Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Istanbul, Turkey

"It's is essential that you have health care insurance. Axa as far as I know is the only company that will insure you over the age of 70. This is only possible if you had had a policy with them from I believe 65 years old," mentioned one expat in Istanbul.

"Istanbul, offers a wide range of healthcare services, including both public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. The city is known for its high-quality medical facilities, well-trained healthcare professionals, and advanced medical technologies. Public hospitals in Istanbul provide affordable healthcare services to both residents and visitors, while private hospitals offer more specialized care and personalized services, often catering to medical tourists. In addition to general healthcare services, Istanbul is home to several specialized medical facilities, such as oncology centers, cardiovascular hospitals, and orthopedic clinics. The city also boasts a number of dental clinics, eye hospitals, and cosmetic surgery centers, offering various treatments and procedures at competitive prices. Istanbul's healthcare services are supported by a strong network of emergency services, including ambulances, emergency rooms, and urgent care centers. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, providing prescription and over-the-counter medications. The city's healthcare system is continuously improving, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and medical education. Istanbul's healthcare services are increasingly becoming a popular choice for medical tourists seeking high-quality care at affordable prices," commented one expat who moved to Istanbul, Turkey.

"Medical services in Istanbul, are generally of high quality, with a mix of public and private healthcare facilities available. The city is home to numerous well-equipped hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, many of which have internationally trained and English-speaking staff. Istanbul also boasts several prestigious medical universities, contributing to a skilled workforce in the healthcare sector. While public hospitals provide affordable care, they can be crowded and have longer waiting times. On the other hand, private hospitals offer more personalized care and shorter waiting times but can be more expensive. Overall, Istanbul's medical services are considered reliable and efficient, with many facilities catering to medical tourists seeking specialized treatments and procedures," said one expat living in Istanbul.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Istanbul, can be considered relatively affordable compared to some other countries, particularly for those with private health insurance. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and residents, but it can be crowded and may not offer the same level of service as private healthcare providers. Private healthcare facilities in Istanbul are known for their high-quality services and modern equipment, but their costs can be higher than public hospitals. However, these costs are still generally lower than those in countries like the United States. Health insurance plans are available at various price points, depending on the coverage and provider, but overall, they are considered reasonably priced. Expats and foreigners may opt for international health insurance plans, which can be more expensive but offer more comprehensive coverage," said one expat.

"Emergency services in Istanbul, are similar to those in other major cities, providing assistance in cases of medical emergencies, fires, and police matters. To call for an ambulance, you would need to dial the emergency number, which is 112. This number connects you to the emergency medical services, and operators are available to assist you in both Turkish and English. Once you provide the necessary information, an ambulance will be dispatched to your location to provide medical assistance and transport to a hospital if needed," mentioned one expat in Istanbul.

"There are several hospitals near where I live. These however are private ones. I myself use Baskent University hospital, which I have found very good. Also their prices are more reasonable than some of the others. The care I received there has been first class. Also there is no long waiting time if you require an operation. As for emergency services, my wife received treatment with only a short wait to see a doctor, apart from that I cannot say," commented one expat who moved to Istanbul, Turkey.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Istanbul. People in Istanbul have access to a wide range of medical specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, and orthopedic surgeons. For highly specialized medical care, people in Istanbul can go to one of the many private hospitals or clinics in the city, such as Memorial Hospital, Ac?badem Hospital, and American Hospital. These hospitals offer advanced medical treatments and technologies, as well as highly trained medical staff," remarked one expat in Istanbul.

"Before living in Istanbul I lived near Kemer with my going to Antalya for treatment. I have had two operations there and was well pleased with the medical services received," remarked one expat living in Istanbul.

"Yes, common prescription medications are widely available in Istanbul. The city has numerous pharmacies, known as "eczane" in Turkish, where you can find a variety of medications for various health conditions. Some of the pharmacies are open 24 hours, and many pharmacists speak English, making it easier for tourists and expats to communicate their needs. It is essential to have a prescription from a doctor for certain medications, especially for antibiotics and controlled substances. However, some over-the-counter medications can be purchased without a prescription. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication," said one expat living in Istanbul.

"Yes. You can purchase most prescription medicines in the pharmacy's that are easily found. In general you do not require a prescription except for dangerous class drugs like morphine. The cost of medicines are far cheaper than in various other Euopean countries. I have never had a problem buying medicines here in Turkey where I have lived for over 20 years," mentioned one expat in Istanbul.

"Istanbul has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care available. The city is home to many hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of services, ranging from general medical care to specialized treatments. The quality of care is generally high, with many of the medical facilities being well-equipped and staffed by experienced professionals. Additionally, there are a number of pharmacies and other health-related services available throughout the city. In general, medical care in Istanbul is of a high standard and is easily accessible," said one expat living in Istanbul.

"As a foreigner living in Istanbul, you will have access to public healthcare, but you will need to obtain a residence permit and register for the national health insurance system, called SGK. Once registered, you can access public hospitals and clinics, as well as some private facilities that have agreements with the SGK. The public healthcare system in Istanbul is generally of good quality, with well-trained medical professionals and modern facilities. However, it can be crowded, and waiting times may be long. Additionally, language barriers may be an issue, as not all healthcare providers speak English. Many foreigners living in Istanbul choose to purchase private health insurance to access private hospitals and clinics, where the quality of care is often higher, and English-speaking staff are more common," said one expat.

"I am an AI language model, and I do not have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the experiences people have had with the local healthcare system in Istanbul during the pandemic. During the pandemic, people in Istanbul have had mixed experiences with the local healthcare system. Some have praised the healthcare workers for their dedication and hard work in treating COVID-19 patients, while others have faced challenges in accessing healthcare services due to the high demand and overwhelmed hospitals. The Turkish government has taken various measures to improve the healthcare system, such as increasing the number of intensive care units and providing free treatment for COVID-19 patients. However, some people have reported difficulties in getting tested for the virus, long waiting times, and a lack of clear communication from healthcare providers. Overall, the experiences of people in Istanbul during the pandemic have varied, with some appreciating the efforts of healthcare workers and others facing challenges in accessing healthcare services," wrote an expat living in Istanbul.