Medicine in Turkey: why do I need insurance and how to choose a medical institution?
If you are going to Turkey to buy real estate or travel, it is important to learn about local health care. In case of any health problems, you will know where to turn to. Medicine in Turkey is at a high level and successfully combines traditional methods of treatment with modern technologies.
In this article we will look at the key aspects of medical care in Turkey, the features of medical insurance and the cost of services.
We Recommend
Types of medical facilities in Turkey
There is a variety of medical facilities in Turkey that provide a high level of medical services. The main types of medical facilities include public and private hospitals, clinics, specialized medical centers and medical offices.
Ambulance
To call an ambulance, the number 112 should be dialed. The operator answers in Turkish, but if you say "English" you will be switched to an English-speaking specialist.
Ambulance service is free of charge only in emergency situations such as injuries, traffic accidents, strokes, heart attacks or heavy bleeding. If the paramedics determine after arrival that the patient could have gotten to the hospital on his or her own, the call will have to be paid for. For foreigners, the cost of an ambulance call can be several thousand liras.
Family Health Centers
These represent primary care where insurance is not required. Most services at these facilities are either free or have very low fees, including services for foreigners with any residency visas. These centers are similar to Russian polyclinics, but they do not have highly specialized doctors. Family doctors work here, to whom you can attach yourself by choosing a doctor at the nearest center.
The centers offer primary medical care, including medical examinations, tests, examinations and vaccinations. Family doctors see both children and adults, allowing the whole family to be assigned to the same doctor or to choose different specialists.
It is important to know that a residence permit is required to access these services. You can register your residence after obtaining a residence permit based on a long-term lease or other legal basis. A propiska is required for all members of the family and must be obtained by contacting the local migration service.
There are also municipal health centers that provide propiska services and have a similar list of services. These centers often do not have interpreters, but many doctors speak English.
Polyclinics
These facilities provide services by highly specialized physicians. Polyclinics may be attached to large hospitals or operate as stand-alone facilities. There are also private offices of doctors such as gynecologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, dentists, and other specialists. Many of them have studied abroad and speak English.
In public health clinics, you need a referral from your family doctor at the Family Health Center to see specialists. If you do not have health insurance, you will have to pay a fee.
Hospitals
There are both public and private hospitals in Turkey. Patients usually choose a facility from a list provided by their insurance company. Hospitals have outpatient and inpatient departments.
There are also emergency services, where patients can come either by ambulance or by themselves in case of emergencies. These units accept both children and adults, but in some cases are only available for adults. There are hospitals that have special pediatric emergency departments.
You can make an appointment at public hospitals by calling 182 or through the official website. For private hospitals, appointments are made through their websites. Large hospitals can provide interpreters in Russian and English, and most doctors are also able to communicate in English.
Public hospitals provide services on the basis of compulsory health insurance, often have highly qualified doctors and modern equipment. They can be overcrowded but are offered at lower prices, making them attractive to locals.
Private hospitals tend to offer more comfortable conditions and an individual approach to patients. They often have the latest medical equipment and highly trained specialists. Fees for services at private facilities can be significantly higher, but many foreigners prefer them because of the quality of care.
Specialized medical centers
These centers focus on specific areas of medicine, including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and plastic surgery. These facilities often have highly specialized specialists, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and provide highly skilled care to both local and international patients. Many centers are certified by international organizations, which guarantees high standards of treatment.
Medical insurance in Turkey
When planning a long-term stay or travel to Turkey it is important to take out medical insurance in advance. It is best to purchase insurance before arrival to avoid problems with coverage after you have sought medical attention. Insurance can cover the cost of medical services including consultations, diagnosis and treatment.
Most services in private and public medical facilities are available through insurance: in some cases they may be free of charge and in others they may be partially covered. Insurance often includes the cost of medication prescribed by a doctor, and without it the cost can be very high.
It should be noted that for foreigners without a residence permit, medical services are much more expensive, even if they have insurance. Some clinics may set prices for such patients in dollars or euros instead of Turkish liras.
Public health insurance (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) in Turkey
This type of insurance is an important element of the country's health care system. The main advantage of SGK is the fact that it provides access to most medical services in both public and private clinics. In public medical institutions, the insurance covers all costs, while in private clinics it may cover only part of the cost of services.
To receive SGK foreigners must meet certain conditions, these can be:
- students residing in Turkey for more than three months;
- employees of official Turkish companies (the employer is obliged to take out insurance);
- persons residing in the country for more than a year.
A big advantage is that the insurance also covers a spouse. It also covers minor children, up to 20 years of age - for those studying in a lyceum, technical school or college, and up to 25 years of age - for students. In addition, it covers the costs of your dependent parents.
The cost of government insurance varies, but averages around 1,800 TRY (about 6,000₽) per month.
Private company insurance
Insurance from private companies in Turkey is becoming increasingly popular. Especially among foreigners and locals seeking a wider range of medical services and flexibility in choosing doctors and clinics. Private health insurance offers a variety of plans that can cover both outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as preventive services.
It is important to note that you cannot get a residence permit without health insurance. Therefore, if you plan to stay in Turkey for longer than two consecutive months, it will have to be purchased anyway. Often people buy the most inexpensive package of services - this will then cover the cost of treatment by a maximum of 40-60%. It's up to you, but it's better to choose options with more coverage right away.
One of the main advantages of private health insurance is faster access to medical care. Patients can make appointments with specialists without long waiting lists, which is especially important when the resources of public hospitals are limited. In addition, private insurance companies also offer a variety of packages, including dental care, alternative medicine and therapeutic procedures.
Another important consideration is the ability to add family members to the policy, making it attractive to families.
The cost of insurance can vary depending on the company chosen, the scope of services covered and the level of the sum insured. On average, such a policy is more expensive than public insurance, but many people consider it a more justifiable investment given the quality of services and comfort.
When choosing an insurance policy, it is important to pay attention to several aspects:
- First, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the list of services included in the package. Usually insurance companies provide this information on their websites or in mobile applications.
- Secondly, it is worth finding out which medical facilities your insurance company cooperates with and whether it covers the costs of medicines through pharmacies.
- It is also worth paying attention to reimbursement terms and the availability of networks of partner clinics to be able to choose the most convenient medical facility.
Some of the well-known insurance companies that offer good packages include Allianz, Sompo Japan and Demir. The annual cost of insurance averages from TRY 2,000 (4,002 ₽), although you can find both more affordable and more expensive options.
Private health insurance most often functions as follows: you visit a medical facility, pay for services, and then receive reimbursement from your insurance company. In some cases, medical facilities may request reimbursement themselves, and you will only need to pay your share.
To receive reimbursement after a doctor's visit, you will need to gather a few documents from the clinic:
- A medical statement, with details of the services rendered;
- Receipts for all procedures paid for;
- An invoice issued to you by the clinic;
- All prescriptions and pharmacy receipts (if your insurance includes payment for medications).
The documents should be sent to the insurance company, either through its representative by e-mail or through the clinic's insurance department. Reimbursement is usually made within two to three weeks.
It is also worth paying attention to the conditions of reimbursement and the availability of networks of partner clinics to be able to choose the most convenient medical institution.
Tamamlayıcı system in Turkey
This system is a supplementary health insurance that supplements public insurance and basic private health insurance. It helps to cover the costs of medical services that may not be included in the basic program, providing greater access to health care.
It is often used to cover expenses such as treatment at private clinics, surgeries, diagnostic procedures and medications that are not fully funded by public programs. This is especially important for those who prefer better and faster medical care.
Travel insurance in Turkey
This type of insurance will be relevant if you are going to stay in the country for less than 60 days. It can be taken out for the initial period, so that you can then easily obtain a residence permit and find a permanent local insurance. The main types of cover usually offered by travel insurance include medical expenses for ambulance calls, hospitalization due to illness or accidents, and sometimes emergency dentistry.
You can get travel insurance online from various insurance companies such as Ingosstrakh, T-Strakhovanie, Rosgosstrakh, and others. The average cost of such insurance is about 3000 ₽ per person for two weeks.
To receive medical services, you need to contact a representative of the insurance company by phone or through a mobile application. If this could not be done and you paid for the services yourself, you should apply for reimbursement. To do this, you will need an invoice from the clinic, receipts and a medical certificate.
Dentistry in Turkey
Dental clinics in Turkey attract many patients, both local and foreign, due to the high level of medical services and affordable prices. There are many modern dental clinics in the country, both for children and adults, equipped with the latest technologies and certified specialists.
In addition, dental departments can be in private and public hospitals, as well as state dental health centers(Diş sağlığı merkezi). Here, treatment may be cheaper or partially free for public insurance holders.
Private insurance does not usually cover dental services. Even extended packages only sometimes include emergency dentistry. But some clinics offer a free diagnostic check-up, which can tell you whether treatment is needed and how much it will cost.
Turkish dentists are often trained abroad and have a high level of qualification. Services offered range from basic treatment and preventive care to complex procedures such as dental implants, orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry. Turkey is known for its success in dental implants and cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.
A lot of clinics offer packages that include not only dental services but also additional amenities such as airport transfers, accommodation and consultations. This makes the treatment not only effective but also comfortable for patients.
It is important to note that Turkey has strict quality and safety standards in the field of dentistry, which ensures that patients have confidence in the successful outcome of treatment.
Hair transplantation in Turkey
Hair transplantation in Turkey is a very popular procedure due to the high quality of services and affordable prices. Local clinics offer modern techniques such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and DHI (Direct Hair Injection). These procedures provide natural-looking results and minimal scarring.
The process begins with a consultation where a specialist assesses the condition of the patient's hair and scalp. An individualized treatment plan is then developed. Many patients choose this country for surgery, as there are highly qualified specialists using advanced technologies.
Plastic surgeries in Turkey
Plastic surgeries in Turkey attract the attention of patients from all over the world due to the combination of high quality medical services and affordable prices. The country is known for its clinics with modern equipment and highly qualified surgeons, many of whom have received education and work experience outside Turkey.
The most popular procedures are breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction and facelifts. Turkey offers a wide range of services including consultations, pre-surgery examinations and preparation for surgery. All this makes the process as comfortable as possible for patients. In addition, many clinics provide packages that include accommodation, transfers and post-operative care, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
Pregnancy and childbirth in Turkey
You can go to either a private or public clinic to register your pregnancy. No additional steps are required - you will automatically be registered at your first visit to the doctor. You will need a Turkish ID card and health insurance.
Medical care includes comprehensive pregnancy monitoring, prenatal check-ups, as well as obstetric care. It is worth noting that various methods of childbirth are available in Turkey, including natural childbirth and caesarean section.
Pregnancy monitoring in Turkey includes practically the same examinations as in Russia. These include fetal development screenings at 11-13 weeks and in the second trimester. As well as a diabetes test in the third trimester, ultrasound, blood tests (including tests for infections) and urine tests.
Private health insurance may partially cover these services. Whereas with public insurance you can be seen and give birth without paying in public facilities.
How is the medical examination process in Turkey?
The screening process in Turkey usually takes less time compared to a number of other countries. Once you have chosen a medical facility, you will need to make an appointment. Often clinics offer the option of making an appointment online or over the phone.
The doctor will perform an examination, prescribe the necessary tests and examinations such as ultrasound, x-rays or blood tests. The results are usually available in a fairly short period of time, making it possible to get the necessary medical advice quickly.
Medical professionals in Turkey often speak English, especially in private clinics, which facilitates easier interaction for foreign patients. However, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of Turkish or to use an interpreter. Especially if you need to discuss specific medical issues.
Medicine in Turkey offers high quality services and modern medical technology, making the country attractive for treatment for both locals and foreigners. The availability of both public and private medical facilities, as well as competitive prices for medical services, create opportunities to get the care you need.
Being aware of the medical system and having health insurance will allow you to ensure reliable and safe treatment, ensuring that your health is in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most popular medical services in Turkey?
The most requested services are cosmetic procedures, dentistry, orthopedics and cardiology.
How long does it usually take to get an appointment with a doctor in Turkey?
Appointments can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the doctor's workload and the type of facility.
Where do I go in case of emergency in Turkey?
In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call the emergency number 112.
Are the standards of medicine in Turkey the same as international standards?
Yes, many medical institutions in Turkey have international accreditations and meet international standards, which ensures high quality of services.
What do I need to know about medicines in Turkish pharmacies?
Some medicines are available without a prescription, mainly analgesics, cold remedies and anti-allergic drugs. Serious medications require a doctor's prescription. It is always a good idea to have a supply of essential medicines with you, especially if you take them on a regular basis
Comments 0
Hot offers in our social media!
