Do digital nomads need health insurance in Türkiye?
Many digital nomads choose international health insurance when staying in Türkiye, as private hospitals are commonly used by foreign visitors and typically require upfront payment.
Average medical costs (approximate):
- Doctor visit: ₺500–₺1,000 ($20–$40)
- Emergency treatment or surgery: amounts vary depending on the case
International plans such as Genki or SafetyWing may include private hospital visits, emergency treatment, or medical evacuation, depending on the coverage selected.
Health insurance is not legally required for short stays, but many digital nomads consider it important for accessing private healthcare and managing unexpected costs during their stay.
Travel insurance vs digital nomad insurance in Türkiye
Travel insurance generally covers short trips, while digital nomad insurance is structured for visitors staying several months or longer.
Key differences
Length of stay:
Travel insurance often has limits of 30–60 days. Digital nomad insurance may allow multi-month renewable periods.
Remote work:
Travel insurance may exclude work-related activities. Some digital nomad policies are designed for individuals working online abroad.
Medical coverage scope:
Digital nomad plans may include outpatient visits, diagnostics, or prescriptions depending on terms, whereas travel insurance is often emergency-only.
Flexibility:
Some digital nomad plans can be purchased or extended while already abroad.
Activities:
Coverage for sports varies; some plans include common activities, while others require add-ons.
Visa documentation:
Certain digital nomad policies can provide certificates that some consulates request for long-term stays, depending on requirements.
Summary:
Travel insurance suits short holidays, while digital nomad insurance may be more appropriate for multi-month stays or administrative procedures requiring proof of coverage.
👉 For more details, read our full guide on Travel Insurance vs Digital Nomad Insurance.
Overview: Insurance options commonly used by digital nomads in Türkiye
Genki: overview for longer stays
Genki offers a health-focused plan structure that many long-term travellers use during extended stays in Türkiye. Pricing for Genki Traveler typically starts from around €52.50 per month, with final rates varying based on age, coverage level and selected options.
Key features include:
• €50 deductible per insurance case (inpatient stays may be exempt depending on policy terms)
• Coverage up to €1.1 million per year
• Option for documentation that may support certain administrative processes
• May offer direct billing at select private hospitals
• Monthly renewal options after the initial term
• Includes emergency dental, ambulance transport, and repatriation
• 24/7 assistance available
Pricing
From approximately €52.50/month, depending on age, coverage level and plan configuration.
Common use cases
• Multi-month stays in Türkiye
• Travellers who prefer a lower deductible structure
• Individuals who may need insurance documentation for longer-stay procedures
SafetyWing: overview of flexible, regional-friendly coverage
SafetyWing is commonly used by travellers who move between multiple countries, including those using Türkiye as a regional base. Pricing for SafetyWing Essential typically starts from around $56 per 4-week period, with final rates varying based on age, coverage level and selected options.
Key features include:
• Policy structure with no deductible for care outside the United States
• Coverage for Türkiye and neighbouring regions depending on plan terms
• Renewable coverage that can be extended while travelling
• Home-country coverage (duration varies by citizenship and plan type)
• Optional adventure sports add-ons
• Includes non-medical benefits such as luggage or trip interruption according to policy terms
Pricing
From approximately $56 per 4-week period, depending on age, coverage level and plan configuration.
Common use cases
• Travellers who move between Türkiye and nearby countries
• Individuals who prefer a plan that includes both medical and travel-related benefits
• Short- or medium-term stays with flexible renewal options
Genki vs SafetyWing: Overview of differences
Rather than recommending one over the other, here is a factual comparison of structural differences:
Deductible: Genki typically has a lower deductible structure, while SafetyWing includes a $250 deductible depending on coverage region.
Coverage style: Genki focuses on medical-only health coverage; SafetyWing includes both medical and travel-related benefits.
Regional use: SafetyWing includes regional travel benefits depending on the plan, which may suit nomads who move across nearby countries.
Documentation: Genki may provide documents sometimes requested for administrative processes, depending on requirements.
Renewal: Both offer renewable coverage, with terms varying by plan.
Your choice depends on your travel duration, whether you stay mainly in Türkiye or move regionally, and which type of coverage structure fits your circumstances.
Exploring other insurance providers
Travellers may have different needs depending on equipment, planned activities in Türkiye, or frequent returns throughout the year. Our directory includes a broader list of international digital nomad insurance providers, which can help compare coverage features and policy terms.
Visit our complete directory of digital nomad insurance providers to compare all options for your Türkiye adventure.
Essential insurance tips for Türkiye
Private hospitals to know: Acibadem, Medical Park, and American Hospital in Istanbul may have English-speaking staff.
Carry policy information: Some facilities may ask for documentation before treatment.
Natural disaster coverage: Türkiye is seismically active; verify whether your plan includes natural disasters within medical coverage terms.
Translation apps: Useful outside major cities.
Cash availability: Smaller clinics may request cash before reimbursement.
Regional movement: Many nomads take short trips to Greece, Georgia, and Bulgaria; verify regional coverage.
Emergency number: Türkiye’s emergency number is 112.
Public healthcare: SGK public healthcare generally applies to residents. Visitors typically use private healthcare.
Summary: Digital Nomad Insurance in Türkiye (2025)
Genki Traveler – from €52.50/month (varies by age & coverage)
Health-focused coverage with a low deductible and high annual limits.
SafetyWing Essential – from $56 per 4 weeks (varies by age & coverage)
International medical coverage combined with non-medical travel benefits, depending on the plan.
If you're planning a stay in Türkiye, reviewing both options can help you determine which coverage structure matches your travel plans and documentation needs.
