In Turkey basic state healthcare is subsidised for taxpayers – but there is no reciprocal agreement in place for foreigners and so to access the healthcare system in Turkey you will have to pay.  You have two options, you can either pay as you go or you can get health insurance in place.  The latter is certainly the more favourable option as it allows you to have peace of mind that you will have the care you need should you fall ill no matter what the problem/illness is.

The only trouble with health insurance is that it is expensive!  Our advice is to shop around – you may get a better deal locally in Turkey than you can get from an international policy…so do your research and get yourself covered.  The next thing you need to think about is actually accessing the potential facilities that you will need.  In the more built up, populated and international areas there are clinics that offer a whole host of services and facilities – and it’s safe to say that somewhere in Turkey there will be the doctor you need, no matter what your ailment!  But that won’t help you if you’re in Alanya and the doctor is in Istanbul!  In other words, no matter where you think about moving to within Turkey, do your research into the local clinics and hospitals and see what level they are at.  Will you be well looked after in the event of an emergency for example – or if you have a protracted illness that requires long-term care?

The final word to mention when it comes to healthcare in Turkey is that nursing standards are not the same.  Most general and basic caring duties are expected to be carried out by family members in Turkey.  Yes nurses are on hand to administer medication etc., but bathing, changing sheets and so on are all duties that the family usually handles in Turkey.  So, you need to work on building up a good network of friends once you move so that if any of you fall ill you can all take it in turns to support each other.