Best Health Insurance Providers in Turkey for Expats: Top 10 Companies Compared

Looking for the best health insurance companies in Turkey for expats? The top providers include AXA, Bupa Global, Allianz Care, Cigna, William Russell, VUMI, IMG, NOW Health, DavidShield, and GeoBlue. These insurers offer flexible international plans with wide-ranging benefits to meet the unique healthcare needs of expats living in or moving to Turkey.

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Whether you’re relocating to Istanbul, Antalya, or anywhere else in Turkey, securing reliable health coverage is essential. This Pacific Prime guide on international health insurance in Turkey compares the top 10 international insurance companies offering comprehensive plans with options such as inpatient and outpatient care, emergency evacuation, maternity, and dental coverage to help you make an informed decision with confidence.

International Health Insurance Options for Expats in Turkey

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Top health insurance plans feature high flexibility and comprehensiveness in coverage— medical evacuation and evacuation, inpatient and outpatient treatments, options for dental and maternity, etc. Expats can rest assured they can secure cost-effective health insurance for their healthcare needs.

The top 10 insurance companies in Turkey for expats are:

AXA for Expats in Turkey: Flexible International Coverage with Global Reach

With a global presence spanning 50 countries and serving over 95 million clients for more than five decades, AXA stands out as an excellent option for expatriates in Turkey seeking comprehensive and customizable insurance coverage.

AXA offers a range of international insurance plans— Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, Prestige Plus. These plans feature annual benefit limits from $160,000 to $8,000,000, catering to various needs and budgets. 

AXA’s international health insurance plans are known for their:

  • Second medical opinion
  • Evacuation and repatriation coverage
  • Emergency care
  • Cancer treatments
  • CT, PET, and MRI scans
  • Telehealth service
  • Mind Health Support
  • Inpatient hospital charges and surgeries

The following chart compares the major differences in benefits of the five AXA plans side by side to better illustrate what coverage you are paying for at each tier:

AXA’s International Insurance Plans Comparison

Benefits Coverage

Foundation Standard Comprehensive Prestige

Prestige Plus

Annual Plan Limit US $160,000 US $1,600,000 US $2,400,000 US $3,200,000 US $8,000,000
Outpatient Treatment, Tests, and Vaccinations Optional Optional

Outpatient Drugs and Dressings Optional Optional

Chronic Conditions

Eye Tests and Prescription Glasses

Routine Pregnancy Care

Annual Health Checks

It is important to note that all of AXA’s international health plans do NOT cover pre-existing conditions, so if it is a major consideration factor for you, you might opt for other insurance companies instead.

Bupa Global: Trusted Family Health Insurance with Digital Support in Turkey for Expats

Bupa is considered one of the best insurance companies because of its long-established brand name, dedicated customer service, and 24/7 medical help through Bupa’s Global Virtual Care, a leading telehealth platform capable of offering personalized treatment through technology.

Bupa is reputed for its excellent benefit provision across all plan tiers (Major Medical, Select, Premier, Elite), including:

Bupa is one of the most popular choices for families due to the coverage for two children under 10 at no additional costs, meaning your children’s medical expenses are also calculated and covered under your policy, saving a decent amount of neonatal and potential pediatric medical expenses.

The table below shows the annual plan limit and the coverage of Bupa’s international health insurance for expats:

Bupa International Health Insurance Comparison

Benefits Coverage

Major Medical Select Premier

Elite

Annual Plan Limit GBP £2,500,000 GBP £1,250,000 GBP £1,875,000 GBP £3,750,000
Private Hospital Room Coverage

Medical Repatriation 

Medical Evacuation 

Outpatient Prescriptions

Health Checks

Maternity

Dental & Optical

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Allianz Care: Worldwide Coverage with Extensive Medical Network in Turkey for Expats

Allianz Care is a world-leading health insurance provider with an extensive network of over 1.9 million medical providers. The international health insurance plan has three tiers of coverage, namely Allianz Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro

The Allianz Care plan provides the least benefit with limited coverage while the Allianz Care Pro plan is generous in its coverage and benefit provision catered to expats in Turkey. The plan offers a maximum plan limit of US $2,500,000 to $5,000,000 annually.

Here are the benefits and coverage shared across all Allianz Care plans:

  • Inpatient care
  • Oncology
  • Medical evacuation
  • Nursing at home
  • MyHealth Digital services
  • Second medical opinion service
  • Rehabilitation treatment
  • Emergency out-patient treatment
  • Expat assistance program
  • Travel Security services

High-tier plans typically offer enhanced coverage and benefits to policyholders. To give you an overview of what you can expect from the premiums you pay, here is a concise comparison of Allianz’s international health insurance plans.

Allianz Care Expat Health Insurance Plans Comparison

Benefits Coverage Care Plan Care Plus Plan Care Pro Plan
Maximum Plan Limit US $2,500,000 US $4,000,000 US $5,000,000
Type of Room Semi-Private Private Private
Inpatient / Day-Care

Oncology

Medical Evacuation

Preventive Surgery

US $40,500
Laser Eye Treatment

US $1,350
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment US $338 US $1,015 US $1,015

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Cigna: Customizable Global Plans with 24/7 Support in Turkey for Expats

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Cigna’s service stands out for two key reasons— a vast network of hospitals and doctors and round-the-clock customer support have earned Cigna high marks from many expats, who appreciate the convenience and professionalism of the service.

For international health coverage, Cigna structures its offerings into three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. While all tiers cover the same basic benefits, the extent of coverage varies by tier. Below is a brief comparison in terms of coverage and benefits of each tier:

Cigna Health Insurance Plans: Standard Medical Benefits

Benefits Coverage Silver Gold Platinum
Annual Limit Amount US $1,000,000 US $2,000,000 Unlimited
Inpatient Treatment

 

 

 

Accident and ER Treatment US $500 US $1,000 US $1,200
Advanced Medical Imaging US $10,000 US $15,000

Rehabilitation US $5,000 US $10,000

Ambulance Services

Out-of-Area Emergency Hospitalization US $100,000 US $250,000

Cigna provides expatriates with various deductible and cost-share options to effectively manage the premiums associated with their international health insurance plans. Below are the available choices for deductibles, cost-share percentages, and out-of-pocket maximums that can be selected:

  • Deductible: US $0, $375, $750, $1,500, $3,000, $7,500, $10,000
  • Cost-share after deductibles: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
  • Out-of-pocket maximum: US $2,000 or $5,000

William Russell: Personalized Coverage for Expats Living in Turkey

William Russell shines in delivering all-encompassing and adaptable global health coverage for foreign residents in Turkey. Their customer support stands out for its individualized approach, enabling expatriates to navigate their overseas healthcare journey with confidence.

The company’s international health plans offer extensive protection, encompassing a wide spectrum of medical services. These range from hospital stays and clinic visits to psychological care and medical examinations. All such expenses are reimbursed up to the maximum limit specified in the policy.

William Russell’s international health insurance will have coverage for all these expenses up to the policy limit. It has a total of four tiers: Bronze, Silver Lite, Silver, and Gold.

Below are the core insurance coverage for the four tiers:

Benefits Coverage

Bronze Silver Lite Silver

Gold

Annual Benefit Limit USD $1.5 million USD $1.5 million USD $2.5 million USD $5 million
Hospital Treatments
Advanced Diagnostic Tests
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Cancer Treatment
Lifetime Limit for Mental Health Treatment USD $50,000 USD $75,000 USD $100,000

VUMI for Expats in Turkey: Multi-Tier Plans with Dental, Maternity, and Vision Add-ons

VUMI has five different plan levels– Global Flex VIP Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total, each providing certain benefits up to the annual benefit limit. Expats in Turkey can also opt for maternity, routine dental, and optical coverage if necessary (subject to a waiting period).

Here’s a list showing the benefits of their respective plan levels:

  • Global Flex VIP Basic Plan: With an annual limit of US $3,000,000, the VIP Basic plan is the most affordable insurance option for expats in Turkey. It offers comprehensive inpatient coverage, with outpatient services after hospitalization or surgery. 
  • Global Flex VIP Standard Plan: With an annual limit of US $3,500,000, this plan offers step-up coverage from the Basic plan with optional wellness and optical benefits for an additional premium.
  • Global Flex VIP Superior Plan: With an annual limit of US $4,000,000, the Superior Plan has options for additional optical and maternity benefits. It also includes coverage for outpatient benefits like complementary therapies. 
  • Global Flex VIP Ultra Plan: With an annual limit of US $4,500,000, the Ultra plan includes routine dental coverage and maternity benefits. Optical benefits can be added as well. 
  • Global Flex VIP Total Plan: The Total Plan offers an annual limit of US $5,000,000. This plan includes the highest benefit limits and high coverage for dental and maternity benefits. 

IMG: International Plans Designed for Long-Term Expats in Turkey

IMG Health offers international medical coverage for expatriates in Turkey through a range of plans tiered Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers provide varying levels of protection, with lifetime limits reaching up to $8,000,000 per individual at the highest level.

Designed for expats and families on extended stays abroad, IMG’s international health plans provide comprehensive benefits within a non-renewable lifetime limit structure. This approach helps keep premiums affordable. Those planning permanent relocation might need to consider more long-term options.

IMG’s comprehensive coverage includes inpatient care, prescription coverage, cancer treatment, and medical emergency services. Additionally, depending on the selected plan level, you can choose to enhance your coverage by adding riders such as dental, vision, maternity, and even sports coverage.

NOW Health: Modular Health Insurance Plans with Broad Coverage for Expats in Turkey

NOW Health International offers expats in Turkey customizable international health insurance plans to fit their medical needs and budgets. They provide customer-focused services and an extensive worldwide provider network to allow hassle-free claims filing and multilingual customer support.

NOW Health International’s international health insurance plan, Worldcare, has four tiers– Essential, Advance, Excel, and Apex. Each plan varies in terms of coverage comprehensiveness and annual benefit limit, but you can find common core coverage such as inpatient coverage and evacuation.

Here is coverage for the plans respectively:

  • Essential: WorldCare Essential is the most affordable plan tailored for individuals who prioritize access to in-patient and day-patient healthcare when facing events where healthcare services are a must. Out-patient treatments are not covered, so you will have to pay an extra premium for that.
  • Advance: Worldcare Advance covers in-patient, day-patient, and out-patient treatments including GP and specialist appointments, physiotherapies, and alternative therapies. The annual benefit limit of the plan is US $3,000,000.
  • Excel: Worldcare Excel has coverage similar to Worldcare Advance, but with a higher annual benefit limit–  up to US $4,000,000. The insured can also enjoy routine and complex dental care after a nine-month waiting period.
  • Apex: This most comprehensive plan with high benefit limits of US $4,500,000 provides in-patient, day-patient, out-patient treatment, dental care, and routine maternity treatment (after a 12-month waiting period).

Note: On top of what was said above, you can further modify your policy with deductibles up to US $15,000, as well as out-patient per visit excess and co-insurance options for those who want to keep their premiums as low as possible.

DavidShield: Real-Time Claims with PassportCard Convenience for Expats in Turkey

The DavidShield Group is a prominent global private health insurance provider, offering coverage to clients across more than 150 countries. Through strategic partnerships with other international providers, they have built an extensive network of high-quality medical service providers worldwide.

Committed to exceptional customer service, DavidShield aims to simplify access to premium healthcare for its members through its subsidiary PassportCard. Their system eliminates the need for out-of-pocket expenses or claim form submissions, streamlining the healthcare experience.

The benefits of a PassportCard insurance plan are:

  1. Instant payouts: If you need to see a doctor abroad, dial the number on the back of your PassportCard. The system will calculate the costs instantly and transfer the money straight onto your card, which you can use like a normal debit card when accessing medical care.  
  2. No paperwork required: When settling a claim, PassportCard is the only insurer capable of doing it in real-time within minutes. You can eliminate the need for paperwork, follow-ups, and a lengthy claims process. Settling claims has never been simpler!
  3. Re-activation: To activate the PassportCard, all policyholders need to do is contact the insurer before going abroad to activate the policy for a set period. 

GeoBlue: U.S.-Backed Coverage with Worldwide Flexibility for Expats in Turkey

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GeoBlue features cashless appointments, paperless claims resolutions, and an extensive direct billing network, so expats in Turkey can freely choose a hospital and do not have to worry about paying large hospital bills upfront and facing financial pressure waiting for reimbursement.

Their international health insurance has two plan levels– Xplorer Essential and Xplorer Premier. The former provides minimal to no US coverage, while the latter provides worldwide coverage. The core benefits of the plans outside the US are:

  • Unlimited telemedicine visits
  • Optional dental and vision coverage
  • Immediate coverage of pre-existing conditions with proof of previous coverage
  • Inpatient drugs
  • Medical equipment
  • A waived deductible for prescriptions, office visits, and preventative care
  • Preventative care and examinations

Expats who secured insurance with GeoBlue automatically become their members and can gain exclusive access to their member services application available on Apple and Android. Members can:

  • Get a medical term and phrase glossary for common healthcare terms and phrases in multiple languages
  • Access to the provider directory which includes doctor profiles, preferred hospitals, contact information, and addresses
  • Use a medicine equivalent tool to help figure out what country-specific equivalent prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
  • Receive up-to-date news and safety information notifications for their locations

Xplorer Premier also provides US coverage for Americans to access healthcare back home:

Xplorer Plans USA Coverage Comparison

  Xplorer Essential w/ Add-on Xplorer Premier
Medical Maximum Benefit Amount (USD) $1,000,000 Unlimited
Coverage Duration within the United States (for US Citizens) Maximum of three trips per calendar year, 21 days per trip Capped at 9 months
Preventative Care within the USA Not Covered Yes
Ability to Travel to the USA for Treatment No Yes
Outpatient Prescription Drug Coverage (USD) $1,000 for prescriptions only related to emergency medical care, illness, and accidental injury $2,500 for Basic Benefit Package, $25,000 with Enhanced Prescription Upgrade
Birth Control Coverage in the USA Not Covered See plan outpatient drug limit
Inpatient Mental Health Benefits within the USA Not Covered In-network: 80%, Out-of-network: 60%
Outpatient Mental Health Benefits within the USA Not Covered In-network: 100% after $30 copay; Out-of-network: 60%
USA Benefits for Covered Pre-existing Condition (USD) $500 Unlimited
Co-pay for each USA In-Network Physician Office Visit (USD) $50 $30

Choosing the Right International Insurance Plan in Turkey

By understanding the top 10 insurance companies in Turkey, expats can navigate the world of health insurance with confidence knowing which company you think is the right choice for you by comparing the flexibility, comprehensiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the international health plans offered.

Insurance brokers play a crucial role in this process. They are uniquely positioned to compare plans across multiple insurers, providing valuable support with paperwork, claims, and renewals. This is why partnering with a reputable insurance broker like Pacific Prime can be beneficial.

With over two decades of industry experience, Pacific Prime‘s team of expert advisors can assist you in finding and comparing international health insurance options in Turkey. They can help you evaluate these insurers, allowing you to verify your initial impressions and make a well-informed choice.

To explore your options further, you can reach out to Pacific Prime’s team of expert advisors. Alternatively, you can start by using their online quote generator to obtain a no-obligation quote, giving you a starting point for your health insurance journey in Turkey.

You can also check out our top 10 insurance companies for expats in Switzerland and Chile if that is relevant to your expat journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners get health insurance in Turkey?

Expats in Turkey can apply for universal public health insurance to access public facilities; or private health care units through international/local private health insurance. Those who want to apply for public healthcare need to contact the closest Social Security center for registration.

What is the universal health insurance system in Turkey?

Turkey’s universal health insurance system is a system that covers the healthcare needs of nearly all citizens of the country. Public services are provided by the Ministry of Health, and private services are separately operated entities.

Is healthcare free in Turkey for foreigners?

Healthcare is free under the Turkish public health system, but you can expect to face long wait times and make out-of-pocket payments for certain prescribed medications and consultations. Through private healthcare, expats can access a lot more services and treatments.

Content Creator at Pacific Prime
Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
Eric Chung
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