Types of Insurance in Türkiye
Türkiye offers a wide range of insurance products, from mandatory (required by law) to voluntary options that individuals may choose for additional protection. Below is an overview of the main categories.
Types of Insurance in Türkiye
Türkiye offers a wide range of insurance products, from mandatory (required by law) to voluntary options that individuals may choose for additional protection. Below is an overview of the main categories.
1. Mandatory Insurance (Zorunlu Sigortalar)
These types of insurance are legally required for Turkish citizens, residents, and in some cases, foreigners living in the country.
Mandatory insurance for foreigners (residence permit – ikamet izni)
When applying for a residence permit, the following insurance is required:
- Health Insurance for Foreigners (Yabancı Sağlık Sigortası) Required for both initial residence permit applications and renewals. It must cover the entire duration of the permit and be issued by an insurance company licensed in Türkiye. Without valid insurance, the residence permit will not be approved.
- Travel Health Insurance (Seyahat Sağlık Sigortası)Not mandatory for everyone, but may be required depending on nationality, visa type, or entry conditions. It covers emergency medical assistance, medical transportation, and accidents. Authorities may check it upon entry to the country. Many people purchase this insurance in their home country, but it is also available in Türkiye.
Mandatory insurance for Turkish citizens
- Compulsory Traffic Insurance (Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası – third-party liability): Covers damages caused to third parties in traffic accidents.
- DASK – Compulsory Earthquake Insurance: Required for all residential buildings and apartments, including those owned by foreigners.
- Work Accident and Occupational Disease Insurance: Employers are legally obliged to provide this insurance for their employees.
2. Voluntary Insurance (İsteğe Bağlı Sigortalar)
These can be purchased additionally to ensure broader protection:
- Private Health Insurance (Özel Sağlık Sigortası): Covers medical treatment in private hospitals.
- Supplementary Health Insurance (Tamamlayıcı Sağlık Sigortası): Available for those already covered by the state insurance system (SGK) but seeking extended services.
- Travel Health Insurance (for international trips): Covers medical expenses, baggage loss, flight delays, and other travel-related risks.
- Home Insurance (Konut Sigortası): Provides coverage for risks not included in DASK, such as fire, theft, and flooding.
- Business Insurance (İşyeri Sigortası): Protects business property, equipment, and against business interruption.
- Comprehensive Motor Insurance (Kasko): Full vehicle coverage against theft, accidents, and natural disasters.
Key points to consider when choosing insurance
- Reputation of the insurance company.
- Scope of coverage and benefit limits.
- Exclusions and conditions stated in the policy.
- Careful review of the contract, as it is a legally binding document.
- Timely payment of premiums to avoid cancellation of coverage.
For foreigners living in Türkiye under a residence permit, it is advisable to obtain:
- comprehensive health insurance (not only the minimum policy required for residence permits),
- home insurance, especially in earthquake-prone regions,
- both compulsory traffic insurance and comprehensive motor insurance if you own a vehicle.
