When buying residence insurance, you choose the term — one or two years. This choice affects the price, the number of renewals and protection against increases. In this guide, we explain which is more advantageous in 2026, how the price is locked in and in which case which is better.
What the Choice of Term Depends On
The policy term must coincide with the duration of the requested residence. If you apply for a two-year residence, a two-year policy suits; for one year, a one-year policy. Turkey allows a one- or two-year application depending on the basis and history, so first determine the duration of your residence.
The policy cannot be shorter than the requested residence; it must cover the entire residence duration, otherwise the application is not accepted.
Which Is Cheaper
In most cases, the two-year policy is a bit more advantageous than two successive one-year policies: many companies grant a small discount for two years. In addition, it locks in the price and protects you from the annual increase, which can be noticeable in the Turkish market.
Compare the difference by age in the Yab Sigorta app, which shows the price for one year and for two years. The difference may be small for one person, but it adds up in the family across all policies.
When Two Years Is Clearly Advantageous
If you will soon move to a higher age bracket, a two-year policy locks in the current, lower price for two years. It is one of the few legal ways to save in mandatory insurance.
This is especially clear near 60–65; the gap between brackets widens. By buying a two-year policy before your birthday, you avoid the increase you would face the following year with a one-year policy.
When to Choose One Year
A one-year policy is logical if you apply for a one-year residence, if you are unsure of your long-term plans, or if you want to pay less for now. For example, if you are testing life in Turkey and do not know whether you will stay a second year, a one-year policy does not «freeze» a large sum.
The downside is that after a year you must reissue the policy, and the price may rise due to the market or moving to a higher age bracket. So for those who stay long, two years is generally more advantageous.
How Price Locking Works
When you buy a two-year policy, the price is calculated once at purchase and stays unchanged for the whole term. In other words, the market increase the following year does not reach you, nor does moving to a new age bracket.
With two successive one-year policies, the second year is reissued at the then-current tariff — so with a possible increase. Locking, besides the small discount, is therefore the main advantage of the two-year option.
Does the Term Affect Coverage
No, the policy term does not affect coverage — it is standard for one year and for two years. Only the price and the validity period change. The limits (for example about 15,000 TL outpatient) apply on an annual basis and renew each year of the policy.
The waiting periods, however, are calculated in proportion to the policy term, and are therefore longer in days for a two-year policy. Emergencies are in any case covered immediately.
Payment for One or Two Years
Both the one-year and the two-year policy are paid in a single, upfront amount — installments generally do not exist in mandatory insurance. In other words, you pay the full amount of the two-year policy at once, but this amount is generally lower than two separate one-year payments.
You pay by international Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay or Google Pay via the app. If your local card does not work due to restrictions, use an international card.
Term and the Link with Renewal
The policy term depends on the residence duration. If you took a two-year residence and policy, you do not need to reissue the insurance during those two years — and that is convenient. At the end of the residence, at renewal, you buy a new policy starting at the expiry of the current permit.
If your residence and policy are one year, after a year, at renewal, a new policy (one or two years depending on the renewal duration) is needed. The policy term therefore always follows the duration of your residence.
How to Choose the Term at Purchase
In the Yab Sigorta app, choose the term (one or two years), compare the prices and buy the policy. The start date must coincide with the start of the residence; the policy arrives by email as an official PDF.
Simple rule: if you stay long and/or will soon move to a higher age bracket, take two years. If your plans are short or you are testing, take one year. In all cases, first make the policy term coincide with that of your residence.
Buy Safely Whatever the Term
Whatever the term, buy through the official app of the authorized agent Yab Sigorta; you get an official policy with a verification code, correct coverage and accurate dates. Avoid dubious cheap offers and make sure you buy an actual residence policy, not travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper — one year or two years?
Most often, the two-year policy is a bit more advantageous than two successive one-year policies and locks in the price. Compare the difference by age in the app.
Must the policy term coincide with that of the residence?
Yes, the policy must cover the entire duration of the requested residence — one or two years; it cannot be shorter.
When is two years clearly advantageous?
If you will soon move to a higher age bracket; a two-year policy locks in the current, lower price for two years.
When should I choose one year?
If you apply for a one-year residence, if you are unsure of your plans, or if you want to pay less for now. You reissue after a year.
How does price locking work?
In a two-year policy, the price is calculated once at purchase and stays fixed; it protects from the market increase and from moving to a higher age bracket.
Does the term affect coverage?
No, coverage is identical for one and two years. Only the price and the term change. The limits apply on an annual basis.
Must I pay the two-year policy in one go?
Yes, in one go and upfront; but the amount is generally lower than two separate one-year payments.
What is the term's link with renewal?
The policy term follows the residence duration. A two-year policy saves you reissuing for two years; at renewal, the new policy starts at the expiry of the current permit.
Do I choose the term online?
Yes, in the app you choose the term and buy the policy by comparing the prices.
Is the waiting period longer in a two-year policy?
Since it is a proportion of the term, it is longer in days. Emergencies are in any case covered immediately.
What should I choose if I stay long?
Generally a two-year policy: the small discount and price locking, especially before moving to a higher age bracket, are advantageous.
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