2025 Private vs Public Hospital Consultation Fees in Turkey

Private and public hospital consultation fees are among the top concerns for millions of people seeking healthcare in 2025. In Turkey, services are provided through both public hospitals and private hospitals, and consultation fees vary depending on the specialty, insurance status and type of consultation.

Public Hospital Consultation Fees 2025

As of 2025, the consultation fee in public hospitals remains low for citizens covered by the general health insurance (GSS).

For insured (SGK) patients, the usual participation fee is generally between 30 TL and 50 TL.

Patient Group Consultation Fee (2025) Notes
Insured (SGK) Patient 30 TL Participation fee collected at the pharmacy
Retiree 20 TL Automatically deducted from pension
Green Card Holder Free Covered under GSS
Uninsured 150 – 300 TL Varies by specialty
Follow-up Consultation (within 10 days) Free If within the same specialty

What is the Public Hospital Participation Fee?

The participation fee is a small co-payment set by SGK for consultations at public hospitals.
Key points:

  • Family physician visits are exempt from the fee,
  • The fee is applied for consultations at public or university hospitals,
  • It is usually collected automatically when collecting prescribed medicines at the pharmacy.

Public Hospital Fees for Uninsured Patients

Uninsured individuals pay the full fee for consultations at public hospitals.
Details:

  • The fee varies by clinic,
  • Average range: 200 TL to 350 TL,
  • Laboratory tests, imaging and other procedures are not included in this amount.

Private Hospital Consultation Fees 2025

In 2025, private hospital consultation fees are determined by factors such as specialty, hospital class, whether there is an SGK agreement, and the doctor’s title.

Average private hospital consultation fees are approximately:

Specialty SGK-Contracted Fee Non-SGK Fee Notes
Internal Medicine 300 – 500 TL 800 – 1000 TL Includes SGK difference
Obstetrics & Gynecology 400 – 600 TL 1000 – 1500 TL Additional tests may apply
Ophthalmology 250 – 400 TL 600 – 900 TL Excludes lens measurement
Cardiology 500 – 700 TL 1000 – 1300 TL EKG may be included
Dermatology 350 – 600 TL 800 – 1200 TL Varies by treatment
Psychiatry 600 – 900 TL 1000 – 2000 TL SGK not always applicable

Consultation Fees at SGK-Contracted Private Hospitals

Many private hospitals operate under an SGK agreement. In that case:

  • If the patient has insurance, SGK covers part of the fee,
  • The hospital charges only the “difference fee” (fark ücreti),
  • The difference rate can reach up to 200%,
  • Retirees and civil servants also pay this difference.

Example: If the SGK base tariff is 200 TL, a private hospital charging a 200% difference could demand 600 TL in total.

How is the Private Hospital Difference Fee Calculated?

The difference fee is the additional amount requested by a private hospital on top of the amount paid by SGK.
This difference depends on the specialty, the doctor’s rank (professor, specialist) and the hospital class (A-class, B-class).

Example calculation:

  • SGK tariff: 200 TL
  • Hospital difference rate: 150%
  • Total payable: 200 + (200 x 1.5) = 500 TL

Additional Costs Beyond the Consultation Fee

In addition to the consultation fee, extra charges may apply for laboratory tests, blood tests, X-rays or ultrasound procedures.
In public hospitals, most of these costs are covered by SGK, while in private hospitals you may face additional differences.

Procedure Type Public Hospital Private Hospital
Blood Test Free / Covered by SGK 100 – 300 TL
Ultrasound Free / Covered by SGK 300 – 800 TL
MRI Free / Covered by SGK 800 – 2500 TL
X-ray Free / Covered by SGK 150 – 400 TL

Repeat Consultations and Follow-up Fees

In public hospitals, follow-up consultations within the same specialty made within 10 days are free.
In private hospitals the period varies:

  • Some private hospitals offer free follow-up within 7 days,
  • Others provide a free follow-up window of 10–15 days.

Fees by Patient Group

Insured (SGK) and Retired Patients

  • In public hospitals they only pay the participation fee (30 TL).
  • In private hospitals they pay the SGK difference (on average 400–700 TL).

Uninsured Patients

  • Public hospitals: 200–350 TL,
  • Private hospitals: 800–2000 TL on average.

Students and Green Card Holders

  • Green card holders or students under 18 can be seen for free at public hospitals.
  • At private hospitals, if there is no SGK agreement, a difference fee may apply.

Private vs Public Hospital Fee Differences (2025 Comparison)

Criterion Public Hospital Private Hospital
Consultation Fee 30 – 50 TL 300 – 1500 TL
Uninsured Fee 150 – 350 TL 800 – 2000 TL
Test / MRI Costs Covered by SGK Difference may apply
Participation Fee Applies Applies
Follow-up Consultation Free (10 days) May be free within 7–15 days

How to Book an Appointment

For Public Hospitals

Appointments for public hospitals can be made through the central appointment system (MHRS) or by calling the ALO 182 line.

For Private Hospitals

  • Through the hospital’s official website,
  • By calling the hospital call center, or
  • Via the hospital’s WhatsApp line for online booking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much is a private hospital consultation fee in 2025?

On average between 300 and 1500 TL, depending on specialty and hospital.

2. How much is a public hospital consultation fee in 2025?

For insured patients, typically between 30 and 50 TL.

3. How much do uninsured patients pay at private hospitals?

On average between 800 and 2000 TL.

4. Is a follow-up consultation free?

Yes — in public hospitals, follow-ups within 10 days in the same specialty are free.

5. How is the SGK difference fee calculated?

Private hospitals may charge up to 200% above the SGK base tariff as a difference fee.