Healthcare in Turkey

Today, Turkey's healthcare has improved immensely compared to its low performance in the previous decade. Although Turkey has still to face up a growing number of challenges in its health sector, it is taking effective measures to overhaul its health care system.

The standard of healthcare in Turkey greatly varies in every region, but one thing that is consistent is the affordable cost of medical services. Expats who want to have access to quality healthcare are advised to go to major urban destinations such as Ankara and Istanbul. The Turkish healthcare system is a combination of the public and the private sector whereas the former operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. Currently, the Turkish government has made several healthcare reforms that will provide every legal resident of Turkey and his dependents with free health and medical services in all state-funded hospitals.

Healthcare Coverage

Working expats should be registered by their respective employers through Turkey's Social Insurance Institution (SSK) where contributions will be automatically deducted from their salary. Payment to the Turkish social security is divided between the company and the worker whereas employers contribute 21.5% of the total amount while the remaining 15% is covered by the employees. As a member of the state fund, the coverage includes treatment by a specialist, hospitalization, prescriptions, pregnancy and childbirth rehabilitation.

Foreigners living in Turkey often opt for private care where they can make use of well-trained staff and modern medical facilities. EU Nationals must also be aware that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Turkey.

Visiting a Doctor

When using public medical care, it is important to know some of the basic words in Turkey such as "doktor" or "hekim" for a doctor. Private health care is preferred due to the superior quality of the staff, medical facilities, and that it is usually not difficult to find English, speaking doctor. Doctors in Turkey have extensive training and experience in western countries such as the US, UK and Germany.

Doctors in private hospitals in Turkey speak English as well as the medical staff. Private clinics are found in larger cities and services are at par with western standards. There is no such thing as "waiting time", and it is rare to see patients waiting in line for doctors even in the emergency room. The Medical Association of Turkey (Turk Tabipleri Birligi or TTB) is the public association of doctors in Turkey.

Hospitals in Turkey

Today, Turkey is gaining a reputation as one of the most popular medical tourism destination. The cost of medical care in Turkey is more affordable than in the UK due to a lower cost of living. Hospitals in this country are also well regarded, thus, leading to a booming medical tourism industry. As mentioned earlier, those who want to enjoy the most excellent service are advised to go to major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, the capital. Among the most notable medical institutions in Turkey are: