Turkey Health Insurance

The country of Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Turkey, sits at important place geographically, politically economically and even historically. The Eurasian nation borders eight countries, including Greece, Georgia, Bulgaria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. The population stands at just less than 79 million people, of which a strong majority are Muslim. Turks make up about 70 percent of the country’s population, while Kurs account for about 18 percent with other monitories accounting for the rest of the population.

In the past few decades, Turkey has made great strides in economic reform and improving relations with Western countries. It’s a member of the Council of Europe, NATO and the G-20, and is currently a candidate for accession to the European Union. The country ranks in the world’s top 20 for GDP, and since reforms from the 1980s its economy is shifting from one focused on agriculture and heavy industry to services found in more globalized economies. With this shift about 70 percent of the population lives in urban areas.

Turkey’s Health Care System and Medical Insurance

Just as the country has developed economically, the health system in Turkey, expenditures on healthcare, and health measures have improved and progressed. Men in Turkey have a life expectancy of about 72 years, while for women its 77 years. Both ages are well above the global average and within two years of the regional average. As of 2009, the country’s total expenditure on health per capita was about US$ 965, accounting for 6.7 percent GDP. While this is significantly lower than the regional average, total expenditures on health increased sharply in the past few years, particularly in the past five years. About 51 percent of men use tobacco products, which is slightly higher than the regionally average. Less than 20 percent of women use tobacco products, however, which is lower than the regional average of 24.3 percent. The infant mortality rate stands at just less than 25 deaths per 1,000 births, ranking 84th globally.

The country has both public and private healthcare centers, and in 2003 the country initiated a 10-year health reform to improve the quality of healthcare of its citizens to match other developed nations and to make medical services widely available to the population. With the reforms, the government created the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Institute to broaden coverage, improve facilities and to standardize the hospital system. Private Turkey Medical insurance has also grown, adding to the competitiveness of the healthcare industry. From the emergence of private hospitals, particularly in more urban areas, the standards at state-operated facilities have greatly improved. While standards are fairly high in more urban areas in the country, the healthcare system is significantly less developed in rural areas and the quality of care can be much lower.

Turkey Health Insurance Options

Turkey offers an extensive number of both private and public healthcare facilities throughout the country, particularly in more urban areas. Additionally, the majority of the facilities meet international standards, are housed with modern equipment and have reputable doctors and nurses on staff, most of which speak English. While state-operated hospitals are modern and adequate, these facilities often lack the personal care found in private facilities and wait times can be long. They still offer care, however, that is comparable - and in some cases better - than that of private facilities. The system continues to improve with the help of the 10-year overhaul plan, but care in more rural areas has been slower to develop. There are still hospitals and pharmacies in most small towns. Cost can vary, but care at public facilities is generally not too expensive. The country also has an extensive network of pharmacies that are open on weekdays and on Saturdays. Chemists at Turkish pharmacies are able to treat many kinds of illnesses and give medicine, many times without a prescription.

In the past decade, the private healthcare industry has grown dramatically. It’s becoming more common for the country’s more affluent people, who mostly live in urban areas, to pay out-of-pocket for private care and a small but growing proportion will purchase medical insurance. And while costs, even at private facilities, are comparatively lower than other developed countries, it’s still advisable that all non-native residents obtain international medical insurance.

Turkey Travel Insurance Concerns

For visitors to Turkey, it is important to seek the advice of your doctor or a travel medicine specialist before your visit. It is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations and vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Rabies. Travelers to more rural areas should be aware of the risk of malaria. If you are traveling to more southeastern areas, you may want to discuss with your doctor the need to take antimalarial medicine. Illness from food and water are come for visitors, so be sure to wash your hands regularly and make sure food is properly prepared.

As with traveling to any overseas country, and particularly in or close to the Middle East, it is imperative that visitors be mindful of the country and region’s customs and traditions. The country is primarily Islamic, so it’s important to keep this in consideration when visiting historic sites. Additionally, there has been an increasingly high threat for terrorist attacks. It’s important to remain up to date on travel alerts and warnings. Be sure to carry a copy of your passport with you, as failure to not have identification can be penalized with a fine or even jail time. Women are also discouraged from traveling alone within the country.

Turkey Expat Medical Insurance

Anyone traveling to Turkey - be it for travel or for relocation - should not go without properly being insured. Purchasing international health insurance can seem daunting from the outset, especially when trying to understand the languages, benefits, premiums and coverage. Expat Medical Insurance can simplify the process and create a plan that suits the needs of you, your family or your employees. Our staff are available around the clock and are ready to help get you started. So contact Expat Medical Insurance today to make sure you have the coverage you need.