The health insurance described by SGK is regulated according to criteria set by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Artist insurance covers performers who work in films under employment contracts, those who perform in theaters and on stages, as well as artists involved in voice and music, painting, and sculpture.
This insurance calculates working hours for these workers and the premium is paid based on those hours. To benefit from the artist insurance, you must be employed under someone else’s organization rather than working independently. You must not have any voluntary social insurance in effect, and you should not be affiliated with any other social fund. Your income and monthly financial status must not be fixed documented net amounts; you should not have clear proof of a defined net income. Another requirement is that you must be at least 18 years old.
Artists who meet these conditions are eligible for the artist insurance, which is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This insurance is provided through SGK so that artists can access healthcare services. To qualify, your income situation should not be recorded as a definite net amount; you must undergo an income assessment.
What Is the Income Test?
Those who want to obtain artist insurance often ask what the income test is and whether any changes occurred in 2017. The income test is an assessment required for citizens who do not have any other insurance. It is carried out under SGK regulations and determines the insurance premium you will pay. The General Health Insurance program uses this test to decide the appropriate level of coverage.
Citizens who need to take the income test should apply to their local Social Assistance and Solidarity Directorates. The income test evaluates the household income per person—that is, the family’s total income divided by the number of household members. If the per-person national income is less than one third of the minimum wage, the state will cover your insurance premiums.
If the income test result is low, the state pays the insurance contributions. If your situation qualifies but you do not yet have insurance, you will owe certain premiums. If these premiums are not paid, debt can accumulate and may reach amounts up to 12,000 TL. Such debt can later be cleared or restructured through amnesty or installment plans. You can restructure insurance debt and pay it in up to 12 monthly installments.
Whether you are applying for artist insurance or any other private coverage, you must complete the income test as part of the qualification process.