Navigating Healthcare in Turkey: A Friendly Guide for Foreigners

As a foreigner coming to or visiting Turkey, understanding the healthcare system is critical for a seamless transition and protecting your health. In this blog, we will look at how the Turkish healthcare system works and what you, as a foreigner, should know.

The Structure of Turkey's Healthcare System

Turkey's healthcare system combines governmental and private services. The Ministry of Health is in charge of public healthcare, guaranteeing that all Turkish nationals and those with proper permits have equal access. However, as a foreigner, it is critical to understand how the system handles non-citizens.

• Public Healthcare
  Public healthcare in Turkey is supplied by state-run hospitals and clinics. Turkish residents contribute to this system by paying payroll taxes, which grants them access to the Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK), or Social Security Institution. Foreigners with residence permits who work and pay SGK premiums can also profit from this scheme. However, there is a catch: foreigners can only enrol in SGK after they have completed a one-year residence period in Turkey.
• Private Healthcare
  Private healthcare in Turkey is well-established and popular, particularly among foreigners. Private hospitals are prevalent in big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. These institutions provide faster access to services, as well as higher levels of comfort and multilingual staff, but at a higher cost. Health insurance becomes essential here, and many expats choose private insurance to pay the costs.

Health Insurance Options for Foreigners

If you are a foreigner moving to Turkey, you will need to obtain health insurance from SGK or a private provider. Turkey has tight health coverage regulations, particularly for residence permit applications, which demand documentation of proper health insurance.

SGK (public Health Insurance)

As previously stated, foreigners can obtain SGK coverage after one year of residency. If you are employed in Turkey, your employer will contribute on your behalf. Self-employed individuals or those on long-term visas can make voluntary donations.

SGK provides a variety of medical services, including:

• Inpatient care and hospital visits
• Emergency treatment and surgeries
• Prescription medications
• Pregnancy and postpartum care
• If you choose public healthcare, be sure to confirm which hospitals take SGK, as not all of them do.

Private Health Insurance

Because private healthcare in Turkey is so convenient and comprehensive, private insurance is a popular choice, however the cost varies according on the provider, your age, and the coverage level.

Private health insurance is usually more flexible and is accepted in most private healthcare facilities. Many foreigners opt for private insurance plans, as they offer:

• Coverage in private hospitals
• Access to specialized treatments
• Multilingual staff and customer service
• Faster service, including specialist appointments

The cost of private insurance varies depending on the provider, your age, and the coverage level, but it is a popular option due to the convenience and comprehensive nature of private healthcare in Turkey.

How to Get and Use Medical Care in Turkey

Nearly all of Turkey's people are covered by the mandatory universal healthcare system. The Ministry of Health provides public services. In Turkey, pharmacies may be found on almost every street, and every town has a medical facility. 

You can either phone the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRs) at 182 to make an appointment or go to your local centre and wait in line to obtain care. Additionally, MHRS has a Turkish-language app for scheduling appointments. Additionally, some clinics and hospitals have websites where people can schedule appointments. It's a good idea to seek treatment in larger cities because of the disparity in facilities between rural and urban areas.

There are three different kinds of hospitals in Turkey's healthcare system: private hospitals, university hospitals, and government-funded hospitals. State hospitals typically face financial constraints and overpopulation. With more highly skilled staff, university hospitals provide the best quality of care. In addition to offering top-notch care and treatment, private hospitals also have more physicians that speak English. You can also look into Turkish travel insurance if you are only visiting the country. You will have access to private hospitals and additional options as a result. 

All state hospitals offer free emergency care, even to uninsured patients. To contact emergency medical services, dial 112. Emergency rooms at both public and private hospitals are open twenty-four hours a day, while private hospitals could charge a fee for treatment. 

The Requirement for Turkish Health Insurance for Residency Permits

As a foreigner, one of the most crucial things to remember is that acquiring a residence permit (ikamet izni) requires having health insurance. You must submit proof of coverage when applying for or renewing your residence permit, regardless of whether you select private insurance or SGK.

Presenting proof of health insurance that demonstrates continuous coverage for the term of your permit is required if you are under 65. Although it is not required, health insurance is nonetheless strongly advised for people over 65 because private treatment can be very expensive.

How to Get Turkish Medical Services

Emergency Assistance

You can call 112 to get an ambulance in the event of a medical emergency. Regardless of your citizenship or insurance status, emergency services in Turkey are provided without charge. The majority of private hospitals offer emergency care, while public hospitals are prepared to manage crises. Turkey's ambulances are up to date, suited to handle a variety of situations, and feature some of the newest equipment available in the medical field. Whether the ambulance service is offered by a state agency or a commercial organisation will affect its response time and speed. The latter is usually more equipped and speedier. Foreigners should contact a private hospital directly to request a private ambulance.

Typical Medical Treatment

You can go to a private hospital or clinic for non-emergency care, or a state hospital (if SGK covers it). Typically, appointments can be scheduled over the phone or online. The Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS), which is accessible online or through their mobile app, is how you make appointments at public hospitals.

Turkey's Pharmacies and Pharmaceuticals: Eczane

Providing both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, pharmacies in Turkey are an important part of the healthcare system. English is widely spoken by chemists, particularly in bigger cities. If you require medication, it's crucial to see a doctor because in Turkey, you frequently need a prescription for things that might be available over-the-counter in other countries. Although pharmacy hours can vary, major cities like Istanbul and Ankara typically have a good number of 24-hour pharmacies, with at least one in each major area. In Turkey, chemists are well-versed in diagnosing ailments, prescribing over-the-counter medications, and recommending a doctor when necessary. 

In Turkey, several pharmaceuticals that would often require a prescription are available over-the-counter, and regulations surrounding the purchase of specific medications are less stringent than in the majority of Western nations. In Turkey, prescription medications are also frequently reasonably priced.

Navigating Healthcare in Turkey as a Foreigner

One of the main challenges many expats face when seeking healthcare in Turkey is the language barrier. It can feel overwhelming trying to communicate important medical concerns in a language you’re not familiar with. To make things smoother, it’s a good idea to pick up some basic Turkish medical terms, but don’t worry if that feels daunting—you can always use a translation app or, even better, try to find a healthcare provider who speaks English.

In big cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, there are international hospitals where many of the doctors and staff speak English, specifically to help foreigners feel more comfortable. A lot of private clinics also have English-speaking professionals, often because they’ve studied or trained abroad, so they’re more than capable of understanding your needs in English.

If you’re living in a smaller town, it might take a bit more effort to find someone who speaks English, but it’s definitely possible. There are online directories and expat groups where you can ask for recommendations for doctors who can communicate easily in English. No matter where you are, remember that you’re not alone, and with a little preparation, getting the care you need won’t be as difficult as it might seem.

In conclusion; At first, navigating the Turkish healthcare system as a foreigner may seem overwhelming, but it becomes doable with some knowledge. Turkey provides a wide range of reasonably priced, high-quality medical services, regardless of whether you go for public or private healthcare. Your trip to Turkey will go much more smoothly if you have the proper health insurance and know where to get medical attention.

Keep in mind that being proactive, organised, and knowledgeable is the best approach to look after your health when you are in a foreign nation!