Compare travel insurance for Turkey
With miles of shimmering coastline and over 500 Blue Flag beaches, as well as the ancient and beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey attracts around 2.5 million Brits every year. Before you jet off to this stunning holiday destination, here’s what you need to know about Turkey travel insurance.
With miles of shimmering coastline and over 500 Blue Flag beaches, as well as the ancient and beautiful city of Istanbul, Turkey attracts around 2.5 million Brits every year. Before you jet off to this stunning holiday destination, here’s what you need to know about Turkey travel insurance.
Do I need travel insurance for Turkey?
It's not compulsory, but your EHIC or GHIC card isn't valid in Turkey, meaning you can’t get free medical treatment. Without travel insurance, an accident or illness could leave you with a hefty bill.
Crime levels are generally low in Turkey, but you still need to look out for street robbery and pickpocketing in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Having insurance for your personal possessions and travel money could save your holiday from being ruined.
Double check that your travel insurance to Turkey includes ambulances and emergency flights home too.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, always declare any medical conditions and never lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean your claim is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.
How much is travel insurance for Turkey?
Turkey will often be covered by European travel insurance despite most of the country being in Asia. But it’s essential to check this before buying a policy because some providers will list it under worldwide cover.
A travel policy can cost from as little as £5.97 for a week’s holiday in Europe[1].
Bear in mind, though, that the exact cost of your travel insurance will depend on your age, the level of cover you need for your trip, what activities you’re planning and any pre-existing health conditions.
If you travel regularly, you might find that an annual travel insurance policy saves you money overall.
[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 June 2024.
What will Turkey travel insurance cover?
Consider am insurance policy that includes:
- Medical care – this could pay for treatment if you were to fall ill or have an accident in Turkey. Medical expenses can run into tens of thousands of pounds, and without travel insurance you’ll have to fork out for this yourself.
- 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).
- Cancellations and delays – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened, you could claim for costs incurred. Cover for a missed connection isn't included in all policies, so check the policy details before you buy if you want this included.
- Repatriation – this can cover you if there’s a problem with the airline or you need special travel arrangements because of a medical requirement.
- Covid-19 – this can cover cancellation, medical expenses, extended stays and repatriation because of Covid-19. Get a travel insurance quote with us and you can compare the levels of Covid-19 cover available. Just look for the ‘more details’ option on the quote results page.
What isn’t included in Turkey travel insurance?
While travel insurance can provide cover for many types of claims. Here are some of the things that typically won’t be included in your policy:
- Pre-existing medical conditions – if you need cover for these, you’re likely to have to pay more for your premium. Get a quote with us and any medical conditions you declare will be included in the policies shown to you.
- Injuries or accidents resulting from high-risk activities – Turkey’s mountain ranges offer great opportunities for adventure activities like rock climbing, mountain biking and caving. And the long stretches of coastline make water sports such as surfing, paddle boarding and parasailing popular. If you’re travelling to Turkey on an adventure holiday, check your policy carefully and arrange extra cover if necessary.
- Incidents related to alcohol or drug use – resorts in Turkey, including Bodrum, Marmaris and Alanya, are popular for their nightlife, but it’s important to be careful. If you’re injured or lose something while under the influence, your claim will probably be rejected.
- Travel to regions against government advice – this may be because of disease epidemics or terrorism threats. The Foreign, Commonwealth
& Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against travelling to the regions close to Turkey’s border with Syria. However, many of the popular holiday resorts are hundreds of miles from the border with Syria and most holidaymakers in Turkey enjoy a trouble-free experience. You should always check for the latest updates ahead of travel. - Natural disasters – you may have some cover but check your policy to be sure.
What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance for Turkey?
You need to find cover that’s right for your situation.
- Turkey is great for adventure sports – sea kayaking, white-water rafting, diving and even skiing. It has 22 Blue Flag marinas too. You need to make sure your Turkey travel insurance covers all the activities you might do. Look for water sports travel insurance, extreme sports travel insurance or winter sports travel insurance.
- There are certain risks to travelling in Turkey. While you’ll generally be very safe, terrorist attacks do happen in the country. Be aware of any exclusions in your policy – full terrorism cover isn’t offered with every policy. And remember to check the government’s foreign travel advice for Turkey before you go.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
British travellers no longer need a visa for visits to Turkey. That’s as long as you don’t stay for more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
More details about the entry requirements for Turkey can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Any other tips for a trip to Turkey?
Here’s a few more tips to help you on your way:
- Currency: the Turkish lira (TL). Credit and debit cards are used in most tourist areas and cash machines are plentiful.
- Language: Turkish and Kurdish are widely spoken alongside several other dialects. Some English may be spoken.
- Vaccines: you should see your doctor at least one month before you go to Turkey to check whether you need any special vaccines.
- ID: it’s a legal requirement to carry a form of photo ID in Turkey. Please be careful if you carry your passport around with you.
- Dress code: dress appropriately and modestly if you’re visiting religious sites and places of worship.
- Tipping: tipping is expected in restaurants (about 10-15% of the bill), hotel porters expect 3% of the room price and taxi drivers would welcome any rounding-up of the fare.
Where can I compare travel insurance quotes?
To find the right travel insurance for your trip to Turkey at the right price, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to cover an adventure holiday or a fly-and-flop break, we’ll help you compare a range of competitive quotes to get the peace of mind you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is Turkey considered part of Europe?
Turkey is a transcontinental country, with territory in both Europe and Asia. A large portion of its history has roots in Asian culture, but European conquests have blurred the cultural lines. Turkey 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 is pleasantly warm.
What is medical care like in Turkey?
You can expect a good standard of public healthcare facilities in the bigger cities or near major tourist resorts. But the quality of hospitals can vary in locations off the beaten track. Private facilities are of a higher standard but can be expensive, so it’s imperative your travel insurance has good medical cover.
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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.