The BAĞ-KUR installment system is a program established by the institution to help individuals who owe BAĞ-KUR debts pay them more easily. Introduced in parliament in 2012, the BAĞ-KUR installment option has been implemented in recent years. This installment plan has provided relief to debtors by allowing them to spread payments over time, easing the financial burden and simplifying repayment.
In particular, debts were assessed for people who could not access health coverage through their own records and who were receiving health services via a spouse, parent, or other family members. With the introduction of the BAĞ-KUR installment option, those who owe debts can now settle them more comfortably by applying to the institution to take advantage of the payment plan.
Over the past years, the BAĞ-KUR installment system and related amnesty measures affecting SSK and BAĞ-KUR debts have led to legal changes that reshaped how these liabilities are calculated and collected.
How Does the 36-Month BAĞ-KUR Installment Option Introduced in 2014 Work?
Under the revised BAĞ-KUR installment arrangement, outstanding debts were recalculated. The recalculated amounts were expressed in TL and treated without interest, and late payment penalties and accrued interest related to the delays were waived. Following this change, debts that had previously been scheduled to be repaid over 18 months could now be spread across up to 36 months under the new installment rules.
Despite this improvement, some individuals still find it difficult to meet payments. Banks offer additional options to help debtors. Through bank campaigns, eligible people can obtain loans to pay off BAĞ-KUR obligations and then repay those loans under bank terms, which may make monthly payments more manageable. To pursue this, residents should consult with their banks regarding available loan products and terms.
In summary, BAĞ-KUR debtors benefit from the expanded installment period—extended from 18 to 36 months—allowing them to settle accumulated liabilities either from their own resources or with assistance from banks. Successful restructuring and timely payments also restore eligibility for health and other social services that were previously inaccessible due to unpaid debts. To access these provisions, debtors must apply to the Social Security Institution (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu).
Important Points for BAĞ-KUR Debtors When Applying for Debt Restructuring
1) Debtors must complete the application form and submit it to the social security center either in person or by mail.
2) Restructured debts can be paid in full up front or in installments. Payments may be arranged in 18 installments or extended up to 36 months, with two-month periods for each installment when applicable.
3) During the installment period, if the general health insurance (GSS) premiums that accrue are not paid on time, or if more than one payment is missed within a year without significant hardship justification, the right to continue repaying the remaining restructured installments may be forfeited.
4) Those who restructure their debts and pay the first installment will become eligible for general health insurance coverage. However, individuals who have unpaid premium debts exceeding 60 days or whose related debts are not themselves under an approved installment plan under relevant laws will not gain GSS benefits even if they pay restructured installments regularly.
5) If a request is made to improve the status of periods of insured coverage that were temporarily suspended pursuant to Article 17 of Law No. 5510, any debts arising from those suspended periods must be paid by the deadline established for the request. Those asking for restoration should meet the payment conditions set for the specified dates.
6) If there are any lawsuits related to the debts in question, an original or certified copy of a court document proving withdrawal of the lawsuit must be submitted to the unit handling applications, as specified in Annex 14 of the circular.