The quality of healthcare in Turkey varies from region to region. Expats moving to Turkey will be happy to know that healthcare in the country is generally cheaper than elsewhere in Europe and that there are many private and public hospitals across the country.
Expats moving to one of the major urban centres in Turkey, such as Istanbul or Ankara will have access to high-quality private hospitals with experienced doctors and medical staff, most of whom can speak English. Those living in more rural areas, however, will find access to healthcare still quite limited.
Public healthcare in Turkey
Public healthcare in Turkey has seen improvements in recent years that have led to an increase in the quality of public institutions. While most expats still choose to go to a private medical facility, state healthcare is available to all residents who have registered with GSS, Turkey's public health insurance scheme. The GSS provides cover for primary care and emergency services. While most services are free, some are only subsidised, but out-of-pocket expenses tend to be minimal. Expats can also get additional private health insurance to cover these additional expenses.
Private healthcare in Turkey
Private hospitals in Turkey are relatively cheap and offer good quality care. In fact, Turkey is beginning to make a name for itself as a medical tourism destination, particularly in the areas of cosmetic surgery, dentistry and fertility treatment. It’s normally easy to make an appointment at a private hospital as many of them have English speaking call centres. Although private facilities and services in Turkey are cheaper than in other countries, it is still necessary to get private health insurance to cover medical expenses.
Medicines and pharmacies in Turkey
Pharmacies (eczane) are plentiful in the main towns and cities. Expats living in Turkey will find that accessing medicines at pharmacies is relatively easy. Many prescription medications are available cheaply and over the counter. Most neighbourhoods in major cities have a duty pharmacy that is generally open 24 hours a day.
Health insurance in Turkey
It's compulsory for all residents who are under 65 and living in Turkey to have either public or private health insurance.
Expats who have been residents in Turkey for more than a year with a valid residence permit can apply to Turkey's public health insurance scheme (GSS), which is administered by the state-run Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu (SGK). Many employers contribute to public health insurance on their employee’s behalf. Despite this, many expats opt for additional private medical insurance to supplement their public insurance and to cover medical care at private institutions. It’s worth noting that the European Health Insurance Card, relating to free medical treatment in EU countries, is not valid in Turkey.
Several international companies offer private expat health insurance. Local Turkish companies also offer competitive rates and services. International health insurance can cost thousands of US dollars per year, depending on one’s policy and benefits. Local Turkish health insurance is equally effective and far cheaper.
Health hazards in Turkey
Expats should only drink bottled water. Malaria is present in the southeastern regions of Turkey, and prophylaxis is necessary if travelling to the affected areas. May to October is the highest risk period for Malaria, and expats should therefore take further precautions during these months.
Pre-travel restrictions and vaccinations for Turkey
There are no specific vaccinations required for entry into Turkey, although those coming from a yellow fever infected area should have a yellow fever certificate.
It’s also recommended to have a rabies injection, especially if travelling outside of the main urban areas, as Turkey has one of the highest incidents of rabies in Europe.
Emergency services in Turkey
Turkey has a public ambulance service, which can be contacted by dialling 112, but operators may not be able to understand English.
Some hospitals in the major cities offer private ambulance services which can be accessed directly through them. These are often better equipped and have faster response times than public ambulances.