Ikamet Insurance / Foreign Health Insurance: Points to Consider

Important Notice: The explanations are for informational purposes only and you can access current and detailed information at e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.

02/11/2025

Important Notice: The explanations are for informational purposes only. For current and detailed information, you can visit the website e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr.

A health insurance that foreign nationals residing in Turkey must obtain in order to acquire residence permit is called residence (ikamet) insurance. This insurance is designed so that foreigners can benefit from health services during their stay in Turkey. Residence insurance is part of foreign health insurance and is regulated according to specific coverage terms.

Why Residence Insurance Matters

 Foreign Health Insurance for ikamet guarantees access to health services in Turkey for foreigners and provides financial protection against unexpected health issues. Also, because it is a legal requirement for residence permit applications, it is not possible to obtain a residence permit without this insurance. Therefore, this insurance is very important both to ensure one’s health security and to live peacefully in Turkey.

Is Foreign Health Insurance Mandatory in Residence Applications?

Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Turkey for one year or more are required to present a valid foreign health insurance policy when applying for a residence permit. This policy covers medical treatment costs in case of possible health issues and also complies with legal requirements demanded by relevant authorities like the Immigration Office. Therefore, in order to complete the residence permit procedures smoothly and reduce financial risk, residence insurance is of vital importance.

  • It is mandatory for individuals who will stay in Turkey for one year or more.
  • It covers treatment costs in unexpected situations and reduces the financial burden.
  • It ensures that residence permit procedures proceed correctly, meeting Immigration Office requirements.

Who Should Get Residence Insurance?

  • Foreigners who will reside in Turkey long term.
  • Foreign students who come to Turkey for education.
  • Foreign nationals who come to Turkey for work.
  • Foreigners who spend their retirement period in Turkey.
  • Foreigners who come to Turkey for medical treatment and plan to stay long term.

Scope (Coverage) of Residence Insurance

What Risks Are Covered by Residence Insurance?

Residence insurance offers a wide range of coverage and includes:

  • Outpatient Treatment: Doctor examinations, tests, medications, physiotherapy, etc.
  • Inpatient Treatment: Surgeries, hospital stay expenses, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, dialysis, prosthetics, etc.

These services are provided depending on policy limits and specified conditions. Outpatient treatments are usually offered up to an annual limit, whereas inpatient treatments are unlimited in contracted hospitals; in non-contracted hospitals, they are subject to the limits set in the policy.

Pricing and Choosing the Right Policy

Price

Insurance prices vary depending on the individual’s age, health condition, the scope of coverage chosen, and the breadth of benefits. In particular, premiums are generally higher for older individuals due to the greater risk of health problems.

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing the Insurance

To select the right policy, the following factors should be considered:

  • The reliability of the insurance company.
  • Policy details and scope of coverage.
  • Premium payment conditions.
  • Additional services and insurance benefits.

Also, make sure the policy meets the needs of the individual.

Documents and Information Required for Residence Insurance

During the application process, the following documents or information should be provided:

  • Identity information, Passport or Foreign ID Number, full name, date of birth.
  • Policy start date.
  • Address information.
  • Contact information.

Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing Residence Insurance

One of the most common mistakes in the residence insurance application process is submitting incomplete or incorrect documents. Ensure that passport, foreign ID information, residence permit application documents, and contact details are accurate and complete.

The policy effective start date must be chosen correctly; otherwise, the policy may be canceled and you might be required to purchase it again. Failing to consider the premium payment conditions and the network of contracted hospitals can also cause problems later.

In summary, the points to watch out for in the application are:

  • Documents must be complete and correct (passport, foreign identity, residence permit documents, etc.).
  • Don’t choose a policy before clarifying your coverage needs.
  • Examine payment conditions and contracted hospital networks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Residence Insurance

What Does Residence Insurance Not Cover?

Residence insurance excludes certain situations. For example, deliberate damage, pre-existing conditions, war, and similar events are not covered.

Under What Conditions Can an Insurance Policy Be Canceled?

An insurance policy may be canceled under certain conditions such as non-payment of premiums, providing wrong or incomplete information, or violation of the conditions specified in the policy. In case your policy is canceled, you should contact the insurance company to learn about the details.

Residence health insurance may also be canceled by the insured. Since the purpose of a foreign health insurance policy for residence is its mandatory status for residence, cancellation conditions must have justifiable causes. Such documents are required to carry out the cancellation. Cancellation rules are similar across all insurance companies.

Cancellation Conditions Include:

  • Submission of an official, signed, stamped document from the Immigration Office stating that the insurance is not needed.
  • The residence permit is canceled, and an official document signed/stamped by the Immigration Office is submitted.
  • If the insured person transitions to coverage under the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) and provides evidence showing they are included under SGK coverage.

As E-ikametsigorta.com website, we provide support not only during the purchase process of residence insurance but also in post-purchase procedures. Our customer service is available 7 days a week in 4 languages. We are proud to be Turkey’s first online purchase platform for foreign health insurance for residence.

Please visit our main website before making an appointment through e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr for our foreign health insurance services.

Best regards,

E-İkamet Sigorta Team

Website: www.e-ikametsigorta.com

Phone: +90 212 355 89 89

WhatsApp: Chat with us

Address: Nispetiye Mah. Gazi Güçnar Sok. No:4 Kat:4 Ofis No:10 Beşiktaş, Istanbul

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