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Türkiye: Healthcare system

Türkiye’s health system includes family medicine, state and university hospitals, and a private sector. This chapter explains simply how it works.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, a three-level pyramid of light: clinic, hospital, research hospital.
Figure 1.Three levels of care in Türkiye.

01Short answer

Healthcare in Türkiye is run by the Ministry of Health and funded mainly through the General Health Insurance (GSS) of the Social Security Institution (SGK). The first level is family doctors in family health centres (ASM). The second and third levels are state, training-and-research, city and university hospitals; complex diseases such as leukaemia are usually treated at the third level. Private hospitals with an SGK contract also see patients, but may charge an extra fee. Appointments are booked through MHRS, and results are kept in e-Nabız.

02Simple explanation

The family doctor is the first step.

University and training-and-research hospitals treat leukaemia.

SGK / GSS is the main payer.

03Scientific explanation

System: the WHO European Observatory’s Türkiye profile describes the Health Transformation Programme from 2003 and broad population coverage through General Health Insurance.

Digital system: the e-Nabız personal health record brings tests, prescriptions and discharge summaries together.

04What happens in the body?

Levels

Family health centre → state hospital → training-and-research, city or university hospital. Haematology departments are mostly at the third level.

Booking

MHRS lets you choose a doctor and hospital. University hospitals sometimes allow direct registration.

On a dark navy background, a phone with a calling glow and a calendar.
Figure 3.Book by phone or online.

Digital records

e-Nabız shows tests, imaging results and prescriptions; you can use them for a second opinion too.

On a dark navy background, a blank health card and a phone.
Figure 2.Results in a digital record.

Private sector

Private hospitals can work under contract with SGK; then you may be charged an extra fee (ilave ücret) that SGK does not cover. Ask for a written estimate in advance.

05Your path through the system in four steps

From family doctor to specialist.

Family doctor — First check.1Family doctorFirst check.
MHRS — Booking.2MHRSBooking.
Referral — To hospital.3ReferralTo hospital.
e-Nabız — Results in one place.4e-NabızResults in one place.
ClarityYou know where to go.
TimeLess waiting.
ControlDocuments at hand.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
LevelsFamily health centre → state hospital → training-and-research, city or university hospital. Haematology departments are mostly at the third level.
BookingMHRS lets you choose a doctor and hospital. University hospitals sometimes allow direct registration.
Digital recordse-Nabız shows tests, imaging results and prescriptions; you can use them for a second opinion too.
Private sectorPrivate hospitals can work under contract with SGK; then you may be charged an extra fee (ilave ücret) that SGK does not cover. Ask for a written estimate in advance.

07Key terms

SGK
Social Security Institution.
GSS
General Health Insurance.
ASM
Family health centre.
MHRS
Central appointment system.

08Key points

  • Family doctor first.
  • Leukaemia at the third level.
  • SGK is the main payer.
  • Book via MHRS.
  • Results in e-Nabız.

09Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner use GSS?

Some foreigners legally resident in Türkiye can be covered by GSS; check the conditions with SGK.

Is a university hospital better?

For complex cases, university and training-and-research hospitals have wide experience; the choice depends on the situation.

How much will a private hospital cost?

It depends on the service and the contract; ask for a written estimate.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can a foreigner use GSS?

  2. Is a university hospital better?

  3. How much will a private hospital cost?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye. Official website
  2. Social Security Institution of Türkiye (SGK). General health insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası, in Turkish)
  3. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. Aile hekimliği (in Turkish)
  4. Ministry of Health of Türkiye. e-Nabız personal health record
  5. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (WHO). Türkiye: health system information and resources
  6. Government of the Netherlands. Standard health insurance
  7. Zorginstituut Nederland (National Health Care Institute). Official website
  8. ZorgkaartNederland. Find care providers (in Dutch)
  9. Hematologie Nederland. Official website (in Dutch)
  10. HOVON (Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Foundation). Official website
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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