Do you need insurance for a trip to Turkey in 2026

Russian citizens do not need a visa for Turkey: with an international passport you can stay up to 60 days. Tourists are not asked for a medical policy at the border, and it is not required for entry. Insurance meeting local requirements is only needed by those applying for a Turkish residence permit.

But “not mandatory” does not mean “not needed”. Healthcare in Turkey is of a good standard, especially in private clinics in Antalya, Istanbul and Bodrum, but it is paid for foreigners. The bill even for a short visit with food poisoning, a high fever or a sprain can be an unpleasant surprise, and hospital treatment or surgery costs many times more. A travel medical policy shifts these costs to the insurance company.

Which sum and terms to choose

For a beach holiday a reasonable minimum is USD 30,000. If you travel with children, are an older traveller or are going for two or three weeks or longer, choose USD 50,000: the margin helps if you need hospital care or medical transportation home.

  • Deductible. A policy with a deductible is cheaper, but small costs (a doctor’s visit, medicines) are paid by you. For a holiday with children a no-deductible policy is more convenient.
  • Period. The policy must be valid from the first to the last day of the trip, including the day you fly home.
  • Insurance included in a package tour. Tour operators usually include a basic policy with a minimal set of risks. Check its sum and exclusions — it is often better to buy an extended policy.

Features of a holiday in Turkey to take into account

  • Heat and sun. In summer, sunburn and heatstroke are common reasons for seeing a doctor. Sunburn is not covered by every plan: check the “Sunburn” option.
  • Intestinal infections. A change of water and food, especially for children, is a typical insured event. Basic plans cover it, but contact the assistance company straight away rather than waiting for complications.
  • Alcohol. Most plans exclude incidents while intoxicated. If you are staying all-inclusive, consider the “Alcohol intoxication” option.
  • Active holidays. Rafting, paragliding, jeep safaris, quad bikes and diving are higher risks covered only with the active sports option. Divers should add decompression chamber treatment.
  • Ski season. A trip to Turkish ski resorts needs a policy covering skiing or snowboarding, ideally with evacuation from the slope.
  • Car rental. If you plan to drive, consider third-party liability and accident cover.

How to buy travel insurance to Turkey on polisre.ru

The calculator at the top of the page is already set to “Turkey”. Quotes and purchase are handled by Polis Re’s partner, the Cherehapa service: you compare plans from 16 Russian insurance companies and buy a policy online, and the policy itself is issued by the insurer you choose.

  1. Enter your travel dates and the age of each traveller.
  2. Choose the sum insured and add the options you need: active sports, sunburn, alcohol intoxication, decompression chamber treatment for divers.
  3. Compare plans: the deductible, the assistance company, limits for individual risks and the exclusions in the policy terms.
  4. Enter your first and last name in Latin letters exactly as in your international passport, then pay by card.
  5. The policy is sent to your e-mail. Save it on your phone and print it if that is convenient.

If you fall ill or get injured in Turkey

Do not go to a random clinic: without approval from the assistance company the insurer may refuse to pay or reimburse only part of the costs. Here is the procedure.

  1. Contact the assistance company using the phone number in the policy. Call costs are reimbursed if the policy includes this service.
  2. Describe the situation and get a case number and the clinic address.
  3. Keep all medical documents and receipts, even if the assistance company paid for treatment.
  4. In an emergency, call an ambulance and report the case to the assistance company as soon as you can.

What counts as an insured event and how to get reimbursed is explained in the “Insured event” section.

Nearby destinations

If your route covers several countries, see the other pages too: insurance to Egypt, insurance to the UAE, insurance to Georgia, insurance to the Schengen Area. The full list of destinations, annual policies and tips on choosing cover are on the travel insurance page.