Every year in Turkey thousands of students graduate from universities in the fields they chose. Graduates enter the workforce by taking jobs in public institutions, the private sector, or by starting their own businesses. From the first day an employee starts working, the employer is legally required to initiate social security registration. Within the period specified by law, the employer must submit the employment registration and other required documents to the Social Security Institution (SGK). Those who run their own businesses must register themselves and any employees, because they act as both employer and employee. According to national legislation, employers must deliver the employee registration and related documents to the Social Security Institution within a prescribed timeframe.
The answer to the question “Is General Health Insurance (GSS) mandatory?” is yes. General Health Insurance is compulsory. It is not optional for employees; no one is permitted to remain without General Health Insurance. Employing uninsured workers is legally prohibited. Employers must submit the employee enrollment forms and other documents to the Social Security Institution within the required period. Penalties apply when documents are not submitted on time. For example, an employer who fails to register a worker’s employment documentation within the deadline may face a fine equivalent to one minimum wage. If the matter proceeds through legal channels because the employer still did not submit the documents, the fine can rise to four times the minimum wage. Social security procedures are taken very seriously in Turkey. The GSS requirement and registration obligations must be handled with care; noncompliance leads to legal consequences.
The type of social security coverage a worker receives depends on the sector in which they work. Civil servants in public institutions are covered under the Emekli Sandığı (retirement fund) 4/C scheme. Employees working under a service contract are covered by the SSK 4/A scheme. Those who work independently in the private sector or run their own businesses are covered by BAĞ-KUR 4/B. Having any of these social security coverages gives access to various social and health services either free of charge or at reduced cost. The requirement for General Health Insurance has been defined by health legislation and is mandatory.
Individuals covered by a social security scheme can receive care at public hospitals, university hospitals, teaching and research hospitals, and community health centers without paying fees for examinations or surgeries. Under the rules established by the social state, those without any social security used to pay 15 TL for a public health clinic examination; under current law that fee is now 30 TL. If a person with social security seeks treatment at a private healthcare provider and their insurance fully covers the cost, they receive services without direct payment. If the social security covers only part of the cost, the patient must pay the remaining difference. The same principle applies to medications: if the social security scheme covers the full cost of a medicine, it is provided free of charge; if the scheme covers only part of the cost, the patient must pay the remaining portion.
Is GSS Mandatory?
Millions of people work in various sectors across Turkey, and legally all employees must be insured. Under General Health Insurance legislation, GSS is mandatory. For men, General Health Insurance coverage ends when they reach 18 years old, while for women, GSS coverage remains mandatory after turning 18. In cases where a woman’s marital status changes, her coverage may transfer to depend on her spouse’s social security if the conditions for dependent coverage are met.