After obtaining Turkish citizenship—whether through investment or long-term residency—you immediately gain access to an advanced healthcare system considered one of the best in the world. Turkey’s healthcare sector is known for its diverse insurance options, high-quality hospitals, and competitive prices compared to many European countries.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the key advantages of health insurance and medical life for new Turkish citizens, and how you can benefit from the healthcare system with maximum quality and security.

1. How the Health Insurance System Works in Turkey

As a Turkish citizen (including newly naturalized individuals), you have the right to access a comprehensive healthcare system, which includes two main types of insurance:

1. Public Health Insurance – SGK

The SGK public health insurance offers extensive coverage, including:

• Doctor visits in public hospitals
• Basic surgical operations
• Laboratory tests and medical imaging
• Maternity and childbirth services
• Emergency and urgent care

Important Note: After obtaining Turkish citizenship, you are eligible to register for SGK through employment or voluntarily by paying a small monthly fee.

2. Private Health Insurance in Turkey

Many investors and new citizens prefer private health insurance due to its premium services, such as:

• Access to private hospitals and luxury medical centers
• Faster appointments with minimal waiting time
• Private rooms and advanced diagnostic services
• Additional coverage such as dental care, eye care, cosmetic procedures, and physiotherapy

2. What Changes After Obtaining Turkish Citizenship?

Once you acquire citizenship, you gain full access to citizen-level healthcare benefits, including:

• Free or low-cost treatment in public hospitals
• Eligibility to register in the SGK public insurance system
• Discounts on prescription medications
• Health compensations for accidents or chronic conditions
• The ability to add family members (spouse and children) to your insurance

3. Quality of Hospitals and Medical Life in Turkey

Turkey has an extensive and modern medical infrastructure that includes:

• Over 600 public hospitals
• Advanced university hospitals
• High-end private medical centers
• Global leadership in areas such as hair transplantation, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and cancer treatment

Why is the Turkish healthcare system one of the best?

• Highly qualified doctors with European experience
• State-of-the-art medical technologies and equipment
• Treatment costs that are 50–70% lower than in Europe
• Hospitals accessible in every major city
• Digital healthcare appointment systems like e-Nabız and MHRS

4. Health Insurance for Foreigners After Naturalization: Before vs. After Citizenship

Before obtaining Turkish citizenship, foreigners generally rely on private health insurance or mandatory tourist insurance, both of which offer limited coverage and do not include public healthcare benefits. During this period, access to public hospitals is restricted, treatment costs are higher, and there is no state support for medications or comprehensive healthcare services.

After becoming a Turkish citizen, the situation changes significantly. You become fully eligible to enroll in the SGK public insurance system, one of the strongest healthcare frameworks in the region. SGK provides broad coverage in public hospitals, surgical operations, laboratory tests, maternity care, and substantial discounts on medications. You may also add your spouse and children to your insurance effortlessly, ensuring full health protection for the entire family

In summary, while foreigners previously relied on limited and costly insurance, new citizens enjoy complete and secure access to Turkish healthcare services, including both public and private systems.

5. Steps to Register for Health Insurance After Citizenship

• Obtain your Turkish ID number (TC Kimlik), issued upon receiving citizenship
• Visit the SGK Social Security Institution
• Choose your insurance type (employment-based, voluntary, or family coverage)
• Start using the healthcare system through MHRS and e-Nabız platforms

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance After Citizenship

Do new citizens need to buy private health insurance?

Not necessarily, but it is an excellent option for those seeking VIP services in private hospitals.

Can SGK public insurance be used in private hospitals?

Partially, depending on the agreement between the hospital and SGK.

Does SGK cover childbirth and maternity services?

Yes, it provides nearly full coverage in public hospitals.

Can new citizens add their spouse and children to their insurance?

Yes, easily and without complicated procedures.

Conclusion

Obtaining Turkish citizenship opens the door to a comprehensive and high-quality healthcare system. Whether you choose SGK public insurance or private health insurance, you and your family will enjoy reliable medical protection and world-class healthcare services at competitive costs.