Which health insurance is required for a residence permit?

Short answer — 2026: The health coverage accepted in a residence permit application must cover the requested residence period. A private health policy is one of the options; an appropriate SGK or bilateral social security document may also be accepted. Check the current document list for your application type and match your policy's duration and coverage accordingly.

Official Directorate of Migration Management document list · SEDDK Circular 2025/28, Articles 8(3) and 19. Under the Circular effective 1 January 2026, health insurance policies for residence permits are exempt from the obligation to offer a contract providing a lifetime renewal guarantee commitment. Source verified: 28 September 2026.

Foreign nationals residing in or staying long-term in Turkey may not be automatically included in the Turkish SGK system as Turkish citizens are. While foreign nationals who have a work permit and are SGK-insured may access TSS or a private health policy, private health insurance is the most suitable solution for foreign nationals outside SGK coverage.

For residence permit applications, the Directorate of Migration Management requires applicants to demonstrate valid and sufficient health coverage in Turkey. At Neolife Group, the policies we offer are structured to meet these conditions.

Difference from travel health insurance: For a residence permit application, do not rely on the product name alone. Check that the policy is compatible with your application type, the required duration and the necessary coverage conditions.

Coverage scope

Core coverage

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Inpatient treatment

Private hospital inpatient treatment, surgery and intensive care. Direct billing at contracted hospital networks.

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Outpatient treatment

Specialist consultations, outpatient clinics, laboratory and imaging services.

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Emergency treatment

Emergency services and ambulance coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Diagnostics & tests

Comprehensive diagnostic services including blood tests and imaging (MRI, CT scan).

Optional add-on coverage

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Dental coverage

Conservative dental treatment. Extensive dental treatments may require additional cover.

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Medical evacuation

Evacuation to home country or an advanced medical centre for cases that cannot be treated locally.

For residence permit applications: The policy submitted for Directorate of Migration Management applications is expected to be valid in Turkey, continuous throughout the residence period and subject to an adequate limit. Confirm the required conditions with the relevant authority before submitting your application.

Foreign nationals with SGK: If you have SGK coverage, check the provision document accepted for your residence permit application. Additional private health or TSS options are assessed together with SGK eligibility and the insurer's acceptance conditions.

What is not covered?

Note: Exclusions and the approach to pre-existing conditions vary by product. Always read the policy's special conditions.

  • Chronic conditions existing at policy inception (a waiting period or exclusion may apply under certain policies)
  • Aesthetic and cosmetic treatments

Who is it for?

  • Residence permit applicants: Those who wish to document health coverage with a private health policy, depending on the application type.
  • Expatriates without a work permit: Foreign nationals who cannot be covered under SGK.
  • Students: Foreign national students in higher education in Turkey.
  • Retired expatriates: Foreign nationals who have chosen Turkey as their retirement country.

Frequently asked questions

Is health insurance mandatory for a residence permit?
Valid health coverage is required depending on the application type; exceptions and accepted documents are determined by the Directorate of Migration Management. A private policy is not the only option. Check the current document list for your application type.
Do foreign nationals with SGK also need separate residence permit insurance?
An SGK provision document or bilateral social security agreement accepted by the Directorate of Migration Management may document health coverage. Confirm the scope of your existing coverage and the required document with SGK.
Who should be covered by health insurance for a family residence permit?
According to the Directorate of Migration Management's family residence permit document list, health coverage must cover all family members and the full requested residence period.
How are foreign residents health insurance premiums determined?
Premiums vary by age, policy duration, coverage limits, co-payment and hospital network. Compare quotes on the same duration and coverage basis — do not decide solely on the lowest premium.
At which hospitals is foreign residents health insurance valid?
Contracted institutions vary by insurer and the selected product. At the quotation stage, check the hospitals in your city and the conditions for outpatient and inpatient treatment in the current network list.
How do I get health insurance as a foreign resident in Turkey?
Determine the duration of your planned residence and your health coverage needs. Compare quotes with Neolife; before the policy is issued, verify the accuracy of the identity details, start and end dates, coverage and hospital network.