Professional discussing health insurance options for Turkish residence permit
Residence Permit

Health Insurance Requirements for Residence Permit in Turkey

Complete guide to understanding health insurance requirements for Turkish residence permits. Learn about accepted insurance types, minimum coverage requirements, costs, and how to get insured.

June 7, 2026 9 min read

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all types of residence permits in Turkey. Without valid health insurance covering your entire stay, your application will be rejected. This guide explains exactly what type of insurance you need, how to get it, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Types of Accepted Health Insurance

SGK (Public)

Turkey's public healthcare system. Available after 1 year of legal residence

Private Insurance

Comprehensive private health insurance from Turkish or international providers

Travel Insurance

Short-term travel health insurance acceptable for tourist residence permits

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Your health insurance must meet these criteria:

  • Cover the entire duration of the requested residence permit
  • Include inpatient and outpatient treatment coverage
  • Be valid in Turkey (international policies must explicitly cover Turkey)
  • Meet minimum coverage amounts (varies by nationality — typically $30,000+ annual coverage)
  • Policy documents must be in Turkish or have a certified Turkish translation

Common Insurance Mistakes

1. Insurance expiring before permit: Your insurance must cover the full permit period, not just the application date.

2. Travel insurance for long-term permits: Basic travel insurance may be rejected for permits exceeding 6 months.

3. Foreign policies without Turkey coverage: International policies must explicitly list Turkey as a covered country.

4. Non-translated documents: Insurance certificates not in Turkish require certified translation.

Approximate Insurance Costs

₺500-1,500

Annual private (basic)

₺2,000-5,000

Annual private (comprehensive)

₺5,000+

Annual private (premium)

SGK

After 1 year residence

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Right Health Insurance for Your Residence Permit

We help you select and obtain compliant health insurance that meets all Turkish immigration requirements.