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Government insurance

Health insurance coverage varies dramatically between Turkish residents and foreigners who have obtained residency in Türkiye. The health insurance system in Türkiye is divided into different categories for citizens, and there is a different system for visa and residency holders.

About the service

State health insurance in Turkey, also known as social security, is a system that provides comprehensive health coverage for citizens and residents of Turkey. This system includes medical services and healthcare in both public and private hospitals. Whether an individual is a Turkish citizen or a foreigner, they can benefit from this social security. In this article, we will discuss its types and the differences between them in detail, according to the table of contents, as follows:
Health insurance in Türkiye:
Green card insurance
Social Security or Health Insurance (SSK-GSK)
-General or comprehensive health insurance called GSS
Bağkur Social Security
Benefits and features of health insurance in Türkiye:
Requirements for obtaining health insurance for foreigners in Türkiye:
Articles that may interest you about insurance and its types in Türkiye

Health insurance in Türkiye:

Health insurance in Turkey refers to an insurance system that provides coverage for examination, diagnosis, and treatment costs for individuals, with an emphasis on the principle of social solidarity. This system aims to alleviate the financial burdens on individuals and society resulting from health risks and emergencies. Individuals pay a set fee to insurance companies or relevant government institutions to obtain health insurance services.
In some cases, residents in Turkey are required to have health insurance to process their transactions. They partner with insurance companies or use the government system to access healthcare services. This system reflects the country's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare and ensuring universal access to essential healthcare services.
Health insurance in Türkiye is managed by private insurance companies and government institutions, and operates under a government-approved system to ensure the provision of quality medical services to citizens and residents.

Health insurance types vary radically between residents and foreigners with residency permits in Türkiye. The health insurance system in Türkiye for citizens is divided into the following categories:

1- Green card insurance:

It is affiliated with the Social Security Institution (SGK). It is provided to needy families whose income is less than one-third of the state-approved minimum pension. The pension varies from year to year and includes the husband, wife, and all children under the age of eighteen. It is available at government hospitals and includes discounts on medication costs. Applicants for the Green Card must not be registered with another type of government insurance. University students residing in Turkey can apply for the Green Card or obtain one three months after entering university. The Green Card covers treatment and medication costs, with the student paying a small, symbolic portion (approximately 20%).

2- Social Security or Health Insurance (SSK-GSK):

This is private insurance for employees, specifically workers, covering health coverage for the employee, their family, and children under the age of 18. It also provides a retirement pension after completing a specific number of working hours, as stipulated by legislation and laws. This includes either 5,000 working days and retirement at age 55, or 7,000 working days and retirement at age 60. Social security can be paid in full by the employer or jointly, depending on the agreement.

3- General or comprehensive health insurance called GSS:

This is an assistance system specifically for Turkish citizens, and under specific conditions, it allows family members to benefit from health services: the father, mother, and children under the age of 18, as well as children still studying in high school who are under the age of 21, and children under the age of 25 who are studying at university.

4- Bağkur Social Security:

It is an insurance program affiliated with the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. It covers a high percentage of medical treatment and medication in public and private hospitals. Furthermore, if you achieve a certain number of days, you will receive a retirement pension after reaching the retirement age stipulated in Turkish law. The largest target group is business owners, small businesses, craftsmen, and professionals. When registering for the Pagcor program, you are not entitled to register for any other program at the same time. Those registered for Pagcor may add their spouse and children under the age of eighteen.

Benefits and features of health insurance in Türkiye:

The benefits and advantages of health insurance in Türkiye lie in two main aspects:
Ensuring the integrity of your residence permit application documents:
Providing emergency healthcare:
In short, health insurance in Türkiye is indispensable for residents and visitors, as it is an essential part of residency requirements and provides financial protection in case of health emergencies.

Requirements for obtaining health insurance for foreigners in Türkiye:

A copy of the passport (the passport must be valid)
A copy of both sides of the residence permit in case of extending the Turkish residence permit.
Detailed residential address.
Specify the start date of health insurance and the insurance period.
For any information or inquiries, you can contact Taif Türkiye Services for everything related to work residency or work permits in Türkiye for foreigners.

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