Healthcare in Turkey

Healthcare system in Turkey primarily relies on a network of public healthcare institutions, where the state serves as the primary healthcare provider. This network encompasses public hospitals, training and research hospitals, university hospitals, and clinics administered by local authorities. However, private hospitals, services within university hospitals, polyclinics, and independently practicing doctors also offer healthcare services. It’s worth noting that the preference for private healthcare services is increasing, although both public and private healthcare entities fall under MoH regulation.

The majority of the Turkish population, which includes the active workforce, retirees, and their dependents, is covered by Social Security Insurance (SSI). Private insurance, on the other hand, is limited to a minority of the population. SSI health insurance covers almost all treatments available in public healthcare facilities, with the exception of non-essential procedures like cosmetic surgery. Emergency services at private healthcare institutions are also covered for insured individuals under SSI.

Digitalization has made significant strides in Turkey’s healthcare system, particularly with the introduction of the e-Pulse (e-Nabız) personal health record system in 2015. This system operates under the legal framework of Personal Health Data Regulation No. 30808 and MoH Circular No. 2016/6. e-Pulse aims to empower citizens by granting them access to and control over their personal health records, aligning with the principles outlined in Article 20 of the Turkish Constitution.

Through e-Pulse, individuals, healthcare professionals, and authorized third parties can access patient health information and medical histories, while individuals have the option to request amendments or deletions of their health data. Turkey has also gained prominence as a destination for medical and health tourism, ranking among the top 10 global destinations in this regard, according to the American Journal of Medicine. The country’s attractiveness in this field is driven by affordability and safety. Various laws and regulations, such as the Law on the Method of Execution of Medicine and Medical Sciences No.

1219, the Fundamental Law on Healthcare Services No. 3359, the Regulation Regarding International Medical Tourism and Tourist Health (Health Regulation), along with bilateral agreements, govern medical services and health tourism.The Health Regulation, outlined in Article 1, sets out the minimum standard rules for international health services and authorizes health institutions and intermediary bodies involved in these healthcare activities. It also stipulates the criteria and requirements for obtaining standard licenses for companies offering international health tourism services.