What is private health insurance?
Private health insurance is an individual policy that enables you to receive healthcare services at private hospitals completely independently of the SGK (Social Security Institution) system. Whether or not you have SGK membership, a private health policy allows you to be treated at network private hospitals without paying any top-up fee.
Key difference from TSS: Complementary Health Insurance (TSS) is designed exclusively for active SGK members and retirees; it pays the gap fee that exceeds SGK reimbursement. Private health insurance, by contrast, works directly with the insurer regardless of your SGK status.
As an independent broker, Neolife Group compares the individual health products of many different insurers and presents you with the most suitable cover-to-premium combination.
Cover scope
Core benefits
Inpatient treatment
Surgery, intensive care, hospital room and all related clinical services. Direct payment at network hospitals.
Outpatient treatment
Polyclinic visits, specialist consultations, laboratory and imaging. Scope varies by policy package.
Diagnostics and tests
Blood tests, MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound and other imaging and laboratory services.
Physical therapy
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions on a doctor's prescription. A session limit may apply depending on the policy.
Optional add-on benefits
Dental cover
Conservative dental treatment (fillings, extractions). Prosthetics, implants and cosmetic procedures are assessed separately.
Vision cover
Eye examinations, spectacle and lens support in some policies, laser surgery (as an add-on benefit).
Maternity benefit
Normal and caesarean delivery, newborn care. A waiting period applies; the policy must be in place before pregnancy.
Extended outpatient
Prescription drug contribution and additional polyclinic visits are included in some packages.
Waiting periods: At policy inception, waiting periods may apply to certain benefits (e.g. typically 10 months for maternity). Your current health status directly affects your cover; the health declaration must be completed fully before the policy is issued.
TSS or private health insurance? If you have SGK coverage, TSS is often more economical. If you have no SGK coverage, private health insurance is the appropriate solution. We can help you compare both.
Exclusions
Note: The following are typically outside the scope of a standard policy. Always read the special conditions of your policy.
- Pre-existing conditions at policy inception (a waiting period or exclusion usually applies)
- Cosmetic procedures and treatments arising from natural ageing
- Drug or alcohol dependency treatment (in some policies)
- Injuries resulting from war, terrorism or civil unrest
- Treatments received at hospitals outside the insurer's network (out-of-network)
Who is it for?
- Individuals without SGK coverage: Those without Bağ-Kur or 4A/4C contributions.
- Those who prefer private hospital comfort: Anyone who does not want to wait and wishes to retain the freedom to choose their specialist.
- Self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs: Those without regular SGK coverage.
- Foreign nationals residing in Turkey: Expats who cannot access SGK coverage (a Foreign Residents Health policy is also an option for this group).