Healthcare services play a crucial role in patients’ treatment journeys. Major interventions such as surgeries require patients to be careful both medically and financially. In Turkey, surgery costs vary depending on the type of hospital (private or public) and the patient’s insurance status.
As of 2025, surgery fees in private and public hospitals are determined by multiple factors. In private hospitals, prices vary according to the hospital’s location, the surgeon’s specialization and experience, and the complexity of the procedure, while in public hospitals the portion covered by SGK (Social Security Institution) is the main consideration.
Below we examine in detail how surgery fees differ in private and public hospitals, how much SGK covers, when private hospitals cannot charge fees, and whether insurance covers surgical expenses.
Private Hospital Surgery Fees
Surgery fees at private hospitals are generally higher than those at public hospitals. Common reasons include faster service, private rooms, experienced medical teams, and advanced technology. Prices differ between facilities and SGK coverage may apply for some procedures.
Factors that influence surgery costs in private hospitals include:
- The type and difficulty of the surgery
- The city and region where the hospital is located
- The surgeon’s level of expertise
- Materials and medical devices used during the operation
- Length of hospital stay
NOTE: Before undergoing surgery at a private hospital, it is important to discuss detailed pricing with the hospital and confirm how much SGK will cover.
SGK Coverage for Private Hospital Surgeries
SGK covers part of the cost for some procedures performed in private hospitals. However, private hospitals may charge up to a 200% surcharge over the SGK-determined price.
Conditions for receiving SGK support at a private hospital:
- The hospital must be contracted with SGK.
- The surgery must be a procedure covered by SGK.
- The patient must accept paying any surcharge above SGK’s payment.
EXAMPLE: If SGK pays 10,000 TL for a procedure, a private hospital may charge up to an additional 20,000 TL as the surcharge.
The table below gives examples of how much SGK covers for some surgeries:
| Surgery Type | SGK Payment (TL) | Private Hospital Total Fee (TL) | Patient Surcharge (TL) |
| Appendectomy | 7.000 | 15.000 | 8.000 |
| Knee Replacement | 12.000 | 30.000 | 18.000 |
| Cataract Surgery | 5.000 | 12.000 | 7.000 |
| Gallbladder Surgery | 9.000 | 20.000 | 11.000 |
WARNING: Before surgery at a private hospital, confirm both SGK’s payment amount and any surcharge the hospital will request.
Most Expensive Surgeries
Some operations carry very high costs due to the use of advanced technology and the need for specialist surgeons. As of 2025, the most expensive surgeries in Turkey typically include:
| Surgery Type | Private Hospital Fee (TL) |
| Coronary Bypass | 100.000 – 250.000 |
| Brain Tumor Surgery | 150.000 – 300.000 |
| Spine Surgery | 80.000 – 200.000 |
| Robotic Prostate Surgery | 120.000 – 250.000 |
| Liver Transplant | 250.000 – 500.000 |
| Kidney Transplant | 150.000 – 350.000 |
Reasons these surgeries are costly:
- They require long and complex operations
- Advanced technology is often used (robotic surgery, etc.)
- Highly experienced specialist surgeons are involved
- They may require extended hospital stays
NOTES:
- SGK may fully cover some expensive procedures when performed in public hospitals or SGK-contracted private hospitals.
- If you have private health insurance, a substantial portion of the surgical cost may be covered depending on your policy.
- Always check the hospital’s pricing policy and insurance agreements before surgery.
Recovering Private Hospital Surgery Costs
Patients who undergo surgery at private hospitals may be able to recover part of the costs under certain conditions. Reimbursement depends on what SGK and private insurers cover.
Ways to recover surgery expenses paid at private hospitals
SGK Overpayment Recovery:
- If a contracted private hospital charges the patient more than SGK’s allowed surcharge, the patient can report the overcharge to SGK to request a refund.
- Claims require invoices and payment receipts submitted with a petition to the SGK provincial directorate.
- SGK will review the payment and refund any verified overcharge.
Private Health Insurance Reimbursement:
- If the patient initially pays out of pocket, they can submit invoices and receipts to their insurer to request reimbursement according to policy terms.
- Insurers do not cover expenses outside the policy’s stated scope.
Recovering Unfair Charges:
- Some private hospitals may charge well above SGK limits.
- If a patient believes they were overcharged, they should first contact the hospital; if unresolved, they may file complaints with the Ministry of Health, SGK or CİMER.
NOTE: Always obtain detailed invoices from the hospital to pursue any refund. Avoid paying surgical fees without first clarifying SGK and private insurance coverage.
When Private Hospitals Cannot Charge Fees
Private hospitals are prohibited from charging patients for certain medical services. These typically include emergency services, intensive care, and cancer treatments that SGK fully covers.
Situations in which private hospitals cannot charge fees:
- Emergency Interventions
In life-threatening situations such as traffic accidents, heart attacks, or sudden strokes, private hospitals cannot demand payment. SGK covers emergency procedures.
- Intensive Care Treatments
Private hospitals may not charge patients for intensive care services.
- Cancer Treatments (Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Immunotherapy)
SGK fully covers cancer treatments.
- Neonatal Intensive Care
All intensive care services for premature newborns are provided free of charge.
- Organ and Bone Marrow Transplants
SGK covers organ and bone marrow transplants when medically necessary.
NOTE: If a private hospital charges for any of the services above, patients or relatives can file complaints with the Ministry of Health, SGK, or CİMER.
Does Insurance Cover Private Hospital Surgery Costs?
Individuals with private health insurance may have their surgical expenses covered in private hospitals, depending on the terms of their policy. Coverage varies by insurer and plan.
Requirements for insurance to cover surgical costs:
Contracted Hospital:
- Private insurance generally covers surgeries performed at hospitals contracted with the insurer.
- If the hospital is not contracted, the patient usually pays first and claims reimbursement from the insurer later.
Procedure Must Be Included in the Policy:
- Surgeries not listed in the policy’s coverage are not reimbursed.
- Example: Cosmetic surgeries are typically excluded from standard policies.
Waiting Periods:
- Some policies impose a waiting period before covering certain procedures.
- If surgery occurs immediately after the policy starts, the insurer may decline payment.
Insurance Limits:
- If the policy’s annual benefit limit is exceeded, the insurer may not cover additional costs.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Surgery?
| Insurance Type | Does It Cover Surgery? | Notes |
| Supplementary Health Insurance | Yes (in SGK-contracted hospitals) | May cover SGK surcharges; some private procedures may be excluded. |
| Private Health Insurance | Yes (Depends on policy) | Comprehensive policies can cover major surgeries. |
| Life Insurance | No | Life insurance does not cover medical expenses. |
| Mandatory Traffic Insurance | No | Only covers treatment from traffic accidents. |
NOTES:
- Before purchasing private health insurance, check whether surgeries are included in the policy.
- Having surgery at a contracted hospital reduces the risk of unexpected costs.
- Ask the insurer in writing whether they will pay prior to surgery.
Public Hospital Surgery Fees
Public hospitals generally provide more affordable care compared to private facilities. Many surgeries are free for patients with SGK coverage, while uninsured patients must pay certain fees. Teaching hospitals and city hospitals may have different fee structures.
Factors affecting surgery costs in public hospitals include:
- Whether the patient has SGK coverage
- The type and complexity of the surgery
- Length of stay and materials used
- The hospital’s classification (Teaching and Research Hospital, City Hospital, etc.)
Surgery Fees in Public Hospitals for Uninsured Patients
Uninsured individuals who undergo surgery in public hospitals must pay certain fees. Even so, public hospitals are generally much less expensive than private hospitals.
Fee ranges for uninsured patients in public hospitals:
| Surgery Type | Price Range (TL) |
| Appendectomy | 5.000 – 10.000 |
| Hernia Surgery | 7.000 – 15.000 |
| Hip Prosthesis | 20.000 – 40.000 |
| Cesarean Section | 8.000 – 12.000 |
| Cataract Surgery | 4.000 – 8.000 |
| Knee Replacement | 18.000 – 35.000 |
NOTES:
- Uninsured patients must cover all costs when treated in public hospitals.
- Payments are made at the hospital cashier, and a detailed invoice can be requested.
- In some cases, uninsured patients may apply for general health coverage (green card) and be exempted from fees.
Teaching and Research Hospital Surgery Fees
Teaching and research hospitals are classified as public institutions but involve medical students and resident doctors in care. These hospitals often offer advanced procedures in certain specialties.
Fee characteristics in teaching hospitals:
- Surgeries are typically free for SGK-covered patients.
- Fees for uninsured patients are similar to other public hospitals.
- Additional fees may apply when special medical materials are used.
EXAMPLE: A bypass operation performed at a teaching hospital may be done by highly experienced teams with advanced equipment and is generally covered by SGK.
Advantages:
- Care by more specialized physicians
- Access to advanced surgical techniques
- No extra fees when covered by SGK
Does SGK Pay for Surgeries?
SGK fully covers most surgeries performed in public hospitals. In some cases, patients may be asked to contribute via co-payments or pay for special materials.
Surgeries fully covered by SGK:
- Heart surgeries (bypass, valve replacement)
- All cancer surgeries
- Organ transplants (kidney, liver, etc.)
- Childbirth and cesarean sections
- Cataract surgery
- Emergency surgeries (appendectomy, traffic accidents, etc.)
Surgeries partially or not covered by SGK:
- Rhinoplasty for cosmetic purposes
- Liposuction and other body-contouring procedures
- Hair transplants and elective cosmetic eye color changes
- Surgeries involving special prostheses or implants beyond standard coverage
NOTES:
- If SGK covers the entire surgery, patients are not charged any fee.
- For some procedures requiring special materials, patients may need to pay extra.
- Discuss in advance with the hospital to learn exactly which parts of the surgery SGK will cover.
Are Surgeries Charged in City Hospitals?
City hospitals are public institutions and most surgeries are free for patients with SGK coverage. However, some special procedures or materials may incur additional charges.
Surgery fees in city hospitals:
- Most surgeries are free for SGK-covered patients.
- Uninsured patients pay public hospital rates.
- Additional fees may apply for certain private procedures.
Special cases:
- If a patient requests a specific private surgeon, an extra fee may apply.
- Private rooms or extra services may incur additional charges depending on the hospital.
Advantages of City Hospitals:
- Large, modern healthcare facilities
- Operating rooms equipped with advanced technology
- Extensive staff of doctors and specialists
NOTES:
- Mandatory surgeries are fully free for SGK-covered patients.
- It’s best to request information from the hospital about their fee policy before surgery.