Turkey is one of the most popular countries among expats. And for those who decide to stay, the issue of obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit is important, which requires mandatory insurance. Find out what kind of insurance policy is needed to apply for a residence permit and what are the features of this insurance

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Buying real estate in Turkey has many advantages - it is both a successful investment, and a place where you can spend your vacations, and the opportunity to issue a residence permit in the country. Regardless of which housing you choose - a small apartment on the outskirts of the city or a luxury house by the sea, together with real estate, every foreigner receives the right to live, study and do business in the Republic of Turkey. As of the end of 2022, 1.3 million foreigners lived in Turkey on the basis of a passport, the majority of expats are citizens of Russia, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Syria and Iran.

Is an insurance policy required to issue a residence permit? So, one of the most important documents for issuing a passport is a health insurance policy, which must meet certain requirements. More details below.

Private or public - what health insurance is required to obtain a residence permit in Turkey?

In order to obtain a residence permit in Turkey, an expat must take out a health insurance policy from a private insurance company. In Turkey, public health insurance is also available, but a foreigner can apply for it only after one year of residence in the country on the basis of a permit.

How to choose an insurance policy for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey?

The Turkish government does not put forward strict requirements for the policy components. A medical policy with minimum coverage is suitable for submitting documents for a residence permit.

However, it is important to remember that if you get sick or injured and your policy does not cover these events, you will have to pay for the treatment yourself. Therefore, pay attention also to the peculiarities of your health.

Also, when signing the contract, it will be useful to find out which Turkish clinics and pharmacies the selected insurance company cooperates with. If the institutions are located near your home, this will allow you to get help in the shortest possible time.

The cost of health insurance depends on the selected insurance company, included services and degree of coverage. However, on average, insurance costs about $30-40 per month.

What risks does health insurance cover for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey?

Most health insurance policies in Turkey cover:

● from 40 to 60% of the cost of outpatient treatment;

● 100% of the costs of treatment in an inpatient medical facility (if there is a contract between the insurance company and a private clinic).

However, the effect of standard policies does not usually extend to the treatment of chronic diseases - diabetes, hepatitis, diseases of the cardiovascular system and dental services. However, you have the right to expand the insurance at your discretion: more services and percentage of coverage means more cost.

Benefits of public health insurance in Turkey

After one year of residence in Turkey, a foreigner gets the right to take out a state health insurance policy, which has the following advantages:

● the validity of one insurance policy extends to the entire family of an expat - apart from the owner, the foreigner's husband/wife and children receive medical assistance on the basis of the document;

● the contribution can be paid monthly – there is no need to immediately pay a large sum of money for insurance;

● broad coverage – compensates 100% of the cost of treatment in state and up to 80% in private clinics, as well as 80% of the cost of medicines;

● covers any diseases, even chronic ones.

The cost of the insurance policy is about $35 per month. However, if you fail to pay your monthly premium, the policy will lapse.

Also, to have 100% protection in Turkey, you have the right to supplement your public insurance with voluntary insurance from a private agent.

To apply for a policy, contact the nearest branch of the Department of Social Security (Sosyal Guvenlik Kurumu or SGK). The list of documents depends on the region of your residence.

What is the level of development of the healthcare system in Turkey?

Turkey's healthcare system is highly developed. There are many accredited health care institutions in the country that provide assistance to both citizens and foreigners. Highly qualified English-speaking staff also work in the Republic of Turkey. Therefore, in any case, you will receive high-quality medical services and drugs in Turkey.

Daria Rogova - Head of Insurance at Visit World

Use the insurance policy to obtain a residence permit in Turkey on our resource. Online registration at an affordable price.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Turkey;

Legal advice on immigration in Turkey;

Insurance for residence permit in Turkey.

More articles on the topic: 

Why Turkey is an attractive investment destination: reasons to invest in the Turkish real estate market.

Read here what to do if your application for a temporary residence permit in Turkey was rejected.

5 important travel insurance services you may need.

Residence permit in Turkey: changes in 2023.