Last updated: 13.09.2026
This document is published in Turkish. In case of any discrepancy, the Turkish text prevails.
What has changed?
Under the Private Health Insurance Regulation and SEDDK rules, from 1 January 2026 the rules on lifetime renewal guarantees, waiting periods and acquired rights when changing plan or insurer have been revised. This summary is based on SEDDK's guide; your policy conditions always prevail.
Lifetime renewal guarantee (ÖBYG)
- Insurers must offer a contract with a lifetime renewal commitment to anyone under 60; for people aged 60 or over it is by mutual agreement.
- Insurers set the conditions for earning the guarantee but may not require more than 3 years of continuous cover on the same plan with a total claims-to-premium ratio below 80%; they may set easier conditions.
- Once earned, the insurer cannot narrow cover, add illness loadings or charge extra premium based on claims. The guarantee does not fix future premiums.
Waiting periods
- Maximum 12 months for maternity cover and 6 months for other cover.
- Applied only to the first policy, not on renewal with the same plan; new cover added later may carry its own waiting period.
Changing plan or insurer
- An earned guarantee is generally preserved when you change plan or move to another insurer.
- Completed waiting periods are not reapplied; time already served is deducted if you move before completion.
- Transfers start with a request to the new insurer or SBM; no medical examination may be required on renewal, plan change or transfer.
Renewal, cancellation and disclosure
Renew within one month of expiry to keep acquired rights; insurers must remind you at least 15 days before expiry. If you cancel within 30 days of issue without any claim, your premium is refunded in full within 5 working days. Answer the insurer's questions fully and accurately, as misstatements may lead to withdrawal from the contract, extra premium or reduced claim payments. Contact us on 0543 789 66 55 or info@drdgroupsigorta.com for help.