Medical service costs in Turkey
If you intend to stay or acquire citizenship in Turkey, it is essential to be familiar with the costs of medical services in Turkey. Healthcare expenses are a part of daily life. Therefore, understanding Turkey’s healthcare system will assist you in planning better. In other words, having this information allows you to make better decisions regarding your health and that of your family. By accurately understanding the costs and services available in various situations, you will be able to make informed decisions and benefit from appropriate healthcare coverage.
Unlike the common healthcare system in our country, where private clinics play a significant role, around 80% of doctors in Turkey are general practitioners, meaning patients are typically treated in hospitals. In fact, private clinics are more common among dentists.
It is worth mentioning that Turkey’s healthcare system is of high quality and close to European standards. Therefore, medical costs in the country are relatively affordable compared to the global average. However, when comparing these costs to our own country’s standards, they may seem slightly higher. In this article, join us to learn more about medical service costs in Turkey.
Healthcare System in Turkey In Turkey, according to the constitution, healthcare is considered a public right, and the government is responsible for providing these services. The Ministry of Health oversees these services. Various hospitals and medical centers, including public, semi-public, private, and charitable ones, provide healthcare services. The costs of these services are covered through taxes, social and private insurance, and direct payments from individuals.
With the implementation of the Health Transformation Program in 2003, Turkey’s health insurance system underwent significant reforms. This program aimed to increase equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens and reduce medical costs for people, especially low-income groups. As a result of these reforms, universal health insurance coverage became mandatory for all citizens starting in 2012.
How Are Medical Service Costs in Turkey? Medical service costs in Turkey depend on various factors, including the type of treatment, hospital, doctor, city, and type of insurance. Compared to many European and American countries, these costs are relatively more affordable. Generally, the consultation fee for a general practitioner in Turkey is around 900 Turkish Lira, and for a specialist, it is approximately 1500 Lira. Surgical costs are also quite diverse, depending on the type and complexity of the surgery. As you may know, private hospitals tend to have higher costs than public hospitals. Additionally, the cost of medications in Turkey is generally more affordable than in many other countries.
Individuals with health insurance in Turkey benefit from significant reductions in their medical costs. However, it is advisable to contact a reputable insurance company before traveling to Turkey and gather information about the insurance coverage and its costs.
How to Use Medical Services in Turkey To access medical services in Turkey, you must first legally register your residence. After receiving your residence card, you should visit the nearest Civil Registry Office with it and your identification card (Nüfus). At the health section of this office, by providing the necessary documents, you can obtain a list of healthcare facilities near your place of residence. These centers include hospitals, clinics, and medical centers offering various medical services.
It is also important to know that having appropriate health insurance will significantly reduce your medical expenses. Therefore, before traveling, contact a reputable insurance company and inquire about insurance coverage and its costs. Health insurance in Turkey is available in both public and private forms. Public insurance (SGK) is available for legally residing individuals and covers a wide range of medical treatments.
Health Insurance in Turkey In addition to providing high-quality medical services, Turkey has a diverse health insurance system. Health insurance in Turkey is divided into two main categories: public and private. Public insurance is generally available for Turkish citizens and long-term residents and provides comprehensive coverage, including outpatient and inpatient treatments, medications, and some dental services.
On the other hand, private insurance is more suitable for individuals seeking additional coverage or specialized services. These insurance plans offer more flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals and provide broader coverage. The cost of health insurance in Turkey varies depending on factors such as age, coverage type, and insurance company. We have provided detailed information about different insurance plans in Turkey in this article, and we recommend reading it.
Types of Medical Services in Turkey Turkey, with its advanced medical technology, modern equipment, and experienced medical staff, offers a wide range of medical services to both domestic and international patients. Here are some of the most important types of medical services in Turkey:
Services Covered by Insurance Health insurance coverage in Turkey encompasses a wide range of medical services, allowing policyholders to benefit from various treatments. These services include inpatient and outpatient treatments in hospitals, various surgeries, and paraclinical tests. Moreover, specialized treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also covered by insurance. Additionally, dental services, including surgeries and complex treatments, are sometimes covered by insurance. For individuals requiring more advanced treatments, the costs for organ transplants and intensive care are also covered by health insurance.
Services Not Covered by Insurance Health insurance in Turkey has certain limitations. Some services, such as the treatment of diseases caused by drug or alcohol use, injuries resulting from war or professional sports, and expenses related to vaccinations, eyeglasses, and walking aids, are not covered by insurance. Furthermore, COVID-19 treatments are sometimes not fully covered by insurance.
Free Medical Services in Turkey Turkey provides free medical services to its citizens and legally residing individuals. These services are offered through family health centers, which are spread across the country. By visiting these centers and registering, each individual is assigned a family doctor. The family doctor is responsible for providing basic health services, treating common illnesses, administering vaccinations, offering health consultations, and referring patients to specialists if necessary.
The services provided at these centers include general check-ups, prescribing medications, injections, bandages, some simple tests, and health consultations. However, it is important to note that for some specialized treatments and complex care, patients may need to bear some of the costs.
Summary Turkey provides high-quality and affordable medical services. The Turkish healthcare system, with universal health insurance coverage and well-equipped medical centers, offers comprehensive services to its citizens and residents. As mentioned, healthcare costs in Turkey are more affordable than in many European and American countries. However, these costs vary depending on the type of treatment, hospital, doctor, and insurance type. Having health insurance, especially for long-term stays, can significantly reduce medical expenses. Legal residents and citizens of Turkey enjoy free medical services through family health centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make a doctor’s appointment in Turkey? You can make an appointment either in person or online with your desired doctor.
- What are the working hours of pharmacies in Turkey? In Turkey, there are two types of pharmacies in terms of working hours: 24-hour pharmacies, which are available every day and at all hours, and regular pharmacies, which are open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturdays, and from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM on other days. To find pharmacy addresses, you can visit the Nöbetçi Eczaneler website.
- How much does treatment cost in Turkey? Like in Europe, healthcare costs in Turkey can be high without insurance, but with insurance, these costs can be significantly reduced.
