Is Turkish Healthcare FREE ? Health Insurance and Retirement System in Turkey | BIG TALKS EP. 3

Summary

In this podcast, host Josefan discusses the Turkish healthcare system with Mr. Acute, a licensed expert and co-founder. They cover various insurance types available to Turkish citizens, including free healthcare for the poor via 'green card,' mandatory insurance for business owners ('balker'), and employee insurance ('SGK'). The discussion also touches on 'GSS' for self-employed individuals, offering free healthcare without retirement benefits. Mr. Acute highlights the high quality of Turkish healthcare, comparing it favorably to other countries, emphasizing affordability and the extensive coverage of treatments and medicines.

Takeaways

• 🏥 Turkish healthcare is generally free but not for everyone. It depends on the individual's social status and employment.
• 💳 The 'Green Card' provides completely free healthcare to those who can prove they are unable to support themselves financially.
• 👨‍💼 Business owners ('Bağkur') pay for their own insurance, which also covers retirement and healthcare.
• 💼 Employees are covered by their employer's insurance ('SGK'), which includes healthcare and retirement benefits after meeting certain conditions.
• 🏢 'SGK' insurance costs approximately 1200 Turkish Liras per month and is paid by the employer, not deducted from the employee's salary.
• 👪 Healthcare insurance covers the family, including the spouse and children up to 18 or 24 if they are studying.
• 👥 'GSS' is a self-employed insurance option that provides free healthcare but no retirement benefits, costing 107 Turkish Liras monthly.
• 🌍 Foreign investors often opt for private insurance packages, but there are also governmental insurance options available for those seeking citizenship.
• 🌟 Turkish healthcare is considered high quality, with well-educated and experienced doctors and nurses.
• 💊 Most treatments, including cancer, and medications are either free or heavily subsidized by the government in public hospitals.
• 🏥 Dental treatments, cosmetic surgeries, and hair transplants are notably affordable in Turkey, attracting patients from abroad.

Q & A

What is the green card in the Turkish healthcare system?

The green card is a type of healthcare provided totally free to people who can prove they are poor and unable to maintain their homes. The government provides this card for those individuals to get free health services from any government hospital.

How much does a business owner pay for their insurance in Turkey?

A business owner, referred to as 'balker' in Turkish, pays approximately 1200 Turkish Liras monthly for their insurance, which also covers retirement.

What is the retirement age for Turkish citizens with 'balker' insurance?

The retirement age for Turkish citizens with 'balker' insurance is 65 for males and 60 for females.

What is SGK and how much does it cost?

SGK is a type of insurance for employees working in companies. The cost is approximately 1200 Turkish Liras monthly, and it covers full healthcare in all government hospitals as well as retirement salary after fulfilling 7000 working days.

What is GSS and how much does it cost?

GSS is a healthcare insurance option for those who do not work or own a business. It provides free healthcare at government hospitals for a monthly cost of 107 Turkish Liras, but it does not include retirement benefits.

Does the healthcare insurance cover the whole family in Turkey?

Yes, if a husband has 'balker' insurance, it covers his wife and children up to the age of 18, or up to 24 if they are studying at a university. The same applies to GSS and SGK insurances.

What kind of insurance do foreign investors in Turkey usually prefer?

Foreign investors in Turkey often opt for private insurance packages, which vary in offerings and pricing from different companies. For citizenship investors willing to live in Turkey, they may also opt for governmental insurance packages.

How does the quality of Turkish healthcare compare to other countries?

The quality of Turkish healthcare is very high, with well-educated and experienced doctors and nurses. The government hospitals are well-equipped and offer free or subsidized treatments, including for serious illnesses like cancer.

Is dental treatment in Turkey affordable compared to Europe?

Yes, dental treatment in Turkey is more affordable compared to many European countries, attracting many Turkish-origin Europeans to receive dental treatments during the summer.

What is the cost of the GSS package for healthcare in Turkey?

The GSS package costs 107 Turkish Liras per month, allowing for countless visits to government hospitals.

How does the Turkish healthcare system handle emergency situations?

In emergency situations, such as someone passing out and needing an ambulance, the individual is responsible for the costs upon waking up and receiving the bill.