Turkey is a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and has a population of over 82 million people. Its healthcare system has undergone significant reform in recent years and now offers universal coverage to its citizens. In this article, we will answer some common questions about finding and registering with a local doctor in Turkey, paying for doctor’s appointments, and transferring medical documents from abroad.
Finding and Registering with a Local Doctor
Finding a local doctor in Turkey is relatively easy. There are several ways to do so, including:
Through the Social Security Institution
If you are employed in Turkey, you can register with the Social Security Institution (SGK). The SGK provides health insurance to employees and their dependents. You can choose a doctor from the list of physicians affiliated with SGK.
Through Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, you can choose a doctor from the list of physicians affiliated with your insurance company. Private health insurance is not mandatory in Turkey, but it can provide additional benefits such as access to private hospitals and shorter waiting times.
Through the National Health System
Turkey has a national health system, which provides free healthcare to all citizens. You can choose a doctor from the list of physicians affiliated with the national health system. However, waiting times for appointments can be longer than with private health insurance.
To register with a doctor in Turkey, you will need to provide your identification card or passport, and your health insurance card (if applicable).
Paying for Doctor’s Appointments
In Turkey, doctor’s appointments can be paid for in several ways:
Through Social Security Institution
If you are registered with the Social Security Institution, your doctor’s appointments will be covered by the institution. However, you may be required to pay a small co-pay.
Through Private Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, your doctor’s appointments will be covered by your insurance company. However, you may be required to pay a deductible or co-pay.
Out-of-Pocket
If you are not registered with the Social Security Institution and do not have private health insurance, you can pay for doctor’s appointments out-of-pocket. The cost of appointments will vary depending on the doctor and the location, but generally range from 50 to 200 Turkish lira ($7 to $27 USD).
Transferring Medical Documents
If you need to transfer medical documents to a doctor in Turkey from abroad, there are several options available to you:
Contact the Doctor’s Office Directly
You can contact the doctor’s office directly and ask for instructions on how to transfer your medical documents. They may ask you to send the documents by email or fax.
Contact the Hospital
If you are transferring medical documents related to a hospitalization or procedure, you can contact the hospital where the procedure took place and ask for instructions on how to transfer your medical documents.
Contact Your Embassy
If you are a foreign national, you can contact your embassy in Turkey for assistance in transferring your medical documents. They may be able to provide guidance on the process and help you communicate with the doctor’s office or hospital.
Finding and registering with a local doctor in Turkey is relatively easy, with options available through the Social Security Institution, private health insurance, and the national health system. Doctor’s appointments can be paid for through social security, private health insurance, or out-of-pocket. If you need to transfer medical documents from abroad, you can contact the doctor’s office or hospital directly, or seek assistance from your embassy. With these options available, accessing healthcare in Turkey can be a straightforward process.