Expat Insurance Services in Turkey

In theory, the Turkish government health insurance gives free medical care to all citizens of Turkey. In practice, however, there is a very low quality of health care available. The Turkish government has been trying to reform the previous health care system so that everyone will indeed be medically covered. The reforms are supposed to ensure that all who earn income in Turkey, along with their dependents, and all children under the age of 18 years will automatically qualify for free public health care and subsidized prescriptions. These reforms are still in the process of being realized, however.

 

There is also a plan in Turkey to give special cards to all who qualify, that the card holder will be able to swipe, as with a credit or debit card, and provide doctors, pharmacies and hospitals with their specific insurance details. This is intended to simplify the keeping of records, and to keep track of insurance payments.

 

One feature that is being continued is the use of the green card for homeless people in Turkey that allows them to have free public health care. Most foreigners in Turkey prefer to get private health care insurance. Another type of legally required insurance in Turkey is earthquake insurance. Insurance coverage for fire or property theft is optional.