Treatment abroad and travel

Who is it for? (Law No. 5510, Art. 66)

The basic rule is that treatment takes place in Türkiye. But if it is established that the treatment cannot be done in the country, the situation changes. This requires the favorable opinion of the Ministry of Health. In that case, a person with general health insurance can be sent abroad. Under the law, the full cost of these people’s treatment is paid. Outside these cases, SGK does not pay for treatment costs abroad.

Source: 5510 sayılı Sosyal Sigortalar ve Genel Sağlık Sigortası Kanunu, md. 66 (mevzuat.gov.tr) · Sağlık Uygulama Tebliği (SUT), md. 2.5.3.A (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Health board report (SUT Art. 2.5.3.A-1)

The first step is a health board report. The report is prepared by the health board of a public tertiary-care hospital. For tissue and organ transplants, the report can only be obtained from hospitals on the list published by SGK. The board includes five faculty members or teaching physicians. At least one is a specialist in the disease. The report states the length of treatment, and this cannot exceed six months.

1. The report is written in the EK-2/E-1 format in the annex to the SUT (Health Implementation Communiqué).
2. Priority is given to countries that have a social security agreement with Türkiye.
3. If a country without an agreement is chosen, the reason is written in the report.

Source: SUT md. 2.5.3.A-1 (RG 10.12.2025 ve 29.08.2026 değişiklikleri işli) (mevzuat.gov.tr) · SGK – Yurt Dışı Tedavileri

Confirmation, approval and application

The report alone is not enough. One of several public hospitals named in the SUT confirms, that is verifies, the report. The report is then approved by the Ministry of Health. You apply to your provincial social security directorate or to SGK’s Genel Sağlık Sigortası Genel Müdürlüğü (General Directorate of General Health Insurance). SGK handles correspondence with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1. You can talk to your doctor about whether the report is needed.
2. Get the health board report.
3. Have the report confirmed by an authorized hospital.
4. After Ministry of Health approval, apply to SGK.
5. If travel does not start within three months of approval, the report must be renewed.

Source: SUT md. 2.5.3.A-1 (3)-(4) ve 2.5.3.A-2 (1) (mevzuat.gov.tr) · SGK – Yurt Dışı Tedavileri

What is paid and what is not?

If SGK has a contracted hospital for that treatment, the patient is sent there. All costs are paid. If the patient chooses to go elsewhere, only the amount of the contracted hospital is paid. The patient pays the difference. If the period in the report is exceeded, the costs of the extra days are not paid. Treatment of other diseases is not paid either, except for emergencies and complications of the treatment.

1. If treatment takes longer, the reason is sent to SGK through the Turkish mission abroad. The period can be extended in steps of no more than six months each.
2. If the doctor abroad recommends a different treatment, a new report and approval are needed for it too.
3. SGK can give an advance for the costs.

Source: SUT md. 2.5.3.A-2 (2) ve 2.5.3.A-3 (1), (4), (6), (8) (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Travel, daily allowance and companion

The patient’s travel costs are paid on the basis of the ticket or invoice. If the report says so, one companion’s costs are also paid. For patients under 18, the report does not need to mention a companion. A daily allowance is given to the patient and companion for outpatient treatment days. For inpatient treatment, the companion’s meals and accommodation are paid. If the report gives a reason, air ambulance costs are also covered.

Source: SUT md. 2.5.3.C-1 ve 2.5.3.C-2 (mevzuat.gov.tr) · SGK – Yurt Dışı Tedavileri

Tests not available in Türkiye

Some rare disease tests may not be available in Türkiye. Under the law, these tests can be arranged abroad. Often only a blood or tissue sample is sent. This requires a health board report from a university hospital or a training and research hospital. The report states why the test cannot be done in Türkiye. The report is approved by the Ministry of Health.

1. The report is in the EK-2/E-2 format in the SUT annex.
2. The test cost is paid on the basis of the invoice. SGK can also give an advance.

Source: 5510 sayılı Kanun md. 66 (ek fıkra: yurt içinde yapılamayan tetkikler) (mevzuat.gov.tr) · SUT md. 2.5.3.B-1 ve 2.5.3.B-2 (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Follow-up after treatment

Follow-up for people treated abroad is mainly done in Türkiye. If travel abroad is needed for a check-up within the first four years, a check-up report giving the reasons is required. This report is also confirmed by one of the authorized hospitals. After four years, a new health board report is needed for each check-up.

Source: SUT md. 2.5.3.A-2 (5) (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Medicines from abroad

There are two routes for a medicine not available in Türkiye. The details are in the “Rights and support” guide. In short: you can get it through the Türk Eczacıları Birliği (Turkish Pharmacists’ Association) or arrange it yourself. If you bring it in yourself, you first need approval for use and supply from TİTCK (Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency). For payment, you then apply to the İbn-i Sina center affiliated with SGK. Keep the medicine’s box and invoice.

Source: SGK – Yurt Dışından İlaç Temini

The right to ask for another doctor’s opinion

Under the Hasta Hakları Yönetmeliği (Patient Rights Regulation), patients have the right to ask for the opinion of other doctors. This is called a consultation. The procedure in the regulations must be followed. If there is a fee difference, the patient pays it. Patients also have the right to see their own file and get a copy. This copy is the basic document for a second opinion.

Source: Hasta Hakları Yönetmeliği, md. 9 ve md. 16 (mevzuat.gov.tr)

Preparing your file

The doctor giving a second opinion should see all the records. Medical records, test results and consent forms should be given to them. Your doctor should support you in this process. If you are treated abroad, keep all written information, test results and prescriptions. When you return, you can show them to your doctor in Türkiye.

Source: ISSCR – Guide to Stem Cell Treatments (2024), bölüm 4.d · T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı – Yurt Dışına Seyahat Edeceklere Konsolosluk Rehberi

European Reference Networks (ERNs)

In Europe, there are hospital networks for rare diseases. These are called European Reference Networks. Experts in the networks discuss patient files together in an online system. Patients cannot apply to these networks directly. Referral is made through a doctor, with the patient’s consent. The networks are made up of hospitals in EU countries and Norway.

Source: Avrupa Komisyonu – European Reference Networks

Few stem cell treatments are proven

Most stem cell treatments are still experimental. Very few have been shown to be effective and safe. Chief among them is blood stem cell transplantation for some blood cancers and some immune diseases. Even so, many clinics sell treatments without evidence. The European Medicines Agency has also issued a warning about this.

Source: ISSCR – Guide to Stem Cell Treatments (2024), bölüm 4.a ve sözlük · EMA – EMA warns against using unproven cell-based therapies (28.04.2020)

Warning signs

Some signs call for caution. Patient stories and videos are offered instead of evidence. Very different diseases are treated with the same cells. The source of the cells and how they are given are not clearly stated. It is said that there is no risk at all. It is claimed that no official approval is needed. The fee is high or there are hidden costs.

Source: ISSCR – Guide to Stem Cell Treatments (2024), bölüm 4.b

Reported harms

Serious, sometimes fatal, side effects have been reported after unproven cell treatments. These include infection, unwanted immune reactions and tumor formation. Vision loss and bleeding in the brain have also been reported. An ineffective treatment can also delay a treatment that works.

Source: EMA – EMA warns against using unproven cell-based therapies (28.04.2020) · FDA – Important Patient and Consumer Information About Regenerative Medicine Therapies

Do not confuse it with a clinical trial

In a genuine clinical trial, you usually do not pay to take part. If money is requested, this is a warning sign. A trial being listed on a registry website does not mean it is approved. For trials abroad, see the “Joining clinical trials” guide.

Source: FDA – Important Patient and Consumer Information About Regenerative Medicine Therapies · ISSCR – Guide to Stem Cell Treatments (2024), bölüm 3 ve 4

Ask before you decide

Do not rush. Discuss the proposed treatment with your doctor. Ask which official body has approved it. In Türkiye, you can also consult TİTCK. Find out who will provide emergency care and who will pay if something goes wrong.

1. Is this a standard treatment for this disease?
2. Which body approved it? Is there ethics committee approval?
3. What is the expected benefit, and how will it be measured?
4. Where do the cells come from, and how is the procedure done?
5. If something goes wrong, who is responsible for treatment and costs?

Source: ISSCR – Guide to Stem Cell Treatments (2024), bölüm 4.c · EMA – EMA warns against using unproven cell-based therapies (28.04.2020)

Documents to carry

Carry a copy of your prescription. Ideally, also have an English translation. You can ask your doctor for a letter. The letter should state your condition and the active ingredient names and doses of your medicines. Allergies and devices you use can also be added. Such a letter is often needed for needles and injectable medicines.

Source: CDC Yellow Book – Travelers with Chronic Illnesses · NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro – Medicines and travel · T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı – Yurt Dışına Seyahat Edeceklere Konsolosluk Rehberi

Packing and spare medicines

Carry medicines in their original boxes with their labels. Keep medicines in your carry-on bag on the plane. Take enough medicine for the trip, plus extra for delays. Check expiration dates. Be careful if you have to buy medicines abroad. Fake medicines are more common in some places. A medicine with the same name may also have different contents.

Source: CDC Yellow Book – Travelers with Chronic Illnesses · NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro – Medicines and travel · T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı – Yurt Dışına Seyahat Edeceklere Konsolosluk Rehberi

Medicines stored cold

Some medicines are stored in the refrigerator. These medicines must also stay at a certain temperature during the journey. This is called the cold chain. Before you set off, find out the storage conditions for the medicine. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about this. Also check the airline’s rules for the cooler bag and ice packs.

Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro – Medicines and travel · CDC Yellow Book – Travelers with Chronic Illnesses

Customs and country rules

Some countries ban certain medicines or allow them only with a permit. This is especially the case for medicines that affect the nervous system. Consult the embassies of the countries you will visit and transit through. TİTCK also publishes notices for some countries. When returning to Türkiye, show a report or prescription for personal medicines. A reasonable amount of medicine is allowed according to the length of stay.

Source: T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı – Yolcu Muafiyetleri, Sıkça Sorulan Sorular · TİTCK – Şahsi tedavi amacıyla yanında ilaç bulunduran yolculara duyuru (örnek) · NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro – Medicines and travel

Why does oxygen drop on a plane?

Cabin pressure on a plane is lower than on the ground. So the oxygen in the blood drops slightly. Healthy people usually do not notice. People with lung or heart disease and those with severe anemia may be affected. These people may need extra oxygen during the flight. You make this decision together with your doctor.

Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority – Physiology of flight · UK Civil Aviation Authority – Assessing fitness to fly

MEDIF: fitness-to-fly form

Airlines ask for a form for passengers who need special assistance or medical clearance. This form is called a MEDIF. Your doctor usually fills it in. If you need oxygen during the flight, you must tell the airline in advance. Some airlines charge for this. The airline makes the final decision on whether to carry the passenger.

Source: IATA – Guidance on Accessible Air Travel (MEDIF tanımı) · UK Civil Aviation Authority – Air travel and your health · UK Civil Aviation Authority – Assessing fitness to fly

Traveling with devices and oxygen

Airline approval may be needed for devices you will use on board. You are usually not allowed to bring your own oxygen cylinder on the plane. Some airlines accept only approved portable oxygen devices. Oxygen is also needed on the ground. Plan this separately for the airport, connections and arrival. A doctor’s letter stating that you use a device helps at the security check.

Source: CDC Yellow Book – Travelers with Chronic Illnesses · UK Civil Aviation Authority – Air travel and your health

When to start?

Talk to your doctor about the trip early. The recommended time is at least four to six weeks before departure. If you have had recent surgery or have an infectious disease, the flight may be postponed. Ask your doctor about this timing as well.

Source: CDC Yellow Book – Travelers with Chronic Illnesses · UK Civil Aviation Authority – Air travel and your health

What does SGK cover abroad?

There are countries with which Türkiye has a social security agreement that covers health care. In these countries, the agreement’s rules apply. Without an agreement, health and travel costs are not paid. People going on vacation to an agreement country can get a document from SGK. With this document, in most countries help is available only in emergencies.

Source: SUT md. 2.5.2 (mevzuat.gov.tr) · SGK – Yurt Dışı Sağlık İşlemleri

Travel health insurance

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends taking out private travel insurance. Without insurance, you may have to pay all health costs yourself. Check the policy’s period and whether it covers the whole family. Declare your existing conditions to the insurer. Undeclared conditions are often not covered. Policies with a 24/7 support line are recommended.

Source: T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı – Yurt Dışına Seyahat Edeceklere Konsolosluk Rehberi · UK Civil Aviation Authority – Air travel and your health · CDC Yellow Book – Travelers with Chronic Illnesses

Emergency number: 112 in the EU

In all European Union countries, the emergency number is 112. The call is free. It can be dialed from landlines and mobile phones. You reach ambulance, fire and police services. In other countries, the number may differ. Before you travel, find out the emergency number of the country you are going to.

Source: Avrupa Komisyonu – 112, Avrupa acil çağrı numarası

Consular support and emergency card

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Call Center is open 24/7. The number is +90 312 292 29 29. The consulate can direct you to local hospitals and doctors. It can inform your relatives. But it does not cover hospital costs. You can carry the emergency card from the disease page with you, together with an English summary.

Source: T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı – Yurt Dışına Seyahat Edeceklere Konsolosluk Rehberi