A Guide to Getting Prescriptions and Medicine in Turkey

The process for international students to benefit from healthcare services and obtain prescription medicine in Turkey varies depending on the type of health insurance they have.

It is a legal requirement for international students to have health insurance to obtain a residence permit in Turkey. You essentially have two options:

1. Universal Health Insurance (GSS – SGK)

International students studying in Turkey can be covered by the Universal Health Insurance (GSS) by submitting a written application to the Social Security Institution (SGK) within three months of their initial university enrollment date.

• Premium Payment: International students pay a monthly premium calculated as a specific percentage of the minimum wage. Students who pay this premium can benefit from the comprehensive healthcare services offered by SGK, just like Turkish citizens.
• Prescription and Medicine Process (Under GSS Coverage):
  1. Examination: Visit public hospitals, university hospitals, or family health centers contracted with SGK. (In some cases, a small co-payment for the examination may be required.)
  2. ID Presentation: You must present your Turkish ID Number (or your Foreigner ID Number – YU number, which starts with 99) and a current student certificate to the doctor.
  3. E-Prescription: The doctor will register the appropriate medicine for your diagnosis as an e-prescription in the SGK’s MEDULA system.
  4. Pharmacy: The student goes to any SGK-contracted pharmacy with their Turkish/YU ID Number.
  5. Obtaining Medicine: You can get medicines listed on SGK’s reimbursement list by paying the legal co-payment. GSS covers a significant portion of the medication costs.

2. Private Health Insurance

The insurance required for a residence permit application is usually obtained from private insurance companies. These policies have different coverage scopes and limits compared to GSS.

• Prescription and Medicine Process (Under Private Insurance Coverage):
  1. Examination: You need to be examined at a hospital or healthcare institution that is contracted with your insurance policy.
  2. Private Prescription: The doctor writes the prescription either as a manual paper prescription or an electronic one.
  3. Payment and Reimbursement: The process for covering your medication costs depends on the terms of your insurance policy:
     • Some policies offer direct payment for a portion of the cost at contracted pharmacies.
     • Often, the student pays the full cost of the medicine upfront and then applies to the insurance company with the prescription, invoice, and any reports to claim reimbursement within the policy limits.
  4. Coverage Check: It is important to check whether the medicine is covered by your insurance company’s policy.

Important Points

• Legal Requirement: Health insurance is a fundamental requirement for a residence permit.
• 3-Month Period: The 3-month period from the enrollment date to apply for GSS is crucial. Students who miss this deadline cannot benefit from GSS for the duration of their studies.
• Foreigner ID Number (YU Number): This number must be current and used when accessing healthcare services and at pharmacies.
• Uninsured Status: International students without any health coverage must pay for all healthcare services and medication costs themselves, even with a prescription.

How Can I Get a Prescription in Turkey?

To get a prescription in Turkey, you need to be examined by a doctor (at a hospital or family health center). After the examination, the doctor usually registers your medicine as an e-prescription in the Social Security Institution’s (SGK) MEDULA system. You can then get your medicine from a pharmacy using your Turkish ID number.

Which Prescription Drugs Are Not Allowed in Turkey?

In Turkey, prescription drugs that are unlicensed, unapproved, of unproven reliability, contraband, or contain narcotic substances are generally not permitted. Narcotic and psychotropic substances are under strict control through the Red or Green Prescription system.

Why is Medicine So Affordable in Turkey?

Medicine prices in Turkey are regulated by a strict pricing policy set by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. Specifically, the reference pricing system, which is determined by taking the average of the 5 lowest reference prices in Europe, and a fixed exchange rate application contribute to the relatively low cost of medicine.

Which is the Drug Regulatory Authority in Turkey?

The main authority responsible for drug licensing, pricing, inspection, and regulation in Turkey is the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK). TİTCK is affiliated with the Ministry of Health and enforces all legislation in the pharmaceutical field.