Health insurance refunds in Türkiye are not automatic. Because you pay a private company or the state bank (for GSS) directly, you must apply to them for a refund.

When you can get a full refund

You are generally entitled to a full refund of your private health insurance premium if:

• you paid for the same policy twice by mistake

• your visa or residence permit application is refused by the authorities

• you withdraw your application before a decision is made and your policy has not yet started

Note: Most insurance companies will require a formal Refusal Letter (Ret Belgesi) from the Consulate or Migration Management to process your refund.

When you can get a partial refund

You may get a pro-rated refund (money back for the months you didn't use) if:

• you switch from private insurance to the state healthcare system (SGK) because you obtained a Work Permit

• you cancel your residence permit and leave Türkiye permanently before your insurance expires

• you are granted a shorter residence permit than the period covered by your insurance

Insurance companies usually deduct a small administrative fee or "stamp duty" from the refund amount.

How you will be refunded

To get your money back, you must contact your insurance provider or agent directly. You will typically need to provide:

1. A written cancellation request (Dilekçe).

2. Proof of visa refusal or proof of exit from the country (e.g., passport exit stamp).

3. Your bank details (IBAN) for the transfer.

Payments are usually processed within 15 to 30 working days.

When you will not get a refund

You will not receive a refund if:

• your visa application is successful but you decide not to travel to Türkiye

• you leave Türkiye for a short holiday while your visa is still valid

• you are deported or told to leave Türkiye by the authorities

• you have already made a medical claim (used the insurance) during the policy period

If you have paid for State Healthcare (GSS)

If you have made overpayments to the state SGK system:

• You must visit a local Social Security Center (Sosyal Güvenlik Merkezi) in person.

• You cannot get a refund for past months, even if you did not use any healthcare services.

• Refunds are only possible for "future months" that were paid in advance if you can prove you are no longer a resident (e.g., your permit was cancelled).