Turkey Travel Insurance Requirements
Last updated: 04/16/2025
Key Takeaways
- Turkey does not accept U.S. health insurance, so purchasing international medical coverage prior to your trip is strongly recommended
- While Turkey is a popular tourist destination, things like theft, political demonstrations, severe weather, and medical emergencies can result in significant unforeseen expenses
- Travelers can purchase travel medical coverage for Turkey for as little as $0.60 per day
- Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369
Our Top Recommended Turkey Travel Insurance Plans
- Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX because it covers high travel expenses, such as expensive flight and accommodation bookings.
- Tin Leg – Gold because it includes great coverage for adventure sports and activities, like rafting, kayaking, and hot air balloon tours.
- Seven Corners – Trip Protection Choice because it offers the best international medical protection of any comprehensive plan.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Turkey?
Turkey does not require travel insurance for entry. However, since U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, is not accepted in Turkey, travelers without the right trip protection must pay for medical expenses out-of-pocket.
Turkey presents unique travel risks, including petty crime, road safety concerns, political demonstrations, and occasional natural disasters such as earthquakes. Additionally, flight delays and cancellations are common, especially for connecting flights through Istanbul. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can protect against these financial risks.
Reasons why you may need travel insurance when traveling to Turkey
High Travel Costs
Turkey offers affordable accommodations and food, but international flights and guided tours can be costly. According to Squaremouth data, visitors spend an average of $7,117 on their trips to Turkey. Trip cancellations or interruptions can result in major financial losses.
✅ Comprehensive travel insurance with Trip Cancellation coverage reimburses up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason like illness, injury, or family emergencies.
Medical Emergencies and Hospital Costs
Turkey has well-equipped hospitals, particularly in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. However, foreigners often need to pay for medical services upfront, and costs can be high for specialized care.
✅ Travel medical insurance covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency transportation, reducing unexpected expenses. Some policies arrange direct payment to hospitals.
Scams, Theft & Pickpocketing
Tourist areas like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, Taksim Square, and Cappadocia’s hot air balloon sites are common spots for pickpockets and scam artists targeting travelers.
✅ Travel insurance includes baggage loss protection that covers the cost to replace stolen personal items, including passports, cameras, and electronics. 24/7 assistance services can help arrange emergency cash transfers or passport replacements.
Political Demonstrations & Security Risks
While most of Turkey is safe for tourists, occasional protests, security concerns, and regional instability can impact travel plans and make for a tense situation.
✅ Comprehensive travel insurance covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and non-medical emergency evacuations in the event of unexpected security threats and acts of terrorism.
Travel Delays & Missed Connections
Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) are among the busiest in the world, with frequent delays and flight cancellations. Domestic flights within Turkey can also experience disruptions, impacting itineraries.
✅ Travel insurance covers hotel stays and food expenses if a flight is significantly delayed. *If a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight, travel insurance can cover the cost to make new travel arrangements.**
Natural Disasters (Earthquakes & Wildfires)
Turkey is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes and seasonal wildfires that may disrupt travel plans or impact tourist areas.
✅ Comprehensive travel insurance covers trip cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies related to extreme weather events and natural disasters.
More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Turkey
Best Overall Travel Insurance
Travel Insured International
- Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Great for add-ons and coverage upgrades
Best Luxury Travel Insurance
Tin Leg
- Recommended Plan: Gold
- Emergency Medical: $500,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Covers a wide-range of adventure sports & activities
Best Travel Medical Insurance
Seven Corners
- Recommended Plan: Trip Protection Choice
- Emergency Medical: $500,000
- Medical Evacuation: $1,000,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Non-Medical Evacuation: Included
How Much Does Turkey Travel Insurance Cost?
At the time of writing, the average cost of travel insurance for Turkey is $18 per day.
This is based on internal sales data from roughly 3,500+ travelers who used Squaremouth to protect their Turkey adventures over the last 12 months. The average traveler spent $303 on Turkey travel insurance with an average trip length of 17 days.
That said, it’s possible to find even cheaper travel insurance for Turkey by opting for medical-only travel coverage.
What Travel Coverage Do I Need for Turkey?
Regardless of your itinerary and travel dates, we recommend purchasing travel medical coverage at a minimum when visiting Turkey. That said, a comprehensive travel insurance plan is always best if it fits into your budget.
We listed key benefits you should consider when buying travel insurance for Turkey.
Travel medical coverage
Turkey’s healthcare system is excellent in major cities but may require upfront payment. Unfortunately for U.S. travelers, their primary health insurance, such as Medicare or an employer-sponsored plan, will not be accepted in Turkish medical facilities.
Travel medical insurance provides essential protection at an affordable cost. We recommend choosing a policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage to ensure adequate financial protection. Some plans also cover pre-existing conditions, provided you meet certain requirements.
Medical evacuation coverage
If you experience a serious injury in remote areas, such as hiking in Cappadocia or exploring Mount Ararat, emergency transport may be necessary. These services can be extremely costly, often surpassing $50,000.
The high cost of medical evacuations makes this coverage essential. In extreme cases, a policy can also cover medical repatriation to the U.S. in case of a serious illness or death. We recommend choosing a policy with at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage for peace of mind.
Trip cancellation & interruption insurance
Turkey is a captivating destination, but travel expenses can add up quickly, especially with flights, accommodations, and guided tours. If an unforeseen event forces you to cancel or cut your trip short, trip cancellation and interruption insurance can help reimburse your non-refundable costs.
Comprehensive travel insurance policies often cover up to 100% of your insured trip costs for cancellations due to illness, injury, or the death of a family member. If you need to return home early for a covered reason, some policies may even reimburse up to 150% of your unused travel costs to help with rebooking and return transportation.
Insurance for baggage and personal items
While Turkey is generally safe, pickpocketing is a common issue in popular tourist areas like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, Taksim Square, and Cappadocia. Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged items such as passports, phones, cameras, and luggage.
Since coverage limits and deductibles vary between policies, be sure to compare plans carefully. Leaving valuable or irreplaceable items at home is always a good precaution when traveling.
What Isn’t Covered by Turkey Travel Insurance Plans?
Most standard policies will not cover:
- Known events: If a major weather event, airline strike, or political demonstration is publicly announced before you purchase your policy, coverage may not apply.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Unless you purchase a waiver, most policies exclude medical expenses related to pre-existing conditions.
- Adventure sports: Activities like paragliding in Ölüdeniz or hot air ballooning in Cappadocia may require a plan that includes adventure sports coverage.
- Government travel advisories: If protests or civil unrest results in a U.S. travel ban, most standard travel insurance plans will not cover related disruptions.
Tips for Getting the Best Travel Insurance for Turkey
Use a Comparison tool
As the nation’s largest travel insurance marketplace, we allow travelers to compare more policies and providers than any other site. Comparing plans side-by-side ensures you find the best coverage for your Turkey trip at the lowest price.
Read the fine print and policy exclusions
Coverage varies between travel insurance plans, so always review the details carefully. Look for exclusions that might impact your trip, such as restrictions on adventure sports or pre-existing medical conditions. Reading the Certificate of Insurance will help you understand exactly what’s covered.
Consider your specific travel risks when buying coverage
Turkey presents unique travel risks, including medical emergencies, petty crime, protests, and flight delays. Additionally, the country experiences occasional extreme weather events such as earthquakes and wildfires.
Your age, health, planned activities, and time of travel all influence your risk level. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time will help you choose the right policy for your trip.
Determine how much coverage you need
When purchasing Turkey travel insurance, we recommend at least $50,000 in medical coverage and $100,000 in evacuation coverage to avoid financial hardship in case of an emergency.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Turkey, hospitals often require foreign travelers to pay upfront for medical care. Some travel insurance providers offer direct payment to hospitals, preventing high out-of-pocket expenses.
Is Travel Insurance for Turkey Worth It?
Yes, although Turkey is considered a relatively safe place to visit, travel insurance can protect you from the unique risks the destination is known for. For as little as $0.60 per day, you can gain financial protection and peace of mind throughout your trip.
The small cost of travel insurance is well worth the security it provides. For that reason, we strongly recommend purchasing a policy before your departure.
FAQ: Turkey travel insurance
Is travel insurance required to visit Turkey?
Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens visiting Turkey for less than 90 days. However, it is highly recommended to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions.
Will my U.S. health insurance be accepted in Turkey?
No, U.S. health insurance is not accepted in Turkey. This is one of the main reasons why many Turkey visitors opt to protect their trip with travel insurance. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, you should purchase a policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage.
What documents are required when traveling to Turkey?
U.S. citizens and permanent residents will need the following to enter Turkey::
- A valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay).
- A return or onward ticket – Immigration officials may ask for proof of departure.
- Visa (if applicable) – U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days for tourism.
Since Turkey is not a part of the EU or Schengen Area, U.S. visitors will not need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver when the program launches in 2026.
How much should a trip to Turkey cost?
The price of a trip to Turkey will depend on your travel style, season, itinerary, and trip length. On average, Squaremouth users spend $7,117 on trips to Turkey. This includes a variety of prepaid travel expenses like airfare, hotel reservations, rental car bookings, tours, and excursions.
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