Healthcare and Insurance for Au Pairs in Turkey
Everything You Need to Know About Medical Coverage
Turkey’s healthcare system is considered one of the most developed in the world. The country has more than 2,000 hospitals and countless private clinics where you can receive treatment without long waiting times. In state hospitals, it can be a little more challenging to secure an appointment, but it is usually possible within 10 days. If you are flexible about the hospital’s location, you can often find an appointment within just 3 days. Private clinics and hospitals typically allow you to book a same-day appointment.
Health insurance is one of the most important considerations before coming to Turkey, in fact, before traveling to any country. Many au pairs and even tourists arrive without confirming whether their health insurance is valid in Turkey. We have seen situations where, for example, an au pair playing with children falls and is injured. When seeking treatment, they may find that the hospital does not accept their foreign insurance or charges extremely high fees.
As a legal employee in Turkey, you are entitled to the same healthcare rights as Turkish citizens. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of these rights and therefore miss out on the benefits they provide.
As we explained in our other articles, “au pair” is not an officially recognized job title in Turkey. However, there is a legal pathway to work as a domestic helper, which the government recognizes. Through the official e-Government portal, host families can register an au pair as a household helper. This process provides you with a legal work permit.
Once you have a work permit as a household helper, the host family is required to pay your social security contributions, including health insurance premiums, to the government which is called SGK. This ensures that your stay in Turkey is fully legal and that you enjoy the same healthcare benefits as Turkish citizens.
Health Insurance Options for Au Pairs in Turkey
SGK (General Health Insurance)
Private Health Insurance
Complementary Health Insurance
Student Health Insurance
Staying Healthy and Protected: Insurance Choices for Au Pairs
If you would like to take your coverage a step further, you can consider purchasing after having SGK “tamamlayıcı saÄŸlık sigortası” (complementary health insurance). After you are enrolled in the national social security system (SGK), this optional insurance can be purchased for an annual fee. It covers treatment at private hospitals that have agreements with the insurer, often at no additional cost to you.
In short, Turkey offers a high standard of healthcare and a clear legal framework for au pairs who wish to work as household helpers. By securing proper registration through the e-Government portal and ensuring that your health insurance is valid, or enhanced with complementary coverage, you can enjoy peace of mind and access to excellent medical care throughout your stay. You can find more information about how to be a legal au pair in Turkey here. Preparing these essentials in advance allows you to focus on what truly matters: a rewarding cultural exchange and a safe, healthy experience in Turkey.