As a system being applied in Turkey nationwide, the General Healthcare Insurance, refers to insurance that primarily protects people’s health and provides financing for their expenses in case they encounter health risks.
With universal health insurance, it is ensured that all members of the Turkish society benefit from health services equally, accessible and effectively against the risk of disease, regardless of the economic power and desire of the people.
In the General Healthcare Insurance system, an income test is required to determine whether individuals will pay premiums or not. Income test is the process that determines whether citizens do have means to pay general healthcare insurance premiums or not, by determining their current income by considering various indicators.
Who are required to take an income test?
Turkish citizens who are covered by the General Healthcare Insurance because they do not have any social security and declare that they do not have the ability to pay premiums can have an income test.
As the result of the income test, if an insurance holder is found who cannot be able to pay his/her general healthcare insurance premiums, the premiums are being paid on behalf of the insured by the Turkish Treasury to the Social Security Institution, which is the governing body of the General Healthcare Insurance in Turkey.
Where to apply to have an income test?
People who want to have an income test must apply to the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations in their place of residence, which is included in the Address Registration System.
Is there a time requirement to apply for the income test?
Although there is no time requirement for applying for the income test, it is necessary to apply for the income test within 1 month from the notification date of the registration notification sent by the Social Security Institution in order for all general health insurance premiums to be covered by the State.
Otherwise, the debts until the application date for the income test must be paid by the universal health insurance holder by himself/herself.
Can those whose income status has changed apply for the income test again?
Those with general health insurance whose income status has changed can apply to the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations in their place of residence in the Address Registration System for a new income test, starting from the date on which their status changed.
