A travel insurance policy for Turkey covers medical expenses, repatriation, and unforeseen events during your stay in a country that is not covered by the European Health Insurance Card, and where treatment in private clinics can represent a significant financial burden.
Whether you are exploring Istanbul, the Turkish Riviera around Bodrum and Antalya, or the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, Europ Assistance offers a solution tailored to the actual duration of your trip.
Why take out travel insurance for Turkey?
A travel insurance policy for Turkey is highly recommended, even though it is not required for entry into the country for a standard tourist stay. Since Turkey is not part of the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card is of no use there. In addition, foreign visitors are often referred to private clinics, where costs can quickly amount to several thousand euros in the event of hospitalization.
Health coverage and medical expenses in Turkey
Health coverage
The health coverage included in a travel insurance policy covers consultations, hospital stays, and necessary medical treatment during your stay in Turkey, depending on the limit of the chosen plan:
up to €250,000 for temporary and annual Light plans;
up to €750,000 for the Smart and Long Trip Europe plans (covering the European part of Turkey);
up to €1,250,000 for the Smart and Long Trip Worldwide plans;
unlimited for annual Sport and VIP plans (Europe and Worldwide).
This is the most important benefit considering the cost of private Turkish clinics, where tourists are most often directed in emergency situations.
Your Belgian health insurance in Turkey: what it really covers
Your Belgian health insurance fund is not entirely ineffective in Turkey, but its coverage is more limited than many people think. Thanks to a bilateral healthcare agreement between the two countries, Belgian residents may receive reimbursement for urgent medical care during their stay in Turkey, provided they obtain the BE-TR111 document from their health insurance fund beforehand.
However, this coverage remains strictly limited:
Coverage for emergency treatment only. Non-urgent or planned treatment remains at your expense;
A validity period of three consecutive months. Beyond this period, the BE-TR111 document is no longer valid;
Exclusion of planned treatment. The document does not apply if you travel specifically to receive medical treatment in Turkey;
No repatriation or assistance services. Neither transportation back to Belgium nor support in the event of lost documents is covered;
Coverage mainly reliable within the public healthcare system. The tourism sector (hotels, ambulances) tends to direct foreigners by default to private clinics, where the BE-TR111 may not apply and where reimbursement would be based on Belgian tariffs rather than the actual costs charged in Turkey.
A complementary travel insurance policy therefore remains useful to cover what the BE-TR111 does not.
Repatriation insurance in Turkey
Repatriation insurance, included in Europ Assistance plans, organizes and covers your return to Belgium in the event of injury or serious illness during your stay, for both you and your travel companions.
It also includes early return if a family member remaining in Belgium is hospitalized or passes away during your absence. A document loss assistance service complements if these are lost or stolen.
Cancellation insurance for a trip to Turkey
The NoGo cancellation insurance (from €23.01 for a single trip and from €209 for all trips throughout the year) reimburses the value of your trip if you need to cancel before departure for a covered reason.
Vehicle breakdown assistance in Turkey
If you travel with your own vehicle in the European part of Turkey, a vehicle assistance option can be added to your temporary or annual insurance policy.
This option is not available in the Worldwide zone: if your trip includes the Asian part of Turkey, you will not be able to benefit from it.
Baggage insurance for your trip to Turkey
The baggage option reimburses the loss, theft, or damage of your personal belongings during your stay in Turkey.
For example, for an insured person under the age of 54 choosing an annual Light plan, baggage protection costs €119.
Visa, entry requirements and insurance: what to check before travelling to Turkey
Do Belgian travellers need a visa for Turkey?
A visa is not required for Belgian tourists travelling to Turkey for staysellers who are not exempt must apply through the official website evisa.gov.tr.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Turkey?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for entering Turkey for a tourist stay of fewer than 90 days.
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends it.
ID, passport and documents to verify before departure
A Belgian identity card is sufficient to enter Turkey for tourism purposes.
Whichever document you choose, it must remain valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey.
Which travel insurance should you choose for your stay in Turkey?
The choice of travel insurance depends on how frequently you travel, how long you stay abroad, and the geographical area covered.
Only the European part of Turkey is covered under a Europe plan. As soon as your itinerary includes the Asian part of the country, a Worldwide plan is required.
Temporary insurance for a single trip
Medical expense reimbursement up to €250,000;
Repatriation assistance;
Early return assistance.
Annual insurance for all your trips throughout the year
Vehicle assistance;
Worldwide extension;
Cancellation coverage;
Baggage coverage.
Long Trip insurance for stays longer than three months
Medical expense reimbursement;
Repatriation and early return assistance;
Ski assistance;
Search and rescue costs.
Summary of our travel insurance plans for Turkey
| Plan |
Duration per trip |
Medical expenses |
Ideal for |
| Temporary |
Up to 45 days |
Up to €250,000 |
A one-off trip |
| Annual (Light, Smart, Sport, VIP) |
12 months |
From €250,000 to unlimited |
Several trips per year |
| Long Trip |
Up to 365 days |
€750,000 to €1,250,000 |
Studies, expatriation, digital nomadism |
How much does travel insurance for Turkey cost?
For a one-off 7-day trip with the Temporary plan
| Zone |
Indicative price |
| Europe |
Approximately €25 |
| Worldwide |
Approximately €72 |
| Vehicle assistance option |
+€57 |
Annual Light Travel Insurance
| Coverage |
Indicative price |
| Base plan |
€66/year |
| Vehicle assistance |
+€75 |
| Worldwide option |
+€57 |
| NoGo cancellation insurance |
+€167 |
| Baggage coverage |
+€119 |
Safety, health and natural risks in Turkey: what to anticipate
Safety in Turkey
Safety in Turkey requires a certain degree of vigilance, although the vast majority of tourist stays take place without incident.
Earthquake risks in Turkey
Earthquakes are part of everyday life in Turkey.
To help you organise an unforgettable stay, discover our article about travelling in Turkey.
Key things to remember before travelling to Turkey
Visa. No visa is required for Belgian tourists staying up to 90 days;
Insurance. It becomes mandatory beyond 90 days;
Coverage area. A Europe plan is not sufficient for most tourist destinations;
Belgian health insurance. Covers only emergency treatment in the public healthcare system;
Identity card or passport. Must remain valid for at least six months;
The right plan. Temporary, annual, or Long Trip depending on your length of stay.
FAQ: Your questions about travel insurance in Turkey
What makes Europ Assistance suitable for a trip to Turkey?
To find the right travel insurance policy for Turkey, it is advisable to choose a plan that clearly distinguishes between the Europe and Worldwide zones, offers realistic repatriation coverage considering local costs, and provides 24/7 assistance.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Turkey?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for tourist stays of less than 90 days.
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey from Belgium?
No visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Does my Belgian health insurance cover me in Turkey?
Your Belgian health insurance provides partial coverage thanks to the BE-TR111 document.
How much does travel insurance for Turkey cost?
The price depends on the duration of the trip, the area covered, the traveller’s age, and the chosen level of coverage.
Which insurance should I choose for a stay of more than three months in Turkey?
Long Trip insurance is the most suitable option for stays longer than three months.
What should I do in a medical emergency in Turkey?
The national emergency number in Turkey is 112.
Is Turkey currently a safe destination?
The vast majority of tourist trips to Turkey take place without any particular incidents.
Does travel insurance cover the consequences of an earthquake in Turkey?
This depends on the policy you have chosen.
Is my Belgian car insurance valid if I drive to Turkey?
Turkey is part of the countries covered by the Green Card system.
A Belgian driving licence is also valid in Turkey.
Does a Europe travel insurance policy cover all of Turkey?
No. A Europe plan only covers the European part of Turkey.
Can I purchase travel insurance after booking my trip to Turkey?
Yes, you can purchase travel insurance at any time before your departure.
Does my credit card cover my trip to Turkey?
Some premium credit cards include travel insurance, but the coverage limits are often insufficient compared with the actual medical costs incurred in Turkey.
