Health Insurance for a Turkish Residence Permit
Foreign nationals applying for a residence permit in Türkiye must hold valid health insurance. The policy has to cover the entire period of the requested permit and must be issued by an insurance company licensed to operate in Türkiye.
Who needs it
Anyone applying for a residence permit — or an extension of one — must include proof of valid health coverage in the application file. For most applicants this is provided by a private health insurance policy.
The policy is issued in the applicant's own name. If you are applying as a family, each member needs a separate policy, children included.
- Short-term residence permit applicants
- Family residence permit applicants
- Student residence permit applicants
- Anyone extending an existing permit
What the policy must satisfy
A policy that fails these conditions will cause your application to be returned as incomplete, which is the single most common avoidable delay.
- Issued by an insurance company licensed to operate in Türkiye
- Covers the full duration of the residence permit you are requesting
- Issued in your name and consistent with your passport details
- Meets the minimum coverage requirements currently in force
How this differs from Turkish public insurance (GSS)
In some situations Turkish public health insurance (GSS) also counts as valid coverage. However, eligibility requires a continuous period of prior residence in Türkiye, so for most first-time applicants private health insurance is the only workable option.
Even if you are eligible for GSS, it is worth comparing its contributions and coverage against a private policy. Tell us your situation and we will tell you which one makes sense.
Getting your policy through Polisigorta
We compare residence permit policies from several insurers and recommend the one that fits your case. Once issued, the policy reaches you as a PDF that you attach directly to your application file.
Everything is handled remotely — there is no office to visit. Your passport details and the permit duration you are requesting are enough. You can write to us in English, Arabic, Russian, German or Turkish.
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance mandatory for a residence permit in Türkiye?
Yes. Proof of valid health coverage is required for both new residence permit applications and extensions. For most applicants this is met with a private health insurance policy.
How long must the policy be valid for?
It must cover the entire duration of the permit you are requesting. If you are applying for a two-year permit, your coverage must span two years — this can also be arranged by extending a one-year policy.
How quickly can I get the policy?
When your details are complete the policy is usually issued the same day and sent to you as a PDF. If your appointment is close, tell us and we will prioritise it.
I am over 65 — can I still get insured?
Yes, though acceptance terms and premiums differ for older age groups and not every insurer writes policies at every age. Tell us your age and we will find a company that accepts it.
What if my policy is rejected?
If the migration authority does not accept your policy because it fails the requirements, we issue a compliant one at no extra cost. The goal is that your application is never returned over paperwork.
Health Insurance for a Turkish Residence Permit
Mandatory health insurance for residence permit applications in Türkiye: who needs it, what the policy must cover, and how to get one. Same-day policy, fully remote.