The Turkish government has reversed a requirement that expat retirees applying for residency have health insurance.
The Turkish government has recently reversed its decision to make health insurance compulsory for expat retirees. Previously, it had ruled that health insurance was required to obtain a residence permit.
The Telegraph reports the complicated residency permit application process “has become easier for retired expats” as the Turkish authorities unexpectedly overturned their earlier decision that all foreigners over 65 must have health insurance.
The policy, introduced this April, was criticised by the British consulate in Istanbul as being unclear. The General Directorate for Migration Management (GDMM), which oversees residency issues, made the announcement of the reversal in July.
The policy introduced several new rules for expats seeking Turkish residency, including the requirement to buy private health insurance or enroll in SGK, the state insurance scheme. The unclear requirements and additional costs had been causing problems for expats, reports the Telegraph.
The high cost of buying health insurance has reportedly deterred some people from applying for residency. Older expats were particularly affected with quotes of around 5,000 lira (€1,700) per year and those over 65 finding it hard to find any private insurance at all.
Timothy Fisher, British Consul in Istanbul, explained, “Over 65s were struggling to find private insurance providers who would cover them. We brought this issue to the attention of the GDMM and the relaxation of this requirement is a welcome development for older people wishing to renew or take out residency in Turkey.”
The reversal of the original ruling now means expats over 65 can choose whether to buy health insurance or continue to pay out-of-pocket for treatment. This doesn’t apply to younger expats however, they must still have health insurance to apply for residency. Critics have questioned the logic in abolishing health insurance requirements for a group that are more likely to require health care.
Steve Fitzgerald, 58, from Wales told the Telegraph, “We’ve been here six years and have personally paid our way for all hospital and dentist visits. We don’t cost Turkey a penny. So why are we under-65s now being segregated and disadvantaged in this way?”
According to the GDMM website, insurance for residency applications must include unlimited inpatient cover and upto 2,000 lira of out-patient care.