Best Health Insurance Companies for Foreigners in Turkey in 2025

Living in Turkey in 2025 as a foreigner requires more than just a visa—it means understanding the healthcare system and having valid health insurance. Whether you’re applying for a residence permit, studying, starting a business, or retiring here, insurance isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s your safety net.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare top insurance providers in Turkey like AXA, Allianz, Anadolu, Zurich, Bupa Acıbadem, and Cigna Global. You’ll get details about coverage, pricing, service quality, and how to register online in minutes.

Why Health Insurance is Essential for Expats in Turkey

Legal and Practical Reasons for Expat Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all foreigners applying for residency in Turkey—short-term, student, work, or long-term permits. It’s not an optional add-on, it’s part of your immigration paperwork.

Without valid insurance, your application for residence can be delayed or rejected. In emergencies or even regular doctor visits, uninsured individuals may face high out-of-pocket costs at private clinics.

Turkish health insurance gives you peace of mind by covering:

Doctor consultations

Emergency treatments

Hospital admissions

Prescription medications

Diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood tests)

It’s a safety requirement, but also a smart investment in your well-being abroad.

Residence Permit Requirements and Insurance

According to Turkey’s Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM), accepted health policies must:

Be from a licensed Turkish insurer

Cover basic outpatient and inpatient treatment

Last the entire duration of your stay

Be officially signed and stamped (PDFs accepted)

The most common insurance type is "Yabancı Sağlık Sigortası" (Foreign Health Insurance), tailored for residency applications.

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Company

Key Health Coverage Needs

Before choosing a policy, consider:

Do you want just a basic policy to fulfill legal needs?

Do you have chronic conditions or need access to specialists?

Are dental and eye care important to you?

Do you travel outside of Turkey frequently?

Some providers like AXA or Anadolu offer affordable basic plans for permit purposes, while others like Cigna and Bupa offer international, premium-level coverage.

Factors That Affect Pricing

Prices vary depending on:

Age (younger = cheaper)

Duration of coverage (1-year vs. multi-year)

Level of coverage (basic vs. comprehensive)

Location (Istanbul and Ankara can cost more)

Sample prices:

Ages 18–25: 900–1000 TRY/year

Ages 45–55: 1500–2500 TRY/year

Ages 60+: up to 4000–6000 TRY/year

Always check for hidden fees or services not included in base plans.

Language Support and Service Quality

Dealing with insurance in a foreign country can be tough—unless your insurer supports English, Arabic, or your native language. Cigna Global, Allianz, and Bupa offer multilingual support, which is a lifesaver when filing claims or asking questions.

Also, make sure they offer:

E-signed PDFs for fast submission

Online renewal options

WhatsApp/email support

Comparison of the Top Health Insurance Companies in Turkey (2025)

AXA Sigorta

Coverage and Benefits

AXA is one of Turkey’s most trusted insurance providers. It offers health insurance policies specifically tailored for foreigners and is fully recognized by Turkish immigration authorities.

Typical AXA policies include:

General and specialist doctor visits

Emergency services

Basic surgeries and hospital stays

Diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests

Some prescription medications

You can buy the policy online and receive a signed PDF certificate for your residence permit application.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable plans for young adults and students

Fast digital issuance and support

Wide network of hospitals across Turkey

Accepted by migration offices for residence permits

Cons:

Limited English-language customer service

Chronic illnesses often require additional or premium plans

Allianz Sigorta

Coverage and Benefits

Allianz is a global insurance brand with strong operations in Turkey. It offers flexible plans for expats, including options that work with Turkey’s public health insurance (SGK).

Key features:

Outpatient and inpatient treatment

Emergency coverage

Support for chronic conditions (with premium plans)

Application through their website or mobile app

Pros and Cons

Pros:

High service quality and mobile support

Coverage accepted both locally and internationally

Optional integration with public healthcare (SGK)

Cons:

More expensive than AXA or Anadolu

May include services not needed for temporary residents

Anadolu Sigorta

Coverage and Benefits

Established in 1925, Anadolu is one of Turkey’s oldest insurance companies. It offers low-cost health insurance plans approved by immigration offices, especially suitable for young expats or students.

Coverage includes:

Basic medical services

Emergency treatments

Hospital access

Limited diagnostics

Pros and Cons

Pros:

One of the cheapest options for legal residency insurance

Approved for Turkish residence permit applications

Offers quick online application and PDF delivery

Cons:

Not suitable for chronic disease coverage

Fewer language options in customer service

Zurich Sigorta

Coverage and Benefits

Zurich, a reputable global insurer, also operates in Turkey. It offers mid- to high-tier plans for expats, with a focus on quality service and quick claims.

Coverage includes:

Emergency care and ambulance services

Inpatient and outpatient visits

Diagnostic services

Consultation with specialists

Pros and Cons

Pros:

International brand with reliable service

Good mobile and web support

Recognized by Turkish immigration

Cons:

Slightly more expensive than local Turkish companies

Limited Arabic or Russian support

Bupa Acıbadem Sigorta

Coverage and Benefits

Bupa, through its acquisition of Acıbadem Sigorta, offers premium coverage plans focused on families, business travelers, and long-term expats. It partners with Acıbadem hospitals, known for their quality.

What’s included:

Full access to Acıbadem Hospital network

Emergency and planned procedures

Chronic illness care

Premium maternity and pediatric services

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Best-in-class healthcare access

Strong brand reputation

Ideal for families or long-term residents

Cons:

Among the most expensive providers

May offer more than what’s needed for basic residence permits

Cigna Global

Coverage and Benefits

Cigna Global is ideal for expats who live internationally or travel frequently. It’s not a Turkish company, but it offers global coverage including Turkey.

Plans can include:

Worldwide emergency and routine care

Dental, vision, maternity (with add-ons)

Chronic condition treatment

Global hospital access

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Full international health insurance

24/7 English-language support

Fully customizable plans

Cons:

Higher cost than local insurance

May not always be accepted for Turkish residence permits without confirmation

Summary Table: Coverage, Pricing & Support

Which Insurance is Best for You? (Use Case Guide)

Students and Newcomers

If you’re applying for a short-term residence permit or you’re a university student in Turkey, you probably want the most affordable and legally accepted policy.

✅ Top Picks:

AXA Sigorta: Fast and recognized by immigration offices.

Anadolu Sigorta: Cheapest for young adults and students.

These policies fulfill the legal requirement for residence permits but offer only basic medical services, which is usually enough for newcomers.

Families and Long-Term Expats

Families, retirees, and anyone planning to stay long-term in Turkey should consider broader health coverage. This is especially true if you want access to private hospitals, better diagnostics, and services like maternity or pediatrics.

✅ Top Picks:

Allianz Sigorta: Great for integrated plans with public SGK.

Bupa Acıbadem: Excellent coverage at premium medical centers.

You’ll pay more, but get much more reliable access to healthcare for you and your loved ones.

Business Professionals and Frequent Travelers

If you're traveling between countries or managing a business from Turkey, a more flexible, international plan makes sense. You’ll want coverage not just in Turkey but wherever you go.

✅ Top Picks:

Cigna Global: Internationally recognized, customizable plans.

Allianz: Combines global and local support options.

These plans are higher priced, but perfect for those who want global peace of mind.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Health Insurance in Turkey

Documents Required

To purchase a health insurance policy in Turkey, you will typically need:

Passport (copy of ID page)

Turkish address (can be temporary)

Phone number and email address

Passport-size photo (some companies request this)

Where and How to Apply

Visit the insurance company’s website or contact them via WhatsApp.

Choose your plan – duration, age group, and type of coverage.

Fill out the online form with your personal information.

Make the payment via credit card or bank transfer.

Receive the PDF document – make sure it’s signed and e-stamped.

How to Use Your Insurance

For residence permit applications: Print and submit the signed PDF with your documents.

For doctor visits or emergencies: Present your policy number at participating clinics or hospitals.

Always ask the clinic if they are part of the insurer’s network before scheduling.

Key Tips Before Buying Turkish Health Insurance

Public vs. Private Insurance

SGK (public insurance): Only available if you’re officially employed or self-employed in Turkey. Covers state hospitals and some private clinics.

Private insurance: Required for residency applications. Offers faster service, private hospital access, and online support.

For expats, private insurance is the fastest and most reliable route—especially when applying for or renewing a residence permit.

How to Read and Understand Your Insurance Policy

Check the coverage period – it must match your residence permit duration.

Review exclusions – many policies don’t cover pre-existing or chronic conditions unless upgraded.

Look for the government-recognized signature and e-stamp – without these, your policy may be rejected.

Compare hospital lists – some policies limit you to specific networks.

Real Expat Reviews About Health Insurers in Turkey

Positive Experiences

“I bought AXA health insurance online. The document arrived within an hour, and the migration office accepted it without questions.”
— Karim, Student, Istanbul

“Cigna covers my medical visits in Turkey and when I travel to France. It’s expensive but worth every cent.”
— Marta, Entrepreneur, Antalya

“Allianz helped me get family coverage. Their app lets me book appointments and check claims easily.”
— Dmitri, Long-term resident, Izmir

Common Issues to Watch Out For

Insurance companies that don’t provide signed/e-stamped PDFs—this leads to rejection at immigration.

Delays in getting documents, especially with small or lesser-known agencies.

Miscommunication if the company lacks English-speaking support.

Tip: Always use reputable providers, and confirm with Turkish immigration that your policy type is accepted.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you're living in or planning to move to Turkey in 2025, having the right health insurance is not just about fulfilling legal requirements—it’s about securing your health and peace of mind.

Quick Recap:

AXA & Anadolu: Best for budget-conscious expats and students.

Allianz & Zurich: Ideal balance between service and price.

Bupa & Cigna: Premium global protection with top-tier benefits.

Don’t rush. Compare plans, read the fine print, and choose a policy that matches your needs—both for today and tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need health insurance to apply for a residence permit in Turkey?

Yes, it’s mandatory. Your application will be denied without valid, government-recognized health insurance.

2. What’s the cheapest legal health insurance in Turkey?

Anadolu and AXA offer basic plans starting from 900 TRY/year for young adults (ages 18–25).

3. Can I buy Turkish health insurance online?

Absolutely. Most companies offer fully online services and send you the signed PDF via email or WhatsApp.

4. Will my insurance cover chronic diseases?

Only if you buy a comprehensive or premium plan. Basic policies usually exclude chronic conditions.

5. Can I use international insurance like Cigna or Bupa for a residence permit?

Sometimes, but it must meet Turkish requirements and be accepted by the local migration office. It’s safer to use a local provider for legal applications.