Health Insurance for Foreigners in Turkey (Residence Permit)

Who needs health insurance for a Turkish residence permit?

Foreign nationals applying for a short-term, family, student or long-term residence permit are generally asked to hold health insurance that is valid for the whole period they request. The policy is submitted together with the rest of the application.

Some people are not asked for a separate policy, for example foreigners who already have social security coverage in Turkey through a work permit, or those covered under the social security of a Turkish spouse. Requirements can change, so always check the current rules of the Presidency of Migration Management before you apply.

How to choose the right policy

The policy must cover the full duration of the residence permit you request, so choose the policy period to match your permit period. It must be issued by an insurance company that operates in Turkey, and it must be in force on the date of your application.

Your name, passport details and foreign identification number must be written correctly on the policy. A mismatch can delay or even cause the rejection of your application. For a family permit, the spouse and each child need their own policy or a family policy.

What does the policy cover?

Most residence permit policies are built around inpatient treatment: hospital stays, surgery and intensive care are covered up to the policy limits. Outpatient costs such as doctor visits, lab tests, imaging and medication can be added as an extra cover or are included in wider packages.

Conditions that existed before the policy started are usually excluded or subject to special terms. Pregnancy and childbirth are often excluded or subject to a long waiting period. Limits, waiting periods and exclusions differ from one company to another, so read the policy conditions before you buy.

Policy start date and duration

Residence permit policies are usually issued for one year and renewed every year while your permit continues. Because insurance cannot cover an event that has already happened, a policy cannot be backdated; it starts on the day it is issued at the earliest. A future start date is possible with most companies, which helps if you are buying before you arrive in Turkey.

Make sure the policy is already active on the day of your residence permit appointment and that its end date covers the permit duration you request. If your permit is longer than one year, plan to renew the policy on time.

Network hospitals, direct billing and reimbursement

At hospitals that have an agreement with your insurer, the provider asks for approval (provision) and the cost is billed directly to the insurance company, so you only pay your share if there is one. At hospitals outside the network you pay first and then claim a reimbursement with your invoices and medical reports, according to the policy terms.

The list of network hospitals depends on the company and the city. If you live outside a big city, check which hospitals are available in your province before you choose a policy.

How much does health insurance for foreigners cost?

The premium depends on your age, the length of the policy, whether the package covers only inpatient treatment or inpatient and outpatient treatment, the hospital network and the insurance company. The premium rises with age, and inpatient-only policies are usually cheaper.

Prices for the same person can vary noticeably between companies. Comparing quotes from several insurers on Polinet helps you find a policy that meets the residence permit requirement at a fair price.

Can I cancel the policy and get a refund?

Cancellation terms depend on the insurer. If you become covered by Turkish social security or permanently leave Turkey, you can usually request cancellation with documents, and the premium for the unused period is refunded according to the company's rules. A refund may be reduced or refused if claims were paid under the policy.

If your residence permit application is still in progress, do not cancel the policy before it is finished, because you could be left without the required insurance.

Is the policy valid outside Turkey?

Health insurance for foreigners in Turkey generally covers treatment inside Turkey only. If you travel abroad, you need a separate travel health insurance policy for the trip.

How to get a quote and buy online

Open the Polinet foreigners health insurance page, enter your foreign identification number and mobile phone number, and compare the quotes of the partner insurers on one screen. Choose the policy period to match your residence permit, pay online and receive your policy document digitally to use in your application.

The online quote form is currently available in Turkish. Our Turkish page for foreigners health insurance has the form and the full list of insurers.

Residence permit health insurance at a glance

Coverage and conditions differ by company and package. Check the policy terms and the current migration authority requirements before you buy.

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Is health insurance compulsory for a residence permit in Turkey?

Foreign nationals applying for a residence permit are generally asked to hold health insurance valid for the requested period. Some people, such as those covered by Turkish social security through a work permit or a Turkish spouse, may not be asked for a separate policy. Check the current rules of the migration authority before you apply.

How long should my health insurance be for a residence permit?

The policy must cover the whole residence permit period you request. Policies are usually issued for one year and renewed each year while your permit continues.

Can I buy the policy before I arrive in Turkey?

Yes. Most companies allow a future start date. Choose a start date that makes the policy active on the day of your residence permit application.

Can the policy be backdated?

No. Insurance cannot cover an event that has already happened, so a policy starts on the day it is issued at the earliest.

Does the policy cover outpatient treatment?

Many residence permit policies focus on inpatient treatment. Outpatient costs such as doctor visits, tests and medication are covered in wider packages or as an add-on, with limits and a participation share that depend on the company.

Does health insurance for foreigners cover pregnancy and childbirth?

Pregnancy and childbirth are often excluded or subject to a long waiting period. Conditions differ between companies, so check the policy terms before you buy.

Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Conditions that existed before the policy started are usually excluded or subject to special terms. Answer the health declaration completely and accurately.

Is the policy valid outside Turkey?

Generally no. It covers treatment inside Turkey. For travel abroad you need a separate travel health insurance policy.

How much does health insurance for foreigners cost?

The price depends on age, policy period, the coverage package, the hospital network and the company. Enter your details on the quote page to see the exact premium of each insurer.

Can I cancel the policy?

Cancellation and refund rules depend on the insurer. If you are covered by Turkish social security or permanently leave Turkey, you can usually request cancellation with documents. Do not cancel while your residence permit application is still in progress.

What do I need to get a quote?

You need your foreign identification number or passport details and a mobile phone number. The online quote form is currently in Turkish.

Do all insurance companies offer the same coverage and limits?

No. Limits, network hospitals, waiting periods and extra covers differ between companies and packages. Comparing several quotes helps you choose the right one.

How do I receive my policy?

After you choose a quote and pay online, the policy document is delivered digitally and you can use it in your residence permit application.