If you plan to live in Turkey, you have certainly heard the name "Sigorta" (Insurance). In fact, without a valid health insurance policy, the dream of obtaining a Residence Permit (Kimlik) is practically impossible. However, in 2026, buying insurance is no longer just a simple administrative formality as it was in the past. With rising medical costs and new, stricter regulations from the Migration Management, making the wrong choice can lead to the rejection of your residency application or staggering hospital bills. In this article, we review everything about Turkey residency insurance from A to Z so you know which company is more suitable for you and how to obtain the most reliable policy (Poliçe) at the lowest cost.
Why Do We Need Health Insurance (Sigorta) for Turkish Residency?
According to Law No. 6458 (Law on Foreigners and International Protection), providing health insurance coverage is mandatory for all foreign nationals who intend to stay in Turkey longer than their visa period (usually 90 days). This law is strictly monitored by the Turkish Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi).
The Role of the Migration Management in 2026
In 2026, the systems of the Migration Management are connected online to the Insurance Information and Monitoring Center (SBM). This means the case officer queries the validity and type of your insurance coverage at the exact moment of your rendezvous (interview). If your insurance does not meet the minimum standards, your file will be placed in a "missing document" status.
Age Exceptions (Under 18 and Over 65)
According to the new circulars:
- Individuals under 18: Providing insurance is not mandatory to obtain residency, but it is highly recommended for school registration and using medical services.
- Individuals over 65: These individuals are also exempt from the mandatory insurance requirement (due to high risk and heavy premium costs at this age). However, if you are looking for peace of mind, certain companies like "Türk Nippon" still issue coverage for this age group.
Types of Health Insurance in Turkey for Foreign Nationals
To avoid making a mistake in your choice, you must understand the difference between the two main types of insurance in Turkey:
1. Private Health Insurance (Özel Sağlık Sigortası)
This is the insurance that 99% of residency applicants obtain for their rendezvous day. These policies are specifically designed for foreign nationals, and their main focus is meeting the standards of the Migration Management. Affordable prices and instant issuance are the advantages of this type of insurance.
2. Public Insurance (SGK)
Social Security Institution (SGK) insurance is the most comprehensive type of insurance in Turkey. But here is the important point: you can only apply for this insurance after one year of continuous legal residence in Turkey. For the first year of residency, you must use private insurance.
Note: Students can become members of SGK at a low cost within the first 3 months of registration.
Determining Factors for Turkey Residency Insurance Costs
Many users ask why the price of insurance is different for two people. In 2026, insurance costs are determined based on three main factors:
- Applicant's Age: This is the most important factor. As age increases, the risk of illness grows, and the insurance price increases progressively.
- Coverage Duration: You can obtain insurance for one or two years. Buying a two-year policy usually offers a slight discount compared to annual renewal.
- Insurance Provider: Luxury companies like "Allianz" have much higher prices than economic companies like "Ankara Sigorta" due to their extensive hospital network.
Turkey Residency Insurance Price List Table in 2026
Note that these prices are approximate and valid as of January 2026. The final price may vary slightly based on gender and brokerage discounts.
| Age Range | Approximate Price (Lira - Annual) | Coverage Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 to 25 years | 410 - 500 | Standard (Base) | Students and Youth |
| 26 to 35 years | 420 - 600 | Standard (Base) | Tourist Residence Applicants |
| 36 to 45 years | 500 - 800 | Standard / Medium | Young Families |
| 46 to 55 years | 800 - 1,200 | Medium | Individuals with Normal Risk |
| 56 to 65 years | 1,500 - 3,500 | Special | Elderly Individuals |
| Over 65 years | 5,000 and up | Limited | Special Cases (Türk Nippon) |
Introduction to the Most Reliable Insurance Companies in Turkey
In 2026, the Turkish insurance market is divided into "Economic" and "Quality" segments. Here we analyze the 4 main players:
1. Ankara Sigorta: Popular and Affordable
If your only goal is to obtain a Kimlik at the lowest cost, Ankara is the best option.
- Pros: Cheapest price in the market, instant issuance, accepted by all branches of the Migration Management.
- Cons: Very strict regarding medical claim payments. They may review your medical history from years ago to find an excuse for non-payment.
2. Türk Nippon: Flexible for Seniors
This company is famous for its flexibility in accepting individuals over 65.
- Pros: Covers age groups that other companies reject.
- Cons: Complex administrative bureaucracy; it has been reported that they sometimes cancel surgery approvals at the last minute.
3. Sompo Sigorta: A Mid-Range Option
Excellent for those who care about both price and quality.
- Pros: Possibility of installment payments (8 installments), high transparency in the contract.
- Cons: Its hospital network is not as extensive as Allianz.
4. Allianz: The Quality Choice
If you have a sufficient budget and want to be treated in Turkey's best hospitals like Acıbadem, buy Allianz.
- Pros: Best medical network, lowest complaint rate, low deductible (20%).
- Cons: Its price can be up to 40 times more expensive than regular insurance!
What Does Turkey Residency Insurance Cover?
All insurance policies issued under the title "Special for Foreigners" must cover the following items according to Circular No. 9 of the Turkish government:
- Inpatient Treatment (Yatarak Tedavi): Includes surgery, ICU, and hospitalization for more than 24 hours. In contracted hospitals, the insurance must pay 100% of the cost (unlimited).
- Outpatient Treatment (Ayakta Tedavi): Includes doctor visits, blood tests, and radiology.
Important Note: The limit for this coverage in 2026 is usually 5,000 Lira per year.
Deductible (Co-payment): In regular insurance, you must pay 40% of the cost for visits and medicine, and the insurance pays 60%.
Cheap Insurance Traps: Why You Shouldn't Just Look for the Lowest Price
Many people in past years have faced financial crises at the time of an accident by purchasing the cheapest insurance. Here are two vital points you should know:
- Pre-existing Conditions: No residency insurance in Turkey covers illnesses you had before purchasing the insurance. For example, if you have a history of knee surgery 8 years ago, the insurance company will not pay for your repeat surgery after querying the e-Nabız system.
- Waiting Period (Bekleme Süresi): For non-emergency surgeries like gallstones or hernia, usually 9 to 12 months must have passed from the start of the insurance. Do not be fooled by advertisements saying "Full coverage from day one."
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Insurance and Receiving the Tracking Code
Today, buying insurance is fully digital. Follow these steps:
- Price Inquiry: Visit reputable sites like e-ikametsigorta.com and compare prices.
- Information Registration: Enter your Turkish ID number (if renewing) or passport number, exact address, and Turkish mobile number.
- Online Payment: After payment, a PDF file of the insurance policy with an electronic signature (E-imzalı) will be emailed to you.
- Print for Rendezvous: Be sure to print the insurance policy in color. The Migration officer must clearly see the digital seal and signature.
- Verifying Authenticity: Go to government inquiry sites and check its status by entering the policy number. You should see the phrase "Yürürlükte" (Active).
Summary: Which Insurance is Better for You?
Choosing Turkey residency insurance depends entirely on your goal:
- If you are only looking for a residency renewal at the lowest cost and are young and healthy: buy Ankara Sigorta.
- If you are with family and children and want to use actual medical services: choose Sompo or Allianz.
Remember that in 2026, medical inflation in Turkey is high and out-of-pocket treatment costs can be very heavy. Choosing an insurance with appropriate coverage is a type of investment for the security of you and your family.
Turkey Residency Insurance FAQ
Is insurance from my home country valid in Turkey?
No. To receive a Turkish residence permit (Kimlik), the insurance policy must be issued by one of the companies registered within Turkish territory. Foreign travel insurance is only valid for short tourist trips.
What happens if we don't have insurance on the day of the rendezvous?
Your file will be rejected immediately, or at best, you will be given a 30-day period to complete the document. Given the systematization of the process in 2026, it is recommended not to take the risk.
Which company offers the cheapest insurance?
Currently, Ankara Sigorta and Türk Nippon offer the cheapest specific residency packages, which cost around 400 to 600 Lira for ages under 35.
Is a "Tax Number" (Vergi Numarası) required to buy insurance?
Yes, if you haven't received a Kimlik yet, you must get a free tax number from the Tax Office (Vergi Dairesi) with your passport so you can issue the insurance in your name.
