Private health insurance lets you receive, usually cash-free, the treatment that public insurance does not cover or makes you queue for, at contracted private hospitals. Inpatient cover (surgery, intensive care, hospitalisation) is the core; outpatient cover (consultations, laboratory tests, imaging, physiotherapy) is the optional layer you can add.
The most critical point in this class is the health declaration made when the policy is first issued. Declaring existing conditions correctly prevents a later refusal on the grounds that the condition existed before the policy. We walk you through this before you apply, and we compare different insurers' plans and provider networks side by side.
What is covered?
- Surgery and inpatient treatment
- Intensive care and hospitalisation
- Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and dialysis
- Minor interventions and day cases
- Ground and air ambulance (plan dependent)
- Maternity cover (plan dependent, subject to a waiting period)
- Outpatient: consultations, tests, imaging, medication, physiotherapy (optional)
Optional add-on covers
- Lifetime renewal guarantee (ÖBYG)
- Treatment abroad
- Dental and optical packages
- Check-up and vaccination programmes
- Maternity and IVF cover
- Online doctor and psychological support
What you should know
A new era for private health insurance: since 1 January 2026, insurers must offer everyone under the age of 60 a contract that includes a lifetime renewal guarantee (ÖBYG) commitment. Policyholders with 3 years of uninterrupted cover and a claims-to-premium ratio below 80% earn the guarantee. Starting young is the best timing.
Under the new rules, waiting periods may only be applied on the first policy and within the regulatory maximums. If you change plan or insurer, acquired rights such as the ÖBYG and completed waiting periods are preserved; we make sure they are carried over correctly to your new policy.
Provider networks differ by insurer. Tell us up front which hospitals you intend to use in Bursa or Istanbul and we base our recommendation on those networks.
Frequently asked questions
Private health insurance sits on top of public cover, not instead of it. You need it if you prefer private hospitals, want to choose your own doctor and avoid queues.
Usually yes, though that condition may be excluded or an extra premium may apply. The insurer's medical team decides; we apply to several insurers to find the best terms.
On a tighter budget with public cover, complementary health is very efficient. For a wider hospital network, treatment abroad and higher limits, full private health insurance is the better fit.
The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace policy wording. Scope of cover, limits, deductibles and exclusions are determined by the general and special conditions of the insurer you choose.