Child Healthcare Services in Turkey

Relocating to a new country brings excitement, but also complex challenges—especially for families with children. As modern expats, parents must navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems while ensuring their children receive consistent, high-quality care. If you’re an expat living in Turkey or planning your move, understanding the country’s child healthcare services is essential. Fortunately, Turkey offers a robust healthcare infrastructure tailored to meet both emergency and preventive child health needs. This guide explains how you can access and benefit from child healthcare services in Turkey.

Understanding Turkey’s Health System for Children

Turkey operates a mixed healthcare system comprised of both public and private services. Both sectors provide comprehensive options for pediatric care, and expats can access many of the same services available to Turkish citizens. You’ll find pediatricians in government-run hospitals, university hospitals, and private medical centers across the country.

If you are enrolled in the General Health Insurance scheme (SGK), your children can receive care in public facilities at minimal or no out-of-pocket cost. For those using private healthcare or international insurance, premium services often include English-speaking doctors and shorter wait times.

• Public hospitals provide essential pediatric services free or at low cost
• Private clinics offer specialized care and multilingual staff
• Vaccination and growth monitoring programs are standardized nationally
• Emergency services are accessible via the 112 hotline

Registration and Access for Expat Families

Accessing child healthcare in Turkey starts with proper registration. New arrivals should ensure their residence permits and health insurance paperwork are in order. Children must be registered with the family’s local public health office to be eligible for services like free vaccinations and regular check-ups.

For families working under a Turkish employer, SGK contributions typically cover children as dependents. Freelancers or self-employed expats can enroll in SGK voluntarily or choose from private insurance providers. Having the child’s foreign ID number (YKN) and residency documentation available during doctor visits is essential for a smooth process.

• Register at your local Social Security Centre (SGK)
• Use your e-Devlet account to find local pediatric services
• Bring your child’s vaccination booklet to each appointment
• Use family health centers (Aile Sağlığı Merkezi) for well-child visits

Routine Infant and Child Check-Ups

Turkey offers a structured child wellness program through the Ministry of Health. These routine check-ups are offered at no charge at family health centers, focusing on early detection of developmental delays, nutritional guidance, and growth tracking. The program covers children from birth through early adolescence.

After registering your child, you’ll receive a health booklet that tracks growth percentile charts, immunization records, and doctor visits. These records are especially useful for school enrollment and future international relocations.

• Monthly check-ups during infancy
• Screenings for vision, hearing, and motor function
• Vitamin D and iron supplementation where needed
• Nutrition advice customized to your child’s age

For example, in Istanbul, Family Health Centers send parents regular SMS reminders for upcoming check-ups and vaccinations. This straightforward system helps expat parents stay compliant with local healthcare protocols—even with language barriers.

Vaccination Services and National Immunization Program

Turkey’s comprehensive vaccination schedule aligns closely with international standards, including WHO recommendations. Immunizations begin at birth and continue through school age. Most vaccines are administered free of charge at public clinics and family health centers.

Vaccines included in the national program:

• Hepatitis B
• BCG (Tuberculosis)
• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Polio (Oral and Inactivated)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Chickenpox
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

Parents receive a schedule card and appointment reminders. Public schools request proof of vaccination at enrollment, making compliance straightforward. Clinics store records electronically, but parents should also maintain a paper copy.

Private healthcare providers offer optional vaccines like HPV and Rotavirus, which are not included in the standard list. These may incur additional charges but offer more comprehensive coverage for expat families accustomed to broader immunization options.

Emergency Pediatric Services

Healthcare emergencies can be overwhelming, especially in a new country. Fortunately, Turkey provides well-organized emergency response services that are accessible 24/7. The national emergency number, 112, connects callers to ambulance and acute pediatric care services.

Public hospital emergency departments (Acil Servis) include pediatric wings where children are treated separately from adults. Larger cities like Ankara and Izmir also feature children’s hospitals with full staff and specialization in child-specific emergencies.

• 112 provides free ambulance services across Turkey
• Children under 18 receive priority in emergency rooms
• Private emergency services often accept international insurance
• Mobile applications like Sağlık Bakanlığı’s e-Nabız track emergency care reports

Families living in remote areas should identify their nearest emergency facility and keep a list of essential contacts on hand, including pediatricians, insurance providers, and local emergency numbers.

Raising children abroad comes with its fair share of uncertainties, but child healthcare in Turkey is one area that expats can approach with confidence. The country’s well-established pediatric care system, combined with modern technological tools and comprehensive insurance options, makes it easier than ever to keep your children healthy and thriving in a new environment. Consistent wellness visits, vaccination adherence, and emergency readiness all start with understanding your local healthcare landscape—and Turkey delivers on all fronts.