided into public medical insurance and private medical insurance, of which public medical insurance is managed by the State Social Security Agency (SGK). Social security institutions (SGK) collect insurance premiums through national insurance agents. Public medical insurance. Those who must purchase public medical insurance include: (1) citizens of Türkiye; (2) Persons who have a residence permit in Türkiye for more than one year; (3) Spouse of a citizen of Türkiye; (4) People whose spouses have public medical insurance. The applicant shall submit an application to the local SGK office. The documents required by foreigners for handling the application include but are not limited to: residence permit with a valid period of at least 30 days, valid passport, translation and notarized copy of marriage certificate, translation and notarized copy of birth certificate, etc.

Insurance can provide compensation for injuries caused by emergency medical services, work-related injuries, infectious diseases, preventive health services, childbirth, natural disasters, etc.

Private medical insurance. Türkiye has become a popular international medical destination. Most foreigners choose to apply for private medical insurance when they go to Türkiye to seek medical services. This type of insurance can help patients save queuing time and assist in obtaining higher levels of medical services. Private medical insurance can cover expenses incurred in surgeries, anesthesia, and other necessary and mandatory medical services. Common private healthcare insurance companies include Axa, Anadolu, Ak, and others.

3. Seeking medical treatment and purchasing medication

Medical appointment
Make an appointment through the National Hospital Reservation System (MHRS). https://izmirataturkeah.saglik.gov.tr
Call the National Hospital Appointment System Center at 182

Buy medicine
Türkiye's pharmacies (Eczane in Turkish) are numerous and widely distributed. Major city pharmacies operate 24 hours a day. If you need to purchase prescription drugs, you need to purchase them from a registered pharmacy or hospital pharmacy. Prescription drugs are usually marked in green or red.