Health Insurance for Older Foreigners in Turkey

Turkey is one of the largest holiday destinations in the world. Some people who come here on holiday later move to the country permanently. The mild climate is especially attractive to retirees. If your elderly parents have decided to move to this sunny country, make sure you understand compulsory insurance in Turkey.

Contents:

• Why you need insurance
• Which insurance to choose: state or private?
• Insurance and the residence permit: what is required in 2026
• Which option will not work for whom
• Frequently asked questions
• How does Yekta Homes help with insurance?

Why you need insurance

A policyholder receives medical care in state clinics. Some private providers offer policyholders discounts on their services. Since 2012, all Turkish citizens have been required to have it, regardless of age. For a foreign national, insurance is needed above all for a residence permit: without a policy valid for the entire term of the ikamet, the application is considered incomplete. Travel insurance is not accepted for this purpose.

Which insurance to choose: state or private?

Health insurance is a rare case where a private company provides services more cheaply than the state. A state SGK policy is definitely suitable for large families. The state issues a policy that covers the whole family: a married couple, young children and dependent parents. If retirees move to Turkey as a couple or on their own, they can turn to private companies to save money.

But is it worth saving on your health? A state policy covers a person for virtually any kind of injury, covers long-term treatment of chronic illnesses and partly reimburses the cost of medication. Private policies often offer much less, although everything depends on the chosen package. Since older people are more prone to chronic illnesses, it is better to pay more for full coverage.

In 2026, the state insurance contribution for a foreign national is 12% of two gross minimum wages. Euro amounts are converted at the Central Bank of Turkey exchange rate on October 6, 2026: €1 = TRY 55.19.

The cost of health insurance for older people in Turkey

The cost of insurance depends directly on the person's sex and age. The older the person, the more expensive the policy. In some age groups, prices are the same for both sexes, but a policy for a woman usually costs more than one for a man. You can find out the exact cost from insurance companies: the premium is calculated by age on the policy start date, so it is best to request quotes from two or three companies at once and compare what is covered.

Health insurance in Turkey for people over 65

For people over 65, the choice of insurance narrows: private companies rarely insure clients of this age, so in the long run state SGK insurance usually becomes the main option. It is not available straight away: you can apply to SGK after one year of continuous residence on an ikamet. For a first short-term ikamet, applicants over 65 are generally exempt from the insurance requirement: in the e-ikamet system, the option "under 18 and over 65" is selected for them. For a long-term ikamet and renewals, the procedure may differ, so it is best to check the requirements for your specific case with a sales manager. To complete the registration, you take your documents to the migration office.

"For parents over 65, we usually advise not to leave them without cover, even if the ikamet does not require it. In the first year, before the state policy is available, treatment is paid out of pocket, so it is best to plan this period in advance: find out where the nearest state clinic is and set aside a reserve for medical costs," says a sales manager at Yekta Homes.

Insurance and the residence permit: what is required in 2026

• The policy must cover the entire term of the ikamet. If the residence permit is issued for a year, the insurance must also be valid for a year.
• Only a policy from a Turkish company covering outpatient and inpatient treatment is accepted. Travel insurance and policies from other countries do not qualify.
• Applicants under 18 and over 65 are generally exempt from the insurance requirement for a short-term ikamet.
• For a family residence permit, the sponsoring family member must insure everyone in the family.
• After a year of living in Turkey, you can switch to state SGK insurance, and a private policy is then no longer needed for renewal.

Which option will not work for whom

• A private policy for people over 65. Most companies do not sell one, and those that do charge a lot and impose restrictions.
• State insurance for new arrivals. It can only be taken out after a year of residence.
• A private policy for serious chronic illnesses. Their treatment is often excluded from private policies, so it is important to read the contract before paying.

All three situations are clear in advance. For the first year, people usually take out a private policy or use the over-65 exemption, and after a year they switch to state insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Does a retiree over 65 need insurance for an ikamet?

As a rule, not for a short-term ikamet: applicants over 65 are exempt from this requirement. For a long-term ikamet and renewals, it is best to check with a sales manager.

When can a foreign national get state SGK insurance?

After one year of continuous residence in Turkey on a residence permit.

How much does state insurance cost a foreign national?

In 2026, TRY 7,927.20 a month, about €144.

Is travel insurance accepted for an ikamet?

No. You need a policy from a Turkish insurance company covering outpatient and inpatient treatment for the entire term of the ikamet.

How does Yekta Homes help with insurance?

We understand that it is hard for older people to deal with the insurance process, so we are ready to help. We provide language support in choosing the best insurance terms and coverage for our clients. We explain what other documents you need and how to choose insurance for a residence permit application in a separate article.

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