Healthcare and Medicine in Turkey

Healthcare services in Turkey have developed significantly in recent years, so much so that Turkey now serves as a leading international healthcare provider, a well-known health center with excellent technological achievements.

Thousands of foreign patients from the Middle East and Europe are treated in Turkey every year. The quality of service of Turkish specialists is increasing every year. The Turkish healthcare system aims to become a global competitor at the international level and to achieve excellence.

If you are planning to travel, plan a vacation, travel to Turkey for treatment, or decide to purchase a property in Turkey, there are nuances that you, as a foreigner, need to know about the health care system.

The health service in Turkey operates on the basis of health insurance. That is, every citizen of the country must have an insurance policy, according to which medical services are provided depending on the coverage. For Turkish citizens who do not work temporarily, the so-called social health insurance is provided, thanks to which they receive the help they need. Foreigners living on the territory of the Republic of Turkey prepare an insurance policy in private insurance companies.

At the head of the medical health care system is the Ministry of Health, which carefully supervises it to ensure that services to both the people and guests of the country are at the highest level. However, the cost of care is much lower compared to other health care provider countries.

For example, heart bypass surgery:

It will cost about $ 129,750 in the US,
$17,355 in Germany,
$27,770 in the UK,
In Turkey, it is 12,000-15,000 dollars.

Do not think that a lower price means a lower level of quality. There are about 60 internationally competitive medical schools in Turkey that provide training to thousands of Turkish and international medical students. This allows Turkey to achieve international certification standards for doctors, which guarantees successful medical results in a wide range of fields. Almost all of the major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Glaxo-smith-Kline, Johnson & Johnson have branches in Turkey, as well as regional and some local manufacturers.

MEDICINE FOR FOREIGNERS LIVING IN TURKEY

Consider a few FAQs:

How good is the health service of foreigners in Turkey?

Healthcare in Turkey is extremely good. Both public and private medical services are very accessible to foreigners, while private medical services are much cheaper than, for example, in Europe and the USA. Private hospitals in Turkey meet very high standards with much lower costs than in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Therefore, patients prefer to come to Turkey for special surgeries and plastic surgery.

Foreigners who have been living for more than a year can apply to the SSI (Social Security Institution), which is the state health insurance of Turkey. This insurance is valid for all family members. SGK can be used to cover the costs of treatment in some private hospitals and to cover admissions to public hospitals.

In every city or village there is a family health center, Turkish Health January or Family Health Center, which is similar to a local polyclinic. If you are a tourist in these family health centers, a free consultation is provided if you have a residence permit or passport.

In addition, there are many private medical offices or polyclinics (such as medical centers with more than one specialist and more like a mini-hospital) with october prices. Russian English is more suitable for foreigners and immigrants, because they have specialists in their state who speak English, German or Russian.

The State Hospital (state hospitals) provides ambulance and emergency medical care for both tourists and local residents, but hospitalization is charged. Doctors of private health clinics or state family health centers can refer patients to a state hospital for special treatment. Usually, patients undergoing treatment need to bring their caregivers with them, and they are advised to bring their meals. Emergency care is free of charge for both tourists and residents, but there is a call fee. In the case of the presence of SSI, insurance covers it.

Many private clinics can also provide ambulances, but usually such services are much more expensive than public hospitals. Therefore, tourists are advised to inform their insurance company that their policy covers these services. SSI owners should also check the discount amount as well.

How can I make an appointment with a doctor in Turkey?

You can come directly to the medical institution and make an appointment, or you can find a phone number on the Internet and make an appointment by phone.

You can also make an appointment at a state hospital by calling 182 or online through the state portal: https://hastanerandevu.gov.tr/Vatandas / and also by downloading the "182 Center" application.

Monday Dec Friday from 08:30 to 17:30, as a rule, local family centers cater to visitors and are open.

How can I make an appointment with a specialist doctor in Turkey?

Either on the recommendation of the family doctor of any private or public clinic, or by a direct visit to the attending physician of public or private hospitals.

How is dental treatment going in Turkey?

The rate of dental treatment in Turkey is excellent, which makes it a popular place for treatment. The treatment is usually 50% to 70% cheaper than in the UK, Europe and the US, and many people can afford expensive treatments here, such as wearing a crown and implants. Many dentists speak excellent English.

How do recipes work in Turkey?

Residents over the age of 18 who are registered with the SSI will pay only 10% to 20% of the cost of some prescribed medications. Some private health policies only partially cover the cost of prescribed medications, while others cover the entire cost. Foreigners registered with the SSI will discover that there is a digital system that connects doctor's prescriptions to the Turkish ID number of both the residence (ID) and the residence permit (residence) of foreigners.

What is the cost of medicines in Turkey?

The cost of most standard medicines in Turkey is lower than their equivalents in the UK, Europe and the USA. However, less standard medicines from abroad can also be expensive. However, their cost may be partially or completely covered by SSI or private health insurance.

By purchasing an apartment or a villa by the sea in Turkey, you can be sure that you will always receive high-level medical care if necessary.