Many Syrians in Turkey live under temporary protection (geçici koruma) and access healthcare through that system, so they do not need a private health insurance policy. A private policy becomes necessary only when a Syrian moves to a regular short-term residence permit (ikamet). This guide explains the difference, when insurance is required, what it covers, the price, hospitals, documents and how to verify an authentic policy in 2026.
The Difference Between Temporary Protection and Residence
Temporary protection (geçici koruma) is a special status for Syrians, with a temporary protection identity document (the «99» kimlik). It grants access to public healthcare through the state system, similar to SGK, in the province where you are registered. A short-term residence permit (ikamet) is the regular permit other foreigners obtain — for work, family, study or property — and it requires a private health insurance policy.
These are two different legal tracks. While you remain under temporary protection, you generally do not buy a private health policy; healthcare is provided through the temporary protection system. Insurance enters the picture only if your status changes to a regular residence permit.
When a Syrian Needs a Private Insurance Policy
You need a private health insurance policy when you apply for a short-term residence permit (ikamet) instead of temporary protection — for example to work with a work permit, to join a family member, to study, or based on property. In that case the rules are the same as for any foreigner under Law No. 6458: a valid policy with the minimum coverage, whose number is entered in the e-ikamet application.
If you keep your temporary protection status, you usually do not need this policy. So the first step is to confirm which track applies to you; if you are transitioning to ikamet, buy the residence policy before filling in the application.
What the Residence Policy Covers
Coverage is identical across all approved companies and is a standard, mandatory product. Outpatient care has an annual limit of about 15,000 TL (your share 20% contracted, 40% non-contracted); inpatient care is unlimited at contracted hospitals (up to 150,000 TL non-contracted, 20% share). Intensive care is covered up to 100 days a year and physiotherapy up to 15 sessions.
Pregnancy, childbirth and dental care are not covered (except dental care after a traffic accident), and the policy is valid only in Turkey. Between companies, only the price and the hospital network differ — not the coverage.
Price and How It Is Calculated
The price depends on year of birth and policy term (one or two years), not on nationality or neighborhood. Tariffs are based on age brackets: younger applicants pay less, and above 60–65 the rate rises noticeably. Since coverage is identical, the difference between companies comes from network size and promotions.
Check the up-to-date price by year of birth in the Yab Sigorta app, which gives instant quotes from several approved companies. A two-year policy locks in the current price and protects you from moving to a higher age bracket.
Hospitals and How Coverage Works
The policy is valid at private hospitals contracted with your company and, since April 2025, at contracted public city hospitals (Şehir Hastanesi), where outpatient care is covered up to 15,000 TL (80%) and inpatient up to 250,000 TL (100%).
At a contracted hospital you pay only your share and the company pays directly; at a non-contracted one you pay first and are reimbursed, with a higher share (40%). Check the list of contracted institutions on your company's website before your visit.
Documents and Issuance
When applying for ikamet, insurance is one of the documents in the file, alongside the e-ikamet form, passport (or travel document) and copy, a biometric photo, proof of address and financial means, fee receipts, and the policy. You can buy the policy with your passport, YKN or tax number.
Order: buy the policy → fill in the e-ikamet form → enter the policy number → get an appointment (randevu) → attend with the originals. That is why the policy is bought first.
Children and Family
Each family member is insured with a separate policy according to their year of birth — there is no single «family» policy. A separate policy is issued for the spouse and for each child; children's prices are usually lower. Make sure each policy's start date matches the residence start date of the person concerned.
You can issue the policies of all members one after another in a single app, which is more practical than visiting agencies one by one.
How to Verify an Authentic Policy
An authentic residence policy carries a verification code and an electronic signature, and is issued by an authorized agent. It is called «yabancı sağlık sigortası» and includes the statement of compliance with the minimum coverage — not travel insurance, which leads to rejection.
Buying through the official Yab Sigorta app gives you an official policy with the correct coverage and accurate dates, ready for the application.
Beware of Forged Policies
Since coverage is identical, a suspiciously low price on social media usually points to forgery or the wrong product (travel insurance). A forged or invalid policy means rejection and lost money.
Buy only through an authorized channel; you pay only the company's tariff, with no hidden commission, and receive a verifiable, official policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Syrians under temporary protection need private insurance?
No. Temporary protection (geçici koruma) gives access to public healthcare through the state system, so a private policy is not needed while that status is active.
When does a Syrian need a private health policy?
When applying for a regular short-term residence permit (ikamet) — for work, family, study or property — instead of temporary protection.
Is the policy the same as for other foreigners?
Yes. Under Law No. 6458 the residence policy and its minimum coverage are identical for all foreigners, including Syrians on ikamet.
What does it cover?
Outpatient up to ~15,000 TL, unlimited inpatient at contracted hospitals, intensive care up to 100 days, physiotherapy 15 sessions. Not pregnancy or dental (except after a traffic accident).
How is the price set?
By year of birth and policy term, not nationality. Check the up-to-date price in the Yab Sigorta app.
Can I buy with a temporary protection document?
The policy is bought with your passport, YKN or tax number; the residence application then links it through e-ikamet.
Are children insured separately?
Yes, each member has a separate policy by year of birth; children's prices are usually lower.
How do I check a policy is authentic?
An authentic policy has a verification code and electronic signature and is issued by an authorized agent — not travel insurance.
Why avoid very cheap offers?
Because coverage is identical, a very low price usually means forgery or travel insurance, which causes rejection.
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