Compulsory health insurance is not required for international students. Students who are not covered by general health insurance must pay for their own health care.
Foreign students who come to Turkey for education and who are not covered by their parents’ health insurance in Turkey can apply for general health insurance within 3 months of their first enrolment date, if they so wish.
Even if foreign students who wish to be covered by the General Health Insurance do not have a foreign identification number, they can apply to the Social Security Institution (SGK) for coverage.
Foreign students who are covered by the general health insurance can benefit from health services for one year if they pay the full premium for the year 2023 in advance.
Foreign students who apply for and are covered by general health insurance cannot withdraw their application before the end of their studies.
Students covered by the General Health Insurance Scheme under the category of foreign students can only benefit from health services for themselves and not for their spouses or children.
Foreign students who miss the first three months after their initial enrolment date or who wish to include their spouse/children under their general health insurance can apply for general health insurance at the SGK centres in the provinces or districts after completing one year of residence in Turkey. Monthly premiums for the year 2023 must be paid for those covered under this scope. Those who apply for this coverage will continue to be covered by the General Health Insurance as long as they stay in Turkey, and the General Health Insurance will not be terminated unless they have another insurance.
