Is SGK valid in Germany? The answer is conditionally yes. Thanks to the bilateral social security agreement between Turkey and Germany, people insured under the Social Security Institution (SGK) can, under certain conditions, benefit from health services in Germany, preserve their insurance periods and retain their premium rights. This validity is not automatic for everyone; the person’s status, length of stay and required documents determine eligibility.
What is the Turkey–Germany Social Security Agreement?
The social security agreement in force between Turkey and Germany since 1965 aims to protect workers’ social rights between the two countries. Under this agreement, insurance periods, pension rights and health benefits are mutually recognized according to defined rules.
Scope of the Agreement
| Kapsam | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Health Services | Temporary coverage for insured individuals posted abroad |
| Pensions | Aggregation of contribution periods |
| Disability | Rights are preserved |
| Survivor’s Pension | Contribution periods are taken into account |
| Temporary Assignment | SGK coverage continues during a temporary posting |
Who is SGK valid for in Germany?
SGK validity in Germany is not automatic for every citizen. The following groups may benefit from this right when they meet the necessary conditions.
Groups Eligible for SGK Coverage in Germany
| Person Group | Condition |
|---|---|
| Temporarily Posted Employees | Must have AT11 document |
| Public Servants | Official assignment from employer |
| Students | Maintaining SGK affiliation during studies |
| Accompanying Family Members | Dependents who accompany the insured person |
| Short-Term Visitors | Coverage with appropriate documentation |
Who is not covered by SGK in Germany?
In some situations SGK coverage is not considered valid in Germany and the person becomes subject to the German system.
Situations Where SGK Is Not Valid
| Situation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Permanent Residence | German insurance is required for permanent residents |
| Long-Term Employment | Subject to the local (German) system |
| Uninsured Status | Loss of rights if no insurance |
| Entry without Documentation | No AT11, no SGK coverage |
| Overseas Pension Outside Agreement | Not covered by the bilateral agreement |
Can you receive health services in Germany under SGK?
Yes, under certain conditions SGK-insured persons can access health services in Germany. The AT11 certificate is mandatory to use SGK health coverage abroad.
Health Services under SGK in Germany
| Service | Status |
|---|---|
| Emergency Care | Covered |
| Outpatient Consultations | Covered |
| Medication | Partially covered or limited |
| Planned Surgery | Generally excluded under temporary coverage |
| Private Clinics | Mostly excluded; public providers usually apply |
What is the AT11 document and why is it necessary?
The AT11 document is the official certificate issued to an SGK-insured person that allows them to receive health services in Germany during their temporary stay. Without this document, SGK coverage cannot be claimed abroad.
AT11 Document Summary
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Issuing Institution | SGK |
| Validity | Temporary; valid for the period stated on the document |
| Country | Germany |
| Coverage | Health services, subject to limitations |
| Mandatory | Yes—for temporary SGK coverage abroad |
How long is SGK valid in Germany?
SGK validity in Germany is limited to the period indicated on the relevant document. The duration depends on the purpose of stay and the assignment terms.
Typical Validity Periods
| Situation | Duration |
|---|---|
| Temporary Assignment | Usually between 3 and 24 months, as stated on AT11 |
| Education / Internship | For the duration of the program when SGK affiliation continues |
| Accompanying Persons | Same period as the primary insured person |
| Extension | Possible by reapplying before expiry |
| Overstaying the Period | May lead to loss of SGK rights for that period |
Does SGK continue while working in Germany?
This depends on the type of employment. SGK continues for persons temporarily posted by a Turkey-based employer. Workers employed under a German contract typically become subject to the German insurance system.
SGK Status by Type of Work
| Type of Work | SGK Status |
|---|---|
| Temporary Posting | SGK continues with AT11 |
| Employed by a Turkish Company | SGK continues if the employer remains Turkish and posts the worker |
| Employed by a German Company | SGK does not continue; German insurance applies |
| Permanent Job | Subject to German social insurance |
| Self-Employment | Follow the local (German) system |
Do SGK premiums continue to be paid while in Germany?
For those sent to Germany on a temporary assignment, SGK premiums continue to be paid in Turkey. This preserves contribution records and can be advantageous for pension entitlement.
Premium Situations
| Status | Premium |
|---|---|
| 4A (SSK) | Premium payments continue |
| 4B (Bağ-Kur) | Can continue if there are no outstanding debts |
| 4C (Public Servants) | Premiums continue under public service rules |
| Local Employment in Germany | Contribution payments move to German system |
| Uninsured | Loss of contribution rights |
Is SGK valid for pension purposes in Germany?
Thanks to the agreement, contribution days accumulated in both Turkey and Germany can be combined when assessing eligibility for a pension. However, pension benefits are calculated and paid separately by each country according to their rules.
Pension Rights
| Topic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Aggregation of Contributions | Possible to meet minimum contribution requirements |
| Age Requirement | Determined separately by each country’s legislation |
| Pension Calculation and Payment | Each country calculates and pays its portion separately |
| Completing Missing Days | Shortfalls can often be completed according to national rules |
| Risk of Losing Rights | No automatic loss of accrued rights under the agreement |
Is German insurance required while SGK is valid?
For holders of AT11, German insurance is not required for the temporary period covered by the document. However, for long-term stays or permanent employment a transition to the German insurance system becomes necessary.
Insurance Comparison
| Criterion | SGK (AT11) | German Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Temporary | Permanent |
| Coverage | Limited to specified services | Broader coverage |
| Contributions | Paid in Turkey | Paid in Germany |
| Obligation | Conditional based on posting | Mandatory for long-term residents/workers |
| Cost | Generally lower | Often higher |
Can you go to a private hospital in Germany with SGK?
Generally no. The AT11 document typically applies to public health providers in Germany; private clinic coverage is usually excluded or requires additional arrangements.
How to apply for SGK validity in Germany?
Applications are submitted directly to SGK provincial directorates or SGK central offices. There is no fully online procedure for issuing AT11; you must apply through the official SGK channels or by authorized representation.
Application Channels
| Channel | Status |
|---|---|
| SGK Provincial Directorate | Main application office |
| SGK Central Office | Alternative for certain cases |
| By Power of Attorney | Possible if a representative files |
| e-Government Portal (e-Devlet) | Provides information; formal AT11 issuance requires SGK office procedure |
| Limited use depending on circumstances |
Common mistakes made under SGK coverage in Germany
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Not obtaining AT11 | Loss of coverage rights |
| Overstaying the authorized period | Invalidation of SGK coverage for that period |
| Incorrect country information on forms | Application rejection |
| Outstanding premium debt | Application may be refused |
| Receiving treatment without documentation | Patient may be required to pay costs |
Do rights in Turkey continue while SGK is valid in Germany?
Yes. SGK coverage for a temporary posting does not suspend rights in Turkey; when the person returns, they can continue to use their Turkish SGK rights as before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SGK automatically valid in Germany?
No. SGK is not valid without the AT11 document.
Is medical care free in Germany under SGK?
Emergency and necessary medical services are covered within the scope of the AT11 document.
While working in Germany, which insurance applies—SGK or German insurance?
During a temporary posting SGK applies; for permanent employment German insurance applies.
Do SGK premiums continue to be paid while in Germany?
Yes, for those on temporary posting SGK premiums continue to be paid in Turkey.
Is SGK valid for pension purposes in Germany?
Contribution periods can be combined to meet pension eligibility; pensions are awarded and paid separately by each country.