Moving to Turkey?

The Turkish Health Care System

The implementation of health reforms in Turkey over the last ten years has helped state health provision and made comprehensive health care available to all. These reforms and subsequent improvements have made Turkey a destination for health tourists attracted by high-quality services and competitive prices.

Even so, health care quality can vary from region to region. If you’re moving to a major city such as Istanbul or Ankara, you’ll be near good quality private hospitals with English speaking staff. If you’re living in rural areas and smaller towns, you may find health care access a challenge.

Foreign nationals have a choice of:

• Joining the state health care system (which includes making regular contributions) or
• Accessing a growing network of high-quality private hospitals and clinics.

After you have lived in Turkey and contributed to the state social security system for more than a year you will have access to the state’s public medical care. You will also need a valid residence permit — but International Private Medical Insurance (iPMI) is recommended for comprehensive cover and access to the best quality care and treatments.

Despite reforms and improvements, Turkey’s public health care system is not up to European standards and you, like most expats, may choose to have iPMI and use private medical facilities. Booking appointments at a private clinic is easy and many have English-speaking call centres.

Those working in Turkey who are still subjects to their own social security legislations are not deemed to be insurance holders. This include people working in Turkey for short periods of time on behalf of non-Turkish companies or under their own name. iPMI is recommended for these individuals and emergency services can still be accessed for free.

For European expats, the European Health Insurance Card (free medical treatment in the EU), is not valid in Turkey.

Why Choose Aetna

Choosing Aetna International means putting your faith in us to provide high-quality, accessible health insurance plans and member services that meet your individual needs. It's our highest priority, and we don't take that responsibility lightly.

For us, the difference is the human touch. The ability to talk to someone who cares and has the knowledge and the power to help. The security in knowing we can help you or your loved ones to ensure their well-being — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

When you're away from home, you can rely on us as your partner in good health.