Healthcare
How the system works — public vs private, pharmacies, insurance, emergencies.
Written by the Smileys team, not professional advice. These guides explain how things work in practice; they are not legal, immigration, tax or medical advice, and rules and fees change. Where a guide links official sources, those set the current requirements.
Health Insurance for Your Residence Permit: What Is Accepted in Türkiye
Which health insurance the migration authority accepts for a residence permit — Turkish private policies, social security agreements, SGK — the circular a private policy must meet, and who is exempt.
Links official sources Last reviewed 28 September 2026
How Healthcare Actually Works in Istanbul
Istanbul healthcare for expats: when to use a pharmacy instead of a doctor, how to book a public hospital slot through MHRS, what private care actually costs, and who to call in an emergency.
Links official sources Last reviewed 30 September 2026