You may wonder why Turkey is one of the leading countries in terms of tourism. There are many answers to this. But the topic we will discuss today is Turkey's strong and affordable health sector. When we look at the health tourism data of recent years published by TurkStat, we see that Turkey is the first stop that comes to mind for foreigners.
Turkey provides healthcare services to hundreds of thousands of patients from all over the world, especially from the Middle East and Europe. With its advanced technology, comfortable and modern hospitals, and qualified doctors, it continues to provide quality service to patients. Individuals in search of real estate in Turkey often seize the opportunity to take advantage of the country's renowned medical tourism offerings, combining property hunting with access to top-notch healthcare services.
What’s the Condition of Healthcare in Turkey?
Healthcare in Turkey is a mix of public and private services. The public system is funded by a tax surcharge on employers, currently at 5%. All residents registered with the Social Security Institution (SSI) are entitled to free health care, including hospital stays, doctor's visits, and prescription drugs. However, there are some out-of-pocket costs, such as dental care and some medications.
The private health sector in Turkey is also well-developed. There are many private hospitals and clinics, and most doctors also have private practices. Private health insurance is available, but it is not compulsory.
The quality of healthcare in Turkey is generally good. Hospitals and clinics are well-equipped, and doctors are well-trained. However, there are some challenges to equitable access, such as a nationwide shortage of doctors.
In 2022 alone, a total of 1,258,382 people came to Turkey to receive healthcare services and the revenue generated from these visits amounted to USD 2,119,059 thousand, according to the TurkStat.
Is Healthcare Cheap in Turkey?
Healthcare in Turkey is generally considered to be cheap, especially when compared to other countries in Europe and North America. The cost of healthcare in Turkey varies depending on the type of care you need, but it is typically much lower than in other developed countries. Given that you are registered to SSI (SGK), for example, the average cost of a doctor's visit in Turkey is around $0,25, while the cost of a hospital stay is free. If you are not registered to SSI, the cost of a doctor’s appointment is around 3 USD.
There are several factors that contribute to the low cost of healthcare in Turkey. First, the government provides universal health insurance to all citizens and legal residents. This means that most people in Turkey do not have to pay out-of-pocket for their healthcare. Second, the Turkish government regulates the prices of healthcare services, which helps to keep costs down.
We have prepared a cost list so that you can have your own opinion based on the list. The state hospital fee list for the people who are registered to SSI (SGK) is presented;
- Child Birth: $133
- Cataract and Lens Implantation: $126
- Coronary By-Pass: $1109
- MRI Scan: Free
- Open Prostate Surgery: $95
How Does Healthcare for Foreigners Work in Turkey?
First of all, foreigners can also benefit from universal health insurance. Foreigners who have obtained a residence permit in Turkey, who do not have insurance in a country other than Turkey, or who have been living in Turkey for more than one year and who apply after this period can benefit from universal health insurance. As long as one of the requirements mentioned above is met, foreigners can apply for universal health insurance.
Foreign nationals should go to the nearest social security center in person to apply for general health insurance. There is a social security center in almost every district in Turkey. The number of social security centers across the country is approximately 600.
How to Get a Doctor's Appointment in Turkey?
There are various ways to get a doctor’s appointment in Turkey. The recent improvements in technology have led to easier bureaucratic affairs in the country. Especially, with governmental services such as E-Devlet and MHRS (Central Physician Appointment System) it is easier for citizens and foreigners to handle administrational works. However, if you are a foreigner without a temporary identification number, things might get a little more difficult. The ways to get a doctor’s appointment are:
- The method of making an appointment at a health institution is available to Turkish citizens, those with a temporary Turkish ID number, and foreigners without any official registration. You can go to the nearest health institution and make an appointment at the appointment desk, which is usually located on the ground floor of this institution. It is recommended to go as early as possible, as there will be a crowd waiting in line to get an appointment.
- Turkish citizens and Syrian citizens with a temporary Turkish ID number can also make an appointment by calling 182 from their mobile phones.
- Appointments can also be made online through the Central Physician Appointment System. For this purpose, you can use the Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS) mobile application compatible with IOS, Android, and Blackberry operating systems or https://www.mhrs.gov.tr. The only thing you need to make an appointment is your Turkish ID number and membership to the Central Physician Appointment System.
There is no such thing as foreigners being obliged to use only public hospitals. Foreigners can apply to private hospitals of their choice and benefit from health services. However, it is worth mentioning that the fees of private hospitals are much higher than public hospitals.
Why do People Choose Turkey for Medical Treatment?
Known for providing top-tier healthcare services at affordable rates, Turkey has steadily emerged as the first health destination for individuals across the globe. The combination of cost-effectiveness and superior quality makes this country the best choice for people seeking medical attention.
Firstly, Turkey has a reputation for high-quality cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, and hair transplants. Turkish cosmetic surgeons are renowned for their expertise and skill which are hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Dental care in Turkey is also a popular choice for foreigners. This includes everything from routine cleanings and fillings to more complex procedures such as dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. Most importantly, dental care in Turkey is often much cheaper than in many Western countries.
The other important medical treatment that foreigners are appealed to is eye surgery. Many people come to Turkey for eye procedures, particularly laser eye surgery and cataract surgery.
Many couples come to Turkey for fertility treatments like IVF due to its comparatively lower cost.
Last but not least, the oncology. Cancer treatments are another area where Turkey has made significant advances, offering advanced cancer care.
How to Apply for Universal Healthcare Insurance in Turkey?
According to the Migration Management Ministry in Turkey, to apply for universal health insurance, one is required to reside in Turkey for at least 1 year. However, foreign students studying in Turkey can have general health insurance if they make a request within three months from the date of their first enrollment, regardless of the one-year residence requirement.
You can apply to the provincial directorates of social security with the following documents to get general health insurance;
- Residence permit document
- Social Security Institution of the relevant foreign country or work
- The original or photocopy of the letter from the attached office showing their social security status in terms of general health insurance application
- Letter of commitment (request) form
Private Healthcare Insurance in Turkey
Private healthcare insurance in Turkey offers a safety net for individuals seeking quality medical care without straining their finances. This type of insurance provides access to a network of private healthcare institutions, ensuring prompt and personalized treatment. Coverage typically encompasses a wide spectrum of services, ranging from routine checkups and diagnostic tests to specialized surgeries and inpatient care. Depending on the policy's scope, private healthcare insurance may cover 100% of treatment costs or a substantial portion, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. The choice of insurance company plays a crucial role in determining the coverage level and payment rates.
Private health insurance holders can benefit from these services;
- Expanded access to high-quality healthcare: Private hospitals often boast the latest medical technology and employ experienced, highly qualified medical professionals.
- Reduced waiting times: Private healthcare providers typically offer shorter wait times for appointments, consultations, and procedures, minimizing disruptions to one's daily routine.
- Personalized care: Private healthcare emphasizes individualized attention, ensuring that patients receive the care they need in a comfortable and supportive environment.
- Comprehensive coverage: Private health insurance policies offer a wide range of coverage options, allowing individuals to tailor their plans to their specific needs and budget.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that medical expenses are covered provides individuals with peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.
What is the Cost of Private Healthcare Insurance in Turkey?
This is a tough question to answer as the cost of private healthcare insurance in Turkey may vary depending on the person’s details. For example, age plays an important role. The older you are, the more you can expect to pay for private health insurance.
On the other hand, an insurance plan that covers a wider array of healthcare services will be more expensive than the basic plans. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, the insurance premium will be more costly.
Insurance companies consider several factors when calculating your insurance premium and these are your age, your preferred insurance plan, your personal information, your city and country, your previous insurance history, and your likelihood of an insurance claim. So basically, the higher the risk, the higher the cost will be.
Although it is not possible to say anything clear about private health insurance prices, they vary between $200 and $1500 per year on average.