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Turkey Expat Health Insurance

The Republic of Turkey has the distinction of lying partly in Asia on the Anatolian peninsula, and partly in Europe in East Thrace. Home of the former Ottoman Empire, Turkey’s rich history is a blend of eastern and western culture, and today’s art, architecture, music and cuisine in Turkey are a reflection of these varied influences. Although it has long sought European Union membership and has several formal and informal links to the bloc, Turkey’s accession has been the subject of controversy. Turkey is the 17th largest economy in the world, with a rapidly growing industrial sector and tourism has increased dramatically in recent decades.

As an emerging market economy, Turkey’s health indicators are increasingly beginning to resemble that of developed western countries. Life expectancy is 72 years for Turkish males and 77 years for Turkish females. Annual per capita expenditure on health care is considerably lower than the European average at USD965 or about 6.7 percent of GDP. All Turks have access to free primary health care, although generally wealthier citizens opt for private care, often covered by Turkish health insurance. The Turkish Ministry of Health owns and operates about two thirds of the country’s hospitals. The WHO has two collaborating centres for research in Ankara, focused on immunisation and family planning. Turkey’s health care workforce is understaffed relative to European standards, with 14.5 doctors and 18.9 nurses and midwives per 10,000 population. Brain drain is a serious concern as many talented health care professionals emigrate in search of more lucrative opportunities overseas.

Turkey Health Care and Insurance

Communicable diseases make up a declining proportion of years of life lost in Turkey, according to World Health Organisation figures. Turkey’s rate of HIV/AIDS infection is 1 per 1,000 adults, just one fourth of the European average. Tuberculosis affects 41 of every 100,000 Turks, which is about one fifth of the global average. There have been a number of outbreaks of influenza over the past decade, as well as a few cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in 2006. There have been no WHO health alerts since then. Turkey increasingly suffers from non-communicable diseases associated with affluence, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Over half of Turkish men smoke and nearly one fifth of women smoke.

Thanks to focused investment in public infrastructure, Turks enjoy nearly universal access to sources of improved drinking water and in recent decades, access to sanitation facilities has improved dramatically, especially in rural areas. This has also helped to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases in Turkey. Improvement in the provision of health care in Turkey has seen great gains in access to care to citizens regardless of location or socioeconomic status, although the best care is provided via private clinics usually funded by Turkey health insurance. The Turkish Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the WHO, has come up with a strategic agenda for the years 2008 – 2013. The six main objectives are: improve the provision of public health; focus on policy development, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector; promote primary and family health care; health emergency preparedness; surveillance and response to communicable disease outbreaks; and reduce impact of non-communicable diseases, especially traffic accidents.

Turkey Travel Advice

Full of natural beauty and historic artifacts with a Mediterranean climate, Turkey has much to offer the tourist. And as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, it is an increasingly attractive destination for business travellers and expatriates. But before making a visit to Turkey, a few precautions may be necessary to reduce health risks. Visiting a travel health clinic in your home country to update routine immunisations, including hepatitis and rabies, should be done four to six weeks before travel. Malaria is also a risk in certain southeastern parts of Turkey, although most areas frequented by tourists are safe.

In fact, the greatest health risks in Turkey are the same as those for travellers anywhere. Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting can be prevented by drinking only bottled water and avoiding raw or undercooked foods. Over the counter medication can usually treat acute cases, although persistent symptoms may require a physician’s care. Traffic accidents are also a major problem in Turkey, where traffic drives on the right. Always wear a seat belt, never drive after drinking alcohol and drive defensively, especially on unfamiliar roads. Although primary care is provided free of charge to Turkish citizens, there are limitations and Turkey’s health insurance may not provide comprehensive care to overseas visitors or expatriates.

Turkey Expat Health Insurance

Due to the low cost and high quality of care, Turkey is increasingly popular as a destination for medical tourism, for both cosmetic and required surgery and treatment. Care in private clinics in major urban areas is on par with that in the most developed countries in the world. Paying out of pocket for treatment can be much more affordable than in more developed countries, but should a serious medical emergency occur, bills can become very expensive, particularly if they involve medical air evacuation.

Should the unthinkable happen and a medical emergency occur to you, your colleagues or your loved ones in Turkey, expat health insurance can ensure you get the best care. For peace of mind when you are travelling or relocating to Turkey, an international health insurance plan can ensure that bureaucracy, bills and red tape do not interfere with you getting the best care possible.

There are several international health care plans on the market, and choosing the best option can be difficult. A trusted advisor like Global Health Insurance can make sure that you select the best plan for your family whether you are traveling through or moving to Turkey. Expat health insurance plans on offer can include alternative, dental, maternity and even air evacuation care, the experienced team at Global Health Insurance can make sure your needs are taken care of. Our representatives are available 24 hours per day. Contact Global Health Insurance today for more information.