Update: Mandatory Medical Insurance Requirement Suspended
The Turkish high court has suspended the mandatory complication insurance requirement introduced earlier this year. As a result, the requirement is not currently in force, and a final ruling is still pending.
However, some independent providers may continue to request complication insurance as part of their own internal policies. Requirements can therefore vary depending on the facility.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will update this notice if there are any further developments.
Source: Turkish Medical Association (TTB), March 2026.
Summary
- From 1 January 2026, all medical tourists travelling to Turkey must have mandatory complication insurance.
- The cost is expected to vary, depending on the type of treatment, the coverage plan (i.e. the benefits provided), and the coverage term.
- All medical tourists travelling to Turkey must have complication insurance.
- It is a regulatory and mandatory requirement, not an additional or hidden cost introduced by your provider.
- Hospitals and clinics or surgeons are responsible for arranging that patients have the required insurance.
The Turkish government has introduced a requirement for foreign nationals travelling to Turkey for cosmetic medical treatment to hold mandatory complication insurance, as a measure to strengthen patient protection.
All foreign nationals travelling to Turkey for surgical or invasive procedures in an operating room setting are required to have a complication insurance.
“For surgical and interventional procedures to be performed in an operating theatre within the scope of international health tourism, it is mandatory for the healthcare facility to obtain complication insurance.”
Notably, a complication refers to an undesirable outcome that is inherent to the procedure and may occur even when the procedure is performed competently, independent of medical error. Even so, the insurance has been introduced to strengthen patient rights, promote clinical risk management, and support Turkey’s competitiveness in the global health tourism market.
What Does the Complication Insurance Cover?
Complication insurance coverage may vary depending on your insurance plan. When choosing your plan, you may be able to select coverage terms ranging from 6 to 12 months, with options from basic to premium coverage.
Standard complication insurance typically includes cover for medical complications that require revision surgery, along with the tests and medications needed to treat them. It also provides emergency medical treatment during the insured trip and includes a level of legal protection in case of disputes arising from covered complications. All of these elements are subject to specific financial limits. In addition, some plans may also include extra benefits such as transport, accommodation, loss of luggage, and third-party liability cover.
Please note that coverage scope and included elements may vary across different policies. Depending on your chosen plan, the benefits and level of coverage may differ. The following items are generally included in coverage, though the maximum amount covered for each may vary by plan:
- Travel
- Illness
- Health
- Accident
- Emergency Medical Consultation
- Baggage Loss
- Third-Party Liability
- Legal Protection
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Intervention in Home Country Coverage
This offers clear benefits for you. Based on the amount you pay, you may receive different advantages and levels of coverage. In simple terms, you are purchasing a benefit, and this system is designed to make your healthcare journey safer and more secure, in line with government regulations.
What If I Already Have Medical Insurance in My Home Country?
Having medical insurance in your home country does not remove the requirement for Turkish complication insurance. The mandatory policy issued in Turkey is specifically designed to cover complications arising from medical treatments performed in accredited Turkish healthcare facilities and must be in place regardless of any other insurance you may hold.
In some cases, this means patients may effectively be insured twice for certain elements, such as emergency treatment or hospital care. However, each policy operates independently, with its own limits, territorial scope, and conditions. The Turkish complication insurance remains legally required even if you have alternative medical or travel insurance elsewhere.
How Much Will the Complication Insurance Cost?
The complication insurance price is expected to vary depending on the treatment, cover and term.
Who Do You Pay For Complication Insurance?
Hospitals and clinics and surgeons are responsible for arranging the insurance and collecting the payment in line with this regulation. Longevita will not ask you to pay for it at the time of booking.
How Do You Pay For Complication Insurance?
Payment may be made in cash or via other accepted methods, depending on the provider, treatment and/or the medical facility.
Will You Pay For Complication Insurance to Longevita?
No, you will not make any payment for complication insurance to Longevita. The cost of the insurance is therefore not included in the treatment plan at the time of booking. This insurance is a legal requirement under Turkish law, not a requirement set by Longevita.
What’s the Best Time to Arrange the Insurance?
It is recommended that you arrange and pay for your complication insurance on the day of the procedure, once you have been fully cleared for surgery.
While it may seem preferable to arrange the insurance before travelling to Turkey, doing so can lead to certain issues, including:
- The risk of surgery being cancelled following blood test results
- Insurance becoming invalid due to flight cancellations, changes, or delays
- A decision not to proceed after the in-person consultation
In these situations:
- Costs and administrative requirements may still apply, even if the policy is cancelled
- Refund processes may take time
- Dissatisfaction may arise if administrative charges are incurred despite cancellation