The Q & A day
With the new UHI regulations that will be effective as of Oct. 1, 2010, only one half of a couple need apply.
In my previous article, I mentioned Universal Health Insurance, or UHI. I focused attention on Oct. 1, 2010, because some foreigners will be UHI right-holders – out of necessity – after this date. Because of this, I have received many questions about the topic. Unfortunately, I cannot answer all of them. However, I want to respond to a few.
[HH] Can we apply for UHI?
The first question is from Patricia. She says:
“Dear Orhan,
My husband and I have lived in Turkey for seven years. Due to my husband’s age – he is 73 – we have never been able to pursue private health insurance here as it's too expensive! When we have unfortunately experienced health problems we have always paid in cash at both private and state hospitals. I have been in contact with the British Consulate today; they tell me that they have not been officially informed of this scheme. If indeed you are correct and we do have to take out Universal Health Insurance by Oct. 1, 2010, does this mean that we will be fully covered, and can we still use both private and state hospitals? Will the state be free, but private not? My husband has to go to İzmir for regular checkups! The state hospitals locally do not have the facilities. Universal, does this also mean we will be covered abroad? This is the first time I have ever sent an e-mail to a newspaper! So I do hope that I will not be disappointed and receive a reply back. My kind regards to you.”
Dear Patricia,
· If you (you and your husband) are not registered as insured in your country,
· If you have a resident permit and
· If you have completed a year living in Turkey,
You must apply for Universal Health Insurance. As a UHI right-holder, you can use state hospitals, private hospitals and university hospitals. However, at private hospitals you will pay a portion (30-70 percent) of the costs. The UHI covers almost all health problems (excluding plastic surgery), such as operations, treatment and pregnancy.
[HH] Does citizenship affect the premium amount?
The second question is from Jill.
“Thank you for the opportunity to ask questions. I have three.
a) Your article implies that all residence permit holders will need to take out the health insurance but at the end it states that the insurance covers spouses and children. So does this mean that only one half of a married couple need take out the insurance?
b) Is the amount we have to pay the same as that being paid by Turkish citizens? [I am hoping to apply for citizenship in a couple of years]
c) Does this insurance cover us for all/any hospital treatment needed [e.g. operations – elective and non-elective]?
I look forward to your reply and explanation. Many thanks.”
Dear Jill, a) Yes, only half of a married couple will need to pay UHI premiums. b) Citizenship does not change the contribution amount. c) This question has been answered above.
[HH] Where we should apply?
The last question is from Denise. She says:
“I was interested to read your article, which has been posted on a forum that I subscribe to. Can you confirm if myself and my husband, who currently reside in Fethiye, in the Muğla region, are required by law to take out the insurance policy? If so, can you please advise where we go to do this? We have lived here for three years and do hold residents permits. Thanks in advance for your help with this.”
Dear Denise, you must apply for UHI at the Social Security Directorate, or SSC (Muğla Sosyal Güvenlik İl Müdürlüğü). SSC directorates are located in every city and many districts. When applying for UHI, remember to have these documents ready:
· Your residence permit document,
· Turkish ID number and
· Your passport.
After the application, you will be registered as an insured person.
I will continue to answer your questions in the next article.
Hurriyet Daily News/13.08.2010
In my previous article, I mentioned Universal Health Insurance, or UHI. I focused attention on Oct. 1, 2010, because some foreigners will be UHI right-holders – out of necessity – after this date. Because of this, I have received many questions about the topic. Unfortunately, I cannot answer all of them. However, I want to respond to a few.
[HH] Can we apply for UHI?
The first question is from Patricia. She says:
“Dear Orhan,
My husband and I have lived in Turkey for seven years. Due to my husband’s age – he is 73 – we have never been able to pursue private health insurance here as it's too expensive! When we have unfortunately experienced health problems we have always paid in cash at both private and state hospitals. I have been in contact with the British Consulate today; they tell me that they have not been officially informed of this scheme. If indeed you are correct and we do have to take out Universal Health Insurance by Oct. 1, 2010, does this mean that we will be fully covered, and can we still use both private and state hospitals? Will the state be free, but private not? My husband has to go to İzmir for regular checkups! The state hospitals locally do not have the facilities. Universal, does this also mean we will be covered abroad? This is the first time I have ever sent an e-mail to a newspaper! So I do hope that I will not be disappointed and receive a reply back. My kind regards to you.”
Dear Patricia,
· If you (you and your husband) are not registered as insured in your country,
· If you have a resident permit and
· If you have completed a year living in Turkey,
You must apply for Universal Health Insurance. As a UHI right-holder, you can use state hospitals, private hospitals and university hospitals. However, at private hospitals you will pay a portion (30-70 percent) of the costs. The UHI covers almost all health problems (excluding plastic surgery), such as operations, treatment and pregnancy.
[HH] Does citizenship affect the premium amount?
The second question is from Jill.
“Thank you for the opportunity to ask questions. I have three.
a) Your article implies that all residence permit holders will need to take out the health insurance but at the end it states that the insurance covers spouses and children. So does this mean that only one half of a married couple need take out the insurance?
b) Is the amount we have to pay the same as that being paid by Turkish citizens? [I am hoping to apply for citizenship in a couple of years]
c) Does this insurance cover us for all/any hospital treatment needed [e.g. operations – elective and non-elective]?
I look forward to your reply and explanation. Many thanks.”
Dear Jill, a) Yes, only half of a married couple will need to pay UHI premiums. b) Citizenship does not change the contribution amount. c) This question has been answered above.
[HH] Where we should apply?
The last question is from Denise. She says:
“I was interested to read your article, which has been posted on a forum that I subscribe to. Can you confirm if myself and my husband, who currently reside in Fethiye, in the Muğla region, are required by law to take out the insurance policy? If so, can you please advise where we go to do this? We have lived here for three years and do hold residents permits. Thanks in advance for your help with this.”
Dear Denise, you must apply for UHI at the Social Security Directorate, or SSC (Muğla Sosyal Güvenlik İl Müdürlüğü). SSC directorates are located in every city and many districts. When applying for UHI, remember to have these documents ready:
· Your residence permit document,
· Turkish ID number and
· Your passport.
After the application, you will be registered as an insured person.
I will continue to answer your questions in the next article.
Hurriyet Daily News/13.08.2010
