Expat Medical Care in Istanbul

Editor Istanbul

Nov 02 411 read

Expat Medical Care in Istanbul

Turkey's healthcare has improved dramatically over the years, to the point that it is now the region's largest supplier of healthcare services. Every year, Turkey serves thousands of international patients from the Middle East and Europe as a specialized healthcare destination with outstanding technology advancements. Turkey has continued to pursue medical supremacy and solid competence in order to provide the groundwork for providing high-quality patient care.

The healthcare system aspires to be a worldwide competitor with other health-care providers, achieving excellence not just locally but internationally. If you're planning a trip, vacation, or need medical treatment in Turkey, there are a few things you should know about the healthcare system and what it implies for you as a foreign tourist.

Is Expat Healthcare Good in Istanbul?

In Turkey, medical treatment is extraordinary. Expats have access to both public and private healthcare, with private healthcare being exceptionally economical in compared to Europe and the United States. Expats who have lived in Turkey for at least a year may join SGK (Sosyal Guvenlik Kurumu), the Turkish State Health Coverage. Although the monthly payments rise on a regular basis, they cover the whole family and were 618.00TL in January 2019. SGK may be used to help pay for certain treatments at private hospitals as well as to cover admissions at public hospitals.

Every town or village has a family health center, which functions similarly to a local doctor's office. Consultations at these family health centers, also known as Saglik Ocagi or Aile Sagligi Merkezi, are free with the provision of a residence permit or, in the case of visitors, a passport. In addition, there are several reasonably priced private doctor surgeries or polyclinics (health centers with many specialists, similar to a mini-hospital). Given that English is widely spoken, they services often more aimed at foreigners and expats.

What is dental treatment like in Turkey?

Turkey has a high quality of dental care, making it a popular dental vacation destination. Treatment is often 50 to 70% less expensive than in the UK, Europe, and the United States, and many patients now choose to have expensive procedures like as crowns and implants performed. Many dentists are fluent in English.

How can I make an appointment with a doctor in Turkey?

Either by a recommendation from one of the above-mentioned private or public doctor's offices or clinics, or by visiting one of the public (devlet) or private hospitals. The local family centers, in general, cater to walk-ins and are open from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Medication in Istanbul for most common drugs looks to be less expensive than in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. Less common drugs imported from overseas, on the other hand, might be excessively costly, although expatriates may be covered by their SGK or private healthcare coverage.

Discover Istanbul’s healthcare, hospitals, investment options and even more through Iamistanbul. Our site is the only place you can get the latest information about historical places, the amazing Bosphorus and more.