- The best travel insurance plans for Turkey
- Is It Currently Safe to Travel to Turkey?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Turkey?
- Why take out travel insurance for Turkey?
- What Travel Insurance for Turkey Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Turkey
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Turkey
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Turkey?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Turkey: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Turkey covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage for Australian travellers.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for entry, but is vital to cover high potential medical costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care in Turkey can be expensive, costing over AUD 800 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Turkey typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Australian citizens must obtain an e-visa online before travelling to Turkey for tourism purposes.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for your trip to Turkey.
The best travel insurance plans for Turkey
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0M AUD | Our best choice for trips to Turkey. - high cover for urgent care - repatriation included - broad global guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0M AUD | Ideal for flexibility and support in Turkey. - 24/7 medical helpline - no deductible - trip cancellation covered |
| Tourist Card | 500k AUD | Strong option for classic tourism. - good medical benefits - emergency assistance - appealing price point |
| Travel Pass Monde | 700k AUD | Comprehensive plan for longer stays. - repatriation to AU - hospitalisation included - wide area of validity |
| Globe Partner | 300k AUD | Simple, dependable, and essential cover. - medical care in Turkey - repatriation - civil liability cover |
| Globe Traveller | 500k AUD | Affordable and easy for short trips. - essential medical benefits - fast claims - limited limit for peace of mind |
- high cover for urgent care
- repatriation included
- broad global guarantees
- 24/7 medical helpline
- no deductible
- trip cancellation covered
- good medical benefits
- emergency assistance
- appealing price point
- repatriation to AU
- hospitalisation included
- wide area of validity
- medical care in Turkey
- repatriation
- civil liability cover
- essential medical benefits
- fast claims
- limited limit for peace of mind
Is It Currently Safe to Travel to Turkey?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey, mainly due to the threat of terrorism and unpredictable security conditions. Specific regions, such as within 10km of the Syrian border and the provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak, are considered higher risk with travel discouraged.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorist attacks and regional unrest present ongoing dangers. Authorities advise avoiding all border areas with Syria and being alert in public spaces, especially in Istanbul where protests have caused movement restrictions.
- Health risks: malaria is present in the southeast between May and October. There are also cases of leishmaniasis and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and in 2025, several incidents of methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol occurred in tourist areas.
- Legal requirements: Australians must have a valid e-visa for tourism. Additional permits may be needed when entering from Iran by land, and local law enforcement rigorously enforces protest bans.
- Environmental hazards: Turkey is earthquake-prone, especially around Istanbul and the North Anatolian fault zone. Travellers should know where local shelters are and avoid unsafe buildings.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Turkey.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Turkey?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian travellers to enter Turkey for tourism or business stays under the e-visa scheme.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because medical treatment in Turkey’s private hospitals can be expensive, public hospitals may have limited English-language assistance, and emergency evacuation or repatriation costs are not covered by local healthcare systems.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Turkey. This reflects the country’s higher health and travel risks, as well as the potential for costly unexpected events.
Why take out travel insurance for Turkey?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Turkey.
In Turkey, private hospitals such as American Hospital and Acibadem Hospital in Istanbul offer high-quality care but charge significant fees to foreigners. Public hospitals can be overcrowded, especially in major cities, and English-speaking medical staff are not always available, increasing both the logistical and financial risks.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Turkey.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Acibadem Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 48,000 TRY (about 2,250 AUD) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 30,000 TRY (about 1,400 AUD) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 380,000 TRY (about 17,900 AUD) | Up to full policy limit |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 95,000 TRY (about 4,500 AUD) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Turkey Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical treatment, doctor visits, and hospitalisation in Turkey’s private clinics. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 500,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Medical repatriation | Pays for evacuation or urgent return to Australia in case of serious illness or accident. Minimum recommended cover: 400,000 AUD. |
| 🧳 Lost or damaged luggage | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings. Look for at least 5,000 AUD in coverage. |
| 👥 Personal liability | Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. We recommend at least 1,000,000 AUD. |
| 🚗 Rental car excess | Covers excess charged by car rental agencies if you have an accident with a hired car. Recommended limit: 4,000 AUD. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Covers pre-paid non-refundable expenses if you must cancel or cut short your trip. Minimum cover should be at least 7,500 AUD. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease cover | Pays for treating illness like malaria, leishmaniasis, or measles. Ensure medical cover for at least 500,000 AUD. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 500,000 AUD.
Minimum recommended cover: 400,000 AUD.
Look for at least 5,000 AUD in coverage.
We recommend at least 1,000,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: 4,000 AUD.
Minimum cover should be at least 7,500 AUD.
Ensure medical cover for at least 500,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often has limited cover, with lower limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full benefits. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Turkey
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 50 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 90 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 135 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 390 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When getting travel insurance for Turkey, the price depends on several things. Be mindful of your age, trip duration, specific destinations, and your chosen level of cover, especially for medical costs and potential cancellations. Considering these factors ensures you get the right policy for your needs without overpaying, protecting your trip from unexpected hitches.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Turkey
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Turkey while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑 Traveller's age | Rates often rise for those over 60 years old, especially for extended trips to Turkey. | Check if Heymondo keeps rates stable for travellers over 62, this can help you save a significant amount on premiums. |
| 📅 Trip duration | The longer the trip, the higher the insurance cost, especially in regions with elevated health risks. | Limit coverage to actual travel dates, avoid including extra days if you will not be travelling in Turkey. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | High health risks in Turkey require strong medical cover, but not all additional options are necessary. | Select sufficient medical and evacuation cover, avoid unnecessary add-ons unless you have specific needs. |
| 🌍 Area of cover | Global plans covering regions like the United States are often more costly than Turkey-only plans. | Choose a Turkey-only policy instead of a worldwide one, reduce cost by focusing your cover strictly on your trip. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family/group | Group travellers can access discounts, which are common in family travel or with friends visiting Turkey. | Request a group quote, this helps lower the cost per person, especially for families or group bookings. |
| 💳 Payment method | Some insurers offer online-only discounts and limited-time promotional codes when purchasing digitally. | Buy your policy online to benefit from the best deals and avoid extra broker or over-the-phone fees. |
| 📄 Policy length | Annual plans can be a better value if you travel several times, not just to Turkey. | Compare annual and single trip plans, annual insurance can be more cost-effective if you travel two times or more. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Turkey?
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your public or private health insurance or even your credit card insurance can protect you when travelling to Turkey. Unfortunately, these options usually offer limited or insufficient coverage in Turkey, especially for emergencies or large expenses.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Turkey? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No coverage outside Australia. No hospital or medical assistance in Turkey. | Travel insurance can cover up to 1,000,000 AUD for medical care, evacuation, and emergency support in Turkey. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | Limited to emergency evacuation or ambulance costs, capped at 50,000 AUD. Often no baggage cover. | Travel insurance covers up to 1,000,000 AUD, with medical, hospital, lost luggage, and 5,000 AUD cancellation. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Commonwealth Low Rate) | Limited coverage | Some medical benefits abroad, usually up to 20,000 AUD. Delays, cancellations, and baggage often excluded. | Travel insurance covers up to 1,000,000 AUD, with reliable assistance and broad cancellation and delay protection. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black) | Limited coverage | Better medical and repatriation cover, usually under 250,000 AUD. Cancellation and baggage still limited coverage. | Travel insurance covers medical fees up to 1,000,000 AUD, plus evacuation, trip cancellation, and 24/7 on-site support. |
Example
While riding a scooter in Antalya, Chloe had a serious crash, requiring surgery and a medical flight home costing $80,000. Her CommBank card's complimentary insurance didn't cover the accident, and Medicare offers no cover in Turkey. She was left to pay the massive bill herself, a devastating holiday outcome.
Expert advice
Heads up, mates! Critical cover, like cutting a trip short for a sick relative, is often excluded from credit card or health insurance policies. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises. In any case, buying dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Yes, Australian passport holders need an e-visa for tourism or business stays in Turkey of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can apply for your e-visa online before your trip at www.evisa.gov.tr. Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Turkey?
First, compare policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Then, check the policy cover and exclusions, especially for risks specific to Turkey such as earthquakes or regional unrest. Buy your selected insurance online, and after payment, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
Are there any special health risks in Turkey I should consider?
Yes, be aware of seasonal malaria risk in some southeastern regions, as well as possible outbreaks of insect-borne diseases and measles. Food sanitation varies, and there have been cases of methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol. Make sure your travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation.
Will my Australian travel insurance cover earthquakes or civil disturbances in Turkey?
Not all travel insurance automatically covers natural disasters or civil unrest. Review your policy to make sure you’re protected against cancellations, medical costs, or repatriation due to earthquakes or unrest. Choose a plan that clearly lists these guarantees before purchasing.
Can I receive cashless access to hospitals in Turkey with travel insurance from Australia?
Many major hospitals in Turkish cities recognise international travel insurance and offer cashless treatment for insured Australians. Always contact your insurer’s assistance number before agreeing to or receiving care, as direct payment arrangements must be confirmed in advance.
What should I do if I lose my passport or need consular assistance in Turkey?
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate in Turkey as soon as possible. You should also notify your insurer if you require emergency travel documents. Save local embassy numbers in your phone and keep digital copies of your documents for faster response.
Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey?
Yes, Australian passport holders need an e-visa for tourism or business stays in Turkey of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You can apply for your e-visa online before your trip at www.evisa.gov.tr. Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days beyond your intended stay.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Turkey?
First, compare policies using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Then, check the policy cover and exclusions, especially for risks specific to Turkey such as earthquakes or regional unrest. Buy your selected insurance online, and after payment, you will receive your insurance certificate by email.
Are there any special health risks in Turkey I should consider?
Yes, be aware of seasonal malaria risk in some southeastern regions, as well as possible outbreaks of insect-borne diseases and measles. Food sanitation varies, and there have been cases of methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol. Make sure your travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation.
Will my Australian travel insurance cover earthquakes or civil disturbances in Turkey?
Not all travel insurance automatically covers natural disasters or civil unrest. Review your policy to make sure you’re protected against cancellations, medical costs, or repatriation due to earthquakes or unrest. Choose a plan that clearly lists these guarantees before purchasing.
Can I receive cashless access to hospitals in Turkey with travel insurance from Australia?
Many major hospitals in Turkish cities recognise international travel insurance and offer cashless treatment for insured Australians. Always contact your insurer’s assistance number before agreeing to or receiving care, as direct payment arrangements must be confirmed in advance.
What should I do if I lose my passport or need consular assistance in Turkey?
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate in Turkey as soon as possible. You should also notify your insurer if you require emergency travel documents. Save local embassy numbers in your phone and keep digital copies of your documents for faster response.
