Is Health Insurance Mandatory for a Residence Permit?
Yes, it is mandatory. Under Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, all foreigners applying for a residence permit in Turkey must have health insurance valid throughout Turkey and covering the application date.
Applications submitted without insurance are refused without exception.
Accepted Insurance Types
1. Private Foreign Health Insurance ✅
Private health insurance from insurance companies operating in Turkey or international companies offering policies valid in Turkey is accepted.
Note: The policy must clearly state "valid throughout Turkey".
2. SGK Coverage ✅
Foreign nationals who work under a work permit and are registered with the Social Security Institution (SGK) can apply using their SGK coverage.
3. International Health Insurance ⚠️
International health insurance with Turkey coverage may be accepted, but a Turkish translation and written documentation confirming Turkey coverage are required. Some provincial Migration Offices may not accept foreign-issued policies.
4. Bilateral SGK Agreement ✅
Nationals from countries with which Turkey has signed social security agreements (Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Northern Cyprus, etc.) can apply with their agreement documentation.
Policy Requirements
- Policy start date: On or before the appointment date
- Policy end date: Must cover the residence permit expiry date
- Coverage area: All of Turkey (city-specific policies such as Istanbul-only are not accepted)
- Minimum coverage: No strict minimum, but 30,000 EUR is recommended
2026 Estimated Premium Ranges
| Age Group | Estimated Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| 0–18 | 3,500 – 6,000 TRY |
| 19–30 | 5,000 – 9,000 TRY |
| 31–45 | 7,000 – 14,000 TRY |
| 46–60 | 12,000 – 22,000 TRY |
| 61–70 | 20,000 – 35,000 TRY |
Prices vary by insurer, coverage scope and personal health history. Pre-existing conditions may require additional premium.
Key Things to Check When Buying a Policy
Waiting periods: Most policies have 3–12 month waiting periods for chronic conditions and pre-existing illnesses.
Maternity cover: Pregnancy coverage must be specifically requested — it is not included in most basic packages.
Dental cover: Usually not included in basic residence permit policies.
Buy before your appointment: Purchase the policy well in advance of your appointment date to ensure it is active and valid.
FAQ
Do I need a new policy every year? Yes — at renewal time, a new policy or extension of the existing policy is required.
Do my children need a separate policy? If separate residence permit applications are made for children under 18, a separate policy is required for each. A family policy can cover all members under one policy.
If I'm covered by SGK, do I need additional insurance? No. If you are covered by SGK and can document this, you do not need additional private insurance.
Related Services: Work Permit · Residence Permit · Turkish Citizenship