Compare travel insurance for Turkey
With miles of shimmering coastline and over 500 Blue Flag beaches, not to mention the ancient city of Istanbul, Turkey attracts millions of Brits every year. Before you jet off to this stunning holiday destination, here’s what you should know about travel insurance for Turkey.
With miles of shimmering coastline and over 500 Blue Flag beaches, not to mention the ancient city of Istanbul, Turkey attracts millions of Brits every year. Before you jet off to this stunning holiday destination, here’s what you should know about travel insurance for Turkey.
Do I need travel insurance for Turkey?
It's not compulsory, but without travel insurance you could face a hefty bill if you have an accident or fall ill in Turkey. It’s also worth knowing that neither the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) nor the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is valid there.
Crime levels are generally low in Turkey, but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul according to Gov.uk. Having insurance for your personal possessions and travel money could save your holiday from being ruined if you do have anything stolen.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, you should always declare any medical conditions and tell your insurance provider the truth, because if you give false information your claim could be rejected. When you declare medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers that may be able to offer quotes.
How much is travel insurance for Turkey?
A travel policy can cost from as little as £6.25 for a week’s holiday in Europe[1]. When you compare prices, you’ll need to check whether the providers’ Europe policies cover Turkey – some will require you to take out worldwide cover for this destination. To find out how much cover will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.
Compare travel insurancePrices and policies will vary, and the exact cost of your travel insurance will depend on:
- Your age – older travellers are considered higher risk, so usually pay more
- The level of cover you need for your trip – if you travel regularly, you might find that an annual travel insurance policy saves you money overall
- What activities you’re planning – if you’re planning on taking part in any sporting or adventurous activities, you may need additional levels of cover
- Any pre-existing health conditions – these aren’t normally covered as standard, meaning you may need a specialist policy which often costs more
Do bear in mind that different providers and policies will vary in what they cover, so always check the terms and conditions before buying travel insurance.
[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of October 2024.
How Turkey's location affects your travel insurance
Turkey is a transcontinental country, straddling both Europe and Asia. The city of Istanbul, for example, lies on both continents. This unique positioning means that while some travel insurance providers may cover Turkey under their European travel insurance, others could list it under worldwide cover.
It's crucial to check your policy details to ensure you’re covered for Turkey and have the right level of coverage for your needs.
What will Turkey travel insurance cover?
Of course, the exact coverage you’ll get depends on the policy – but when comparing travel insurance, it’s worth checking for the following:
- Emergency medical care and repatriation costs – if you have an accident, fall seriously ill or need a medically escorted flight back to the UK from Turkey, this cover is vital.
- Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and passports – travel insurance can cover you for replacing clothes, medicine and toiletries, for example. Look at the excess (the amount you’ll need to pay towards a claim) as well as cover limits and the single-item limit (the maximum your insurance provider will pay out for one item).
- Flight disruptions – if your trip is disrupted due to bad weather or strike action, you could recover your costs.
- Holiday cancellation – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened, you could claim for costs incurred.
What isn’t included in Turkey travel insurance?
While travel insurance can provide cover for many types of claims, here are some examples of things that won’t typically be included in your policy:
- Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions – while it can add to the cost of your policy, it’s vital that you tell your provider about any pre-existing medical conditions or you could invalidate your cover. Get a quote with us and any medical conditions you declare will be included in the policies we show you.
- Incidents related to alcohol – the nightlife in Turkish resorts can be great fun, but be careful. If you’re injured or lose something while under the influence your claim could be rejected.
- Travel to regions against government advice – whether it’s due to disease or terrorism threats, if you travel against official advice you may not be covered by your insurance. At the time of publishing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was advising against travelling to the regions close to Turkey’s border with Syria. You should always check the latest government advice ahead of travel.
- Going to Turkey for planned medical treatment – most standard travel insurance policies won’t cover you for planned treatment abroad, so you’ll need to get specialist insurance if you’re travelling to Turkey for this reason.
What activities will I be covered for?
You’ll need to find insurance that covers everything you plan to do on your holiday. Here are some specific activities you might want to buy extra cover for:
- Extreme sports – Turkey offers thrilling extreme sports such as paragliding in Ölüdeniz, bungee jumping in Istanbul and rock climbing in Antalya. Ensure your travel insurance covers these high-risk activities to avoid any unexpected expenses.
- Adventure sports – Turkey has a lot to offer adventurous types, including mountain biking in Cappadocia and hiking the Lycian Way. Make sure your policy includes cover for these outdoor pursuits.
- Water sports – the Turkish coastline is perfect for water sports like scuba diving in Kaş, windsurfing in Alacati and white-water rafting in Köprülü Canyon. Turkey also boasts numerous Blue Flag marinas, ideal for sailing and yachting. Check that your Turkey travel insurance covers water sports to protect you in the event of injury or equipment loss.
- Winter sports – if you’re visiting Turkey in the winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in resorts such as Uludağ and Palandöken. Winter sports travel insurance is essential to cover any accidents or injuries on the slopes.
- Golf insurance – Turkey is home to some world-class golf courses, particularly in the Belek region. If you plan to play golf, ensure your travel insurance includes cover for golfing activities and any potential equipment damage or loss.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
British travellers no longer need a visa for visits to Turkey as long as you don’t stay for more than 90 days within a 180-day period. If you want to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a short-term residence permit.
Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in Turkey. It must also have at least one blank page. If you enter Turkey by crossing a land border, your entry stamp needs to be dated.
More details about the entry requirements for Turkey can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Healthcare
It’s important to know that neither the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) nor the Global Health Insurance card (GHIC) is valid in Turkey. This makes having the right travel cover in place for your trip even more crucial. Ensure your policy covers medical expenses, hospital stays, treatment and emergency repatriation.
If you find yourself in an emergency whilst on holiday in Turkey, dial 112 for the emergency services and then contact your insurance provider for advice on next steps.
Risks of travelling in Turkey
While much of Turkey is generally considered safe for tourists, it's important to be aware of certain risks to help make your holiday as smooth as possible:
- Crime – crime levels in Turkey are relatively low, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing are more common in crowded tourist areas, particularly in Istanbul. Stay vigilant, keep your valuables secure, and avoid displaying expensive items.
- Terrorism – the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns that there is a high threat of terrorism in Turkey. It advises British travellers to be aware of their surroundings and stay up to date with local media reports, especially in major cities and public places. See Gov.uk for an up-to-date list of areas it currently advises British travellers against visiting all together.
- Natural disasters – Turkey is in an active earthquake region and while major earthquakes are rare, it's wise to familiarise yourself with safety procedures.
- Areas to avoid – at the time of publishing, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised against travel to areas near the Syrian border due to ongoing conflict and terrorism threats. Popular tourist destinations such as Antalya are considered relatively safe, but it's always best to check the latest travel advisories before your trip. For the most up-to-date information, visit the FCDO travel advice for Turkey.
Culture
Turkey boasts a rich cultural heritage that blends elements from both Europe and Asia. Understanding local customs and traditions can greatly enhance your travel experience and help you avoid any cultural faux pas.
- Local customs and traditions – Turkish people are known for their hospitality. It’s common to be offered tea or coffee when visiting someone’s home or even in shops, and accepting is polite.
- Dress code – dress modestly if you’re visiting religious sites and places of worship. Women should cover their heads, shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts.
- Public behaviour – public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in more conservative areas. It’s also considered impolite to show the soles of your feet to other people.
- Shopping – haggling is common practice in markets and bazaars. It's expected and can be a fun way to interact with locals, as well as helping you get a better deal.
- Experiences for travellers – Turkey has a wealth of cultural experiences you can immerse yourself in, from exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus to seeing a sky full of hot air balloons over Cappadocia, or even experiencing a traditional Turkish bath.
Other travel tips
Here are a few more tips to help you on your way:
- Currency – the Turkish lira (TL) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most tourist areas, and cash machines are plentiful. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.
- Language – Turkish is the official language, but you may also hear Kurdish and other dialects. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Turkish phrases can be helpful and is appreciated by locals.
- Vaccines – see your doctor at least eight weeks before you go to Turkey to check whether you need any vaccines.
- ID – it’s a legal requirement to carry a form of photo ID at all times in Turkey. Keep your documents secure and hidden to reduce the likelihood of them being stolen when you’re out and about.
- Tipping – tipping is common practice in Turkey. Add around 10% in restaurants, cafes and bars, 5 to 20 Turkish Lira for hotel staff and round up your taxi fare.
Frequently asked questions
Is Turkey considered part of Europe?
Turkey is a transcontinental country with territory in both Europe and Asia. It is currently an EU ‘candidate country’ and is integrating EU legislation into its national laws, which may lead to it becoming an official member of the EU.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
If you love really hot weather and simply want to lounge by the pool, the best time to visit Turkey is between June and September. July is the hottest and driest month of the year, with an average daily maximum temperature of 35°C. April, May, September and October are generally the best times to visit Turkey’s historic sites as the temperature in these months tends to be pleasantly warm rather than scorching hot.
What travel insurance do I need for Turkey?
When travelling to Turkey, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, cancellations, personal belongings, adventure activities and travel disruptions will offer protection throughout your trip. Some insurance providers cover Turkey under their European policies while others require you to buy a worldwide policy, so do check this when comparing insurance.
Looking for a quote?
Get a new travel insurance quote in minutes to see if you can save.
Get a quoteLike this?
Then you'll like these
Anna McEntee - Insurance expert
Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. Value is the most important thing for Anna, as she cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
Rebecca Goodman - personal finance expert
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs. Rebecca regularly writes for national newspapers including The Independent and The Mail on Sunday on a wide-range of financial topics. She covers everything from money-saving tips and holiday advice to investigations into how energy efficient appliances can cut the cost of household bills and the impact donating money can have on those in need. Along with features in national papers, Rebecca also writes news stories for websites including Yourmoney.com and The Money Edit.
This article is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.