IMPORTANT NEWS re SGK HEALTH INS.

[angryumpire]

Extacted from British Consulate (Turkey) website

Update:
As we posted yesterday, we are aware of the confusion and concern in the community over the new healthcare requirements for certain foreign nationals that the Turkish authorities have just announced; and over the additional confusion caused by the way in which regional offices are apparently applying the new policy inconsistently.

As those who have lived in Turkey for some time will recall, we were initially told in 2010 that a compulsory healthcare scheme was going to be launched. We were later informed that implementation had been delayed until December 2012; and then that the scheme was likely to be cancelled.

In the meantime, some British nationals wanted to join the scheme and were able to do so. However, late last year some people experienced problems relating to their pension/NHS status. They asked us to assist, which we did.

We were not officially notified by the Turkish authorities that the scheme was being reintroduced this year and that it would be compulsory for all long-term residents.

The Turkish authorities have now announced that the scheme became effective on 1/1/12. In the document passed to us, it appears that once a non-Turkish resident completes one year of residence in Turkey, they must apply to join the scheme. It applies to all nationalities not covered by the health scheme of their own country. British nationals who have lived in Turkey for one year will receive a letter about joining the scheme and then have one month to register.

We are in touch with the Turkish authorities, including through the Ambassador, to register our concern; to discuss the implications of this measure if it is implemented as announced; and to protect the interests of our community.

We would like to thank those of you who have taken the trouble to write to us. We will keep you informed of developments through our website and facebook pages.

At last, some sort of clarity.

[angryumpire]

NEW UPDATE AS AT 25th JAN.


New Update

Latest Update on Turkish Health Insurance Regulations
This is an update to our notice earlier today 25 January about the sudden changes to the Turkish health insurance system which have introduced compulsory state health insurance for foreigners when they have been in Turkey as registered residents for over a year. Foreigners in this category are required to join the system by the end of January or face a fine for non-payment.

The Ambassador and a consular team called on the Turkish authorities today. He set our concerns over the substance, cost, lack of clarity and short notice of the change that has been announced.
After further discussion, we have established with the Turkish authorities that the situation is now as follows:

- Following our representations, the new compulsory requirement to register for Turkish health insurance will NOT (NOT) apply to British residents in Turkey.
- But British residents who have already chosen to join the Turkish system will be allowed to continue in it.

- And other British residents will be allowed to join the Turkish scheme if they wish to do so.

Under the rules in their current form, those who have been resident for over a year and delay joining the Turkish system beyond the deadline of 31 January 2012 can choose to join later; but they would have to make a backdated payment to cover the period from 31 January if they had been resident in Turkey for a year at that date, and pay a fine.

- We are in continuing contact with the Turkish authorities over all this, including about the fine given that the situation remains confused and that our resident community members have not had adequate time or information to make such an important decision.
- We will let you know as soon as we have more information.

Reading the paragraph in RED, you need not join for lets say, 6mths, then you have to pay the back payments (1800 lira) plus a fine of 880 lira for not signing up before 31st Jan., BUT, because you haven't signed up, you have not been covered over the previous 6 mths, it's illogical, or is it ??, could it be another Govt. CASH COW ??

They say in one paragraph its NOT COMPULSARY, but if you don't join you are fined, therefore ITS COMPULSARY.

I support this initiative by the Govt. but you should have a choice whether or not you want the SGK, and not have it forced on you.