Healthcare and Medical Services in Turkey

Healthcare System Overview

The Ministry of Health oversees all health services in Turkey. The country is a strong competitor in healthcare compared to nations like the US, Germany, and England. Notably, Turkey offers lower costs without compromising quality. For example, heart bypass surgery in Turkey is significantly more affordable while maintaining high standards. The country boasts around 60 internationally competitive medical faculties, ensuring top-tier training for both Turkish and foreign medical students. This extensive training leads to certification standards for physicians that guarantee successful medical outcomes across various fields.

Medical Care for Expats

Expats in Turkey have access to both state and private healthcare, with private healthcare being extremely affordable compared to Europe and the US. Expats with a minimum of one year's residency can pay into SGK (Sosyal Guvenlik Kurumu), the Turkish State Health Cover, which provides comprehensive family coverage.

Each town or village has a family health center (Aile Sagligi Merkezi), offering free consultations for residents and tourists. Additionally, private doctor surgeries or polyclinics are available and often better suited for foreigners, with English-speaking staff.

State hospitals (Devlet Hastanesi) provide ambulance and emergency treatment, although admissions are chargeable. Private hospitals like Acibadem and the American Hospital in Bodrum offer high standards of care but at higher costs. It is advisable for tourists to check their holiday insurance coverage and for residents to verify SGK's discounted rates for treatments.

Accessing Medical Services

Appointments with state hospitals can be made by calling 182, booking online, or via the '182 Merkezi' app. Local family centers cater to walk-ins and operate from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Medical specialists can be accessed through referrals from private or public doctor's surgeries or by visiting hospitals directly.

To download and use the MHRS (Central Physician Appointment System) for booking hospital appointments in Turkey, you can follow these steps:

Mobile Application:

Download the App: The MHRS mobile application is available on both Android and iOS platforms. You can find it by searching "MHRS" in your app store.

Register or Login: If you are a new user, you need to register by providing your ID number and creating a password. If you already have an account, simply log in with your credentials.

Website:

Visit the MHRS Website: Go to MHRS Website or MHRS Official Portal.

New Registration: Click on the "New Member" section to create an account by entering your ID number and setting a password. Make sure the information matches your records at the Population Directorate.

Login: If you already have an account, log in with your ID number and password.

Dental Care

Turkey is a popular destination for dental treatments, offering high standards at 50 to 70 percent lower costs than in the UK, Europe, and the US. Many dentists in Turkey speak excellent English.

Prescriptions and Medication

Residents registered with SGK pay only 10 to 20 percent of the cost for certain prescribed medicines. Private healthcare policies may cover a portion or all of the medication costs. Medication is generally cheaper in Turkey, though some less standard medicines from abroad can be expensive.

Healthcare for Visitors

Turkey has become a top destination for medical tourism, offering quality care from US board-certified professionals. The country has around 600 private hospitals with full-service attitudes towards international patients. Travelers should plan for potential delays in medical procedures and recovery times.

Pharmacies and Emergency Care

Pharmacies (Eczane) in Turkey are a valuable resource, with pharmacists able to diagnose and prescribe treatments or refer patients to hospitals. In case of severe emergencies, calling an ambulance or seeking help at a resort or hotel is advisable. Emergency treatments at state hospitals are free, while private hospital services are chargeable but more affordable than in many Western countries.

Private Health Insurance

Foreign residents are advised to consider private health insurance, especially if they are under 65, as it is required for residency. Private health insurance offers comprehensive coverage and shorter waiting lists for procedures compared to SGK.