SGK Universal Health Insurance System in Turkey

Turkey's universal health insurance system, operated by the Social Security Institution (Sosyal Guvenlik Kurumu, SGK), covers approximately 99% of the population. All employed individuals, civil servants, and self-employed persons contribute through payroll deductions of approximately 12.5% of gross salary (5% employee, 7.5% employer). Those who cannot afford premiums receive coverage through the state via the green card (yesil kart) programme for low-income residents.

Under SGK, patients pay minimal copayments for most services. GP visits at public family health centres (Aile Sagligi Merkezleri) are completely free, while specialist visits at public hospitals require a copayment of ₺6-10 per visit. Prescription drug copayments range from 0-20% depending on the category of medication. Emergency care at public hospitals is free. The SGK system covers hospitalization, surgery, maternity care, and most diagnostic procedures at public facilities without additional charge.

The system allows patients to also visit SGK-contracted private hospitals, though with higher copayment rates (typically 30-70% of the difference between SGK reimbursement and the private hospital's charges). University hospitals serve as a middle tier, offering more specialized care than state hospitals with modest additional copayments. Turkey's healthcare transformation programme since 2003 has dramatically improved access and quality, though regional disparities between western and eastern provinces persist.