What is SGK in Turkey and What Benefits Does It Provide?

What is SGK in Turkey and What Benefits Does It Provide?

SGK is the abbreviation for the Social Security Institution and is Turkey's official social security agency. The system is based on the principle of social solidarity; employees and employers pay premiums to obtain financial and health security in cases of illness, retirement, or accident.

The vast majority of legally employed individuals in Turkey are covered by SGK in some way.

What Services Does SGK Offer?

1) Health Insurance (General Health Insurance – GHI)

General Health Insurance is the basic public health coverage in Turkey and includes the following:

1. Family doctor and specialist examinations
2. Low-cost healthcare services in state hospitals
3. Receiving services at contracted private hospitals by paying a co-payment
4. Coverage of a portion of medication costs
5. Laboratory tests, imaging, and hospitalization procedures

Note: Private healthcare institutions usually charge a co-payment from the patient.

2) Retirement (Pension Insurance)

Retirement calculation in Turkey is based on three main criteria:

1. Number of paid premium days
2. Legal retirement age
3. Average earnings reported to SGK

Reporting premiums close to a person's actual income increases the future pension amount. Paying premiums at the minimum level reduces costs in the short term but lowers the retirement pension.

3) Social Benefits and Guarantees

SGK is not limited to just health and retirement. It also provides important social guarantees such as:

1. Disability pension
2. Widow and orphan pension
3. Maternity leave and maternity allowance
4. Work accident coverage
5. Occupational disease coverage

Who is Covered by SGK?

Employees (4A – former SSK)

This is the most common type of insurance. The employer is obligated to insure the employee and pay the majority of the premiums.

Self-Employed and Employers (4B – Bağ-Kur)

Company owners, tradespeople, and freelancers fall under this category. Premium payments are made by the individual themselves.

Public Officials (4C)

This is the special insurance status applicable to civil servants.

Foreigners and SGK

Foreigners with legal residence and work permits in Turkey can be covered by SGK.

Can foreigners without a work permit benefit from SGK?

Yes. Foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for at least 1 year can apply to the SGK directorate in their place of residence to activate their health insurance under the General Health Insurance (GHI) scheme.

The GHI premium is calculated based on the minimum wage and is generally paid monthly at a rate of approximately 34% of the minimum wage.

Important Practical Information

1. Regular payment of premiums is required for the continuation of health coverage
2. Long-term premium debt can suspend access to healthcare services
3. The number of premium days is the basis for retirement
4. Insurance records, debt status, and GHI information can be checked via the e-Government system