At the hospital
As in most places, private hospitals provide better quality service and treatment but are costlier than state-run centres. These are generally preferred by the middle, upper class and expat community. Private Healthcare has flourished in Turkey in the last decade owing to the long queues and impersonal service in State run hospitals. Most private hospitals have contracts with various insurance companies making better treatment more accessible.
Below are some of the main private hospitals in Istanbul.
Following are the main State-run hospitals in Istanbul
- Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital
- Hôpital universitaire de Çapa
- Hôpital universitaire de Cerrahpaşa
- Hôpital Şişli Etfal
- Hôpital Dr Siyami Ersek
- Hôpital universitaire Marmara
- Taksim İlk Yardım (Emergency) Hospital
For a complete listing of all hospitals in Istanbul, please click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hospitals_in_Istanbul
At the pharmacy
Pharmacies are called ‘Eczane’ and are open from 9am to 19:00pm on weekdays and Saturdays. Most pharmacies are closed on Sundays but every neighbourhood has one pharmacy open 24 hours on all days. This main pharmacy of the neighbourhood is called ‘Nöbetçi Eczane’ and posters outside all pharmacies will give the directions and address of this pharmacy.
Update 12/06/2014
Expatriate health insurance in Turkey
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Istanbul is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Turkey So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Turkey. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Turkey, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.