Free implant treatment with SGK is available. However, state hospitals require certain conditions for implant treatment to be covered. The Social Security Institution (SGK) covers implant treatment in the following situations:
- Implant treatments are covered by the state for retired individuals and those working under the Social Security Institution. Citizens insured under 4A (SSK), 4B (Bağ-Kur) and 4C (Emekli Sandığı) have their implant treatments covered by the state.
- SGK covers implant treatment only for extraordinary cases of tooth loss. Implants are also provided free of charge in cases of trauma, tumors or cysts.
Does SGK cover state implant treatment?
SGK dental treatments are generally provided either free of charge or for very low fees. Under SGK dental coverage, services can be offered without direct cost to the patient. Important conditions for state coverage of dental treatments include:
- The hospital must have an agreement with SGK.
- The planned treatment must not be purely for aesthetic reasons.
- SGK requires that patients meet certain eligibility criteria for dental coverage. Citizens who meet these conditions receive dental treatment free of charge.
For SGK to cover dental implant treatment, the patient generally needs to have a disability of 40% or greater. Implant treatments for disabled patients who receive an official health report are covered by SGK. Costs are also covered for war veterans and those receiving disability pensions related to service.
What are the conditions for free dental treatment?
To qualify for free dental treatment, the conditions set by SGK must be met. Requirements for free application of braces, implants or other dental treatments include:
- If braces are to be provided, SGK covers the cost only for patients under 18. Orthodontic expenses are covered provided the patient is not yet 18 years old.
- Patients can also receive free dental treatment at some private hospitals if referred by authorized dentists working in oral and dental health hospitals, training and research hospitals, or university dental faculties. If the doctor issues a referral, the private hospital is obliged to accept the payment arrangement.
- If a report is issued by a medical board, treatment must begin within six months.
Does SGK cover dental crown (cap) procedures?
SGK covers dental crown procedures free of charge when eligibility conditions are met. Crown treatments may use metal, zirconia or other materials. The most commonly used cosmetic crown is the zirconia crown. SGK does not charge fees for crown treatments performed in contracted healthcare institutions. Crowns are placed using support from adjacent teeth or implants in edentulous areas. To have crown procedures covered by SGK, treatment must take place in one of the following institutions:
- Hospitals affiliated with the Ministry of Health or municipalities,
- Oral and dental health centers,
- Dental faculties operating within state universities.
Does SGK cover implant costs?
SGK makes payments for implant procedures, but the final decision is made by the treating physician. If the doctor deems the implant necessary, SGK can cover it. However, endosseous (in-bone) implants are generally not paid for by SGK unless specific conditions are met. SGK will cover costs for in-bone implant treatments in the following cases:
- When the patient has severe tissue loss within the bone,
- When there is unilateral free-end edentulism in the upper or lower jaw,
- For congenital problems such as cleft lip and palate or other defects of dental and bone tissue, SGK covers the expenses.
- SGK-funded implants are limited to a maximum of four implants per jaw.
How to receive a 700 TL support for implants?
There is a 700 TL payment support for certain implant cases. SGK limits paid implants to a maximum of four per jaw. For 2019, an amount of 90 TL per implant was listed for standard payments. Separately, for disabled war veterans who cannot live without assistance, SGK may pay up to 700 TL per implant. To receive state support for implant treatment:
- If the citizen has a disability of 40% or more and can prove it with a health board report, SGK covers all dental treatments.
- Treatment should begin within 10 days after receiving the disability health report.
- For war veterans, billing is limited to a maximum of 700 TL per implant.
Does GSS cover dental treatment costs?
Dental treatment with GSS is available under the General Health Insurance regulations. The law outlines which dental services GSS covers. Covered dental services include:
- Medical interventions and treatments, root canal therapy follow-ups, prosthetic treatments related to trauma or oncology, and emergency oral and dental health services. Transfers from public hospitals to private hospitals can be made by referral, and SGK covers payment in such cases.
- For citizens aged 45 and over, 50% of the cost of dental prostheses is covered by SGK.
- Aesthetic orthodontic procedures are not covered by SGK.
- For Turkish citizens under 18, SGK pays 50% of the approved costs for orthodontic treatment.
In which situations does SGK pay implant fees?
SGK implant coverage applies in several exceptional situations. Implant fees are fully covered by the state in the following cases:
- When maxillofacial trauma, cysts or tumors cause extensive tissue loss in the maxillary or mandibular bone.
- When there is unilateral free-end edentulism in the upper or lower jaw.
- In congenital tooth agenesis cases (congenital absence of teeth).
- For issues arising from congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, where dental and related bone tissue defects exist.
How much does SGK cover for implants in state hospitals?
SGK coverage for implants in state hospitals varies depending on the number of implants and the patient’s condition. While SGK may cover part of the implant treatment cost, it does not always cover the full amount. Examples of amounts that may be paid by SGK in covered cases:
- Procedure fee for in-bone implant application: 120 TL per unit,
- Payment of 90 TL per implant application,
- Recipients of disability pensions under Law No. 3713 are exempt from payment,
- For war-disabled persons and those with duty-related disabilities, up to 700 TL may be paid per implant. These amounts are exclusive of VAT,
- Citizens with 40% or higher disability who obtain a health report receive SGK payment for treatments.