2 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Turkey
Last updated on May 16, 2022
Summary: Expats and global nomads in Turkey share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Turkey, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
How are healthcare services Turkey?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Turkey, they replied:
"It's is essential that you have health care insurance. Axa as far as I know is the only company that will insure you over the age of 70. This is only possible if you had had a policy with them from I believe 65 years old," added another expat.
What are emergency services like in Turkey?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Turkey wrote:
"There are several hospitals near where I live. These however are private ones. I myself use Baskent University hospital, which I have found very good. Also their prices are more reasonable than some of the others. The care I received there has been first class. Also there is no long waiting time if you require an operation. As for emergency services, my wife received treatment with only a short wait to see a doctor, apart from that I cannot say," said another expat.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Before living in Istanbul I lived near Kemer with my going to Antalya for treatment. I have had two operations there and was well pleased with the medical services received," added another expat.
Are common prescription medications available in Turkey?
"Yes. You can purchase most prescription medicines in the pharmacy's that are easily found. In general you do not require a prescription except for dangerous class drugs like morphine. The cost of medicines are far cheaper than in various other Euopean countries. I have never had a problem buying medicines here in Turkey where I have lived for over 20 years," said another expat.
Are healthcare services good in Turkey?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Turkey. They wrote:
"Yes, there are many excellent hospitals in Turkey, with there being no waiting to see a doctor, or to have an operation. An ever growing amount of people come to Turkey for operations as the costs here are very reasonable compared to those in the UK. I personally have had two operations here with no problems at all. As I am covered by private health insurance I do not know what costs are. But have been informed by friends costs here are very reasonable. These do however, vary, especially here in Istanbul. I have found the Baskent Hospital to be excellent for both service and costs," remarked another expat in Antalya.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Turkey?
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- Is there a lot of crime in Turkey?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Turkey?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Turkey accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Turkey like?
- Is the cost of living in Turkey high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Turkey?
- What are healthcare services like in Turkey?
- Is the cost of living in Turkey high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Turkey?
- What is the weather like in Turkey?
- Are there good restaurants in Turkey?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Turkey?
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- What do I need to know when buying property in Turkey?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Turkey?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?