Being unemployed does not automatically end your health coverage completely. In Turkey, access to health services is managed under the General Health Insurance (GSS) system, and different rules apply for people who lose their jobs.
Your entitlement to health services depends on several factors:
-
Last insurance end date
-
Number of premium days
-
General Health Insurance status
-
Household income level
-
Whether unemployment benefit is being received
How Many Days Can You Use Health Services After Leaving a Job?
A person who leaves a job can continue to access health services through their former insurance for a limited period.
Duration of Health Coverage After Leaving a Job
| Number of Premium Days in the Last Year | Duration of Health Coverage |
|---|---|
| 90 days and above | 100 days |
| 30–89 days | 10 days |
| Less than 30 days | Not eligible |
During this period, the person can receive services at state hospitals, university hospitals, and health facilities contracted with SGK.
Can People Receiving Unemployment Benefit Use Health Services?
People who receive unemployment benefit are fully covered by SGK for health services for the duration of their benefit period.
Health Rights of Those Receiving Unemployment Benefit
| Type of Right | Status |
|---|---|
| State hospital | Accessible |
| University hospital | Accessible |
| Medication supply | Covered |
| Examinations and tests | Covered |
For people receiving unemployment benefit, the state pays the General Health Insurance premium.
I’m Unemployed but Not Getting Unemployment Benefit — What Should I Do?
If you are not eligible for unemployment benefit, the General Health Insurance system still applies. In this case, you need to have a means test (income test) performed.
What Is the Income Test?
The income test determines the per-person income in the household. The result decides whether the person must pay a GSS premium.
Health Coverage According to the Income Test
| Per-Person Income | GSS Status |
|---|---|
| Below one-third of the minimum wage | Premium paid by the state |
| One-third of the minimum wage or above | Premium paid by the individual |
Those whose income test result is below one-third of the minimum wage can access health services without paying any premium.
Is It Possible to Use Health Services Without Paying GSS Premium?
Yes. If the income test result is favorable, individuals can use health services under General Health Insurance without paying the premium.
This coverage includes:
-
Examinations
-
Tests
-
Surgeries
-
Medications
-
Treatment services
These services are covered by SGK.
2026 GSS Premium Amounts
For those required to pay premiums based on the income test, the General Health Insurance premiums valid in 2026 are as follows.
| Situation | Monthly GSS Premium |
|---|---|
| Above income test threshold | 3% of the minimum wage |
| Below income test threshold | Paid by the state |
| GSS with outstanding debt | Retrospective debt will be assessed |
Can People with GSS Debt Use Health Services?
People who owe GSS premiums generally cannot use routine health services until they pay their debt. However, some exceptions apply.
Cases Where Health Services Are Provided Despite GSS Debt
| Situation | Health Service |
|---|---|
| Emergency situations | Accessible |
| Pregnancy and childbirth | Accessible |
| Infectious diseases | Accessible |
| Intensive care | Accessible |
Can You Use Health Coverage Through a Family Member?
Some people can access health services through their spouse or parents if conditions are met.
Conditions for Using Health Coverage Through a Family Member
| Scope | Condition |
|---|---|
| Through spouse | Spouse must be insured |
| Through parents | Specific age and income conditions apply |
| Children | Automatic coverage under 18 years old |
Can Unemployed People Go to State Hospitals for Free?
Yes. Unemployed people covered by GSS can apply to state hospitals without payment for basic services. However, some services may require a co-pay.
2026 Co-Payments
| Service | Co-Pay |
|---|---|
| State hospital consultation | Small amount |
| University hospital | Higher amount |
| Medication contribution | Varies by prescription |
Can Unemployed People Go to Private Hospitals?
Unemployed people can visit private hospitals, but even when the hospital has an agreement with SGK, they may be required to pay an additional fee (difference fee).
What Should Unemployed People Who Cannot Access Health Services Do?
-
Have an income test performed.
-
Check the GSS registration.
-
Investigate debt restructuring options if there is outstanding debt.
-
Check health provision status via e-Government (E-Devlet).
How to Check Health Status via E-Government
Through e-Government you can easily view:
-
Health provision status,
-
GSS debt,
-
Income test result,
-
Health activation status.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m unemployed—can I use health services without paying any premium?
If your income test result is favorable, you can use health services without paying a premium.
How many days can I access health services after leaving a job?
Depending on your premium days in the last year, you can access services for between 10 and 100 days.
If I have a GSS debt, can I go to the hospital?
Except for emergencies and certain special cases, you cannot use routine services while your GSS debt is unpaid.
Who pays the GSS premium for those receiving unemployment benefit?
The state pays the GSS premium during the unemployment benefit period.
Can I receive health services through my family?
If the conditions for spouse or parent coverage are met, you can receive health services through a family member.