NEWSROOM

Citizens turned to complementary health insurance in order to be safe considering every possibility in 2020, when the health sector was tested with the coronavirus. According to data from the Insurance Association of Turkey, the number of people with complementary health insurance increased by 50% in June and reached 1.5 million compared to the previous year.

*** This release is originally published in Turkish.
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ISTANBUL (TR) - The health sector is having a dramatic year with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world. In light of the developments, the insurance sector also reached remarkable figures in the first half of 2020. According to Turkish Insurance Association (TSB) data, the number of people with complementary health insurance reached 1 million 501 thousand 425 people, an increase of 49.8% from 1 million 2,187 people as of June last year. In the first 6 months of 2020, the number of supplementary health insurance guarantees increased by 46.9% compared to the same period of 2019 and reached 1 million 190 thousand 166 units.

Despite the debate about whether the frequently asked Covid-19 treatments are covered by insurance, insurance companies have gradually started to cover the Covid-19 treatment expenses in the policies of new and existing complementary health insurers. All examinations and tests performed until the diagnosis of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in a private hospital are covered under the complementary health policy coverage.

“Low-priced private health insurance increases demand”

Stating that there is a serious orientation towards complementary health insurance, Hesapkurdu.com Insurance Director Dilara Çetin said, “As of 2014, the demand for complementary health insurance in our country is increasing exponentially every year. According to Turkish Insurance Association data, the number of people with complementary health insurance was 676 thousand 124 people in 2017 and reached 1 million 501 thousand 425 people in the first half of 2020. The most important point here is that TSS prices are lower than private health insurance, causing it to be more preferred by appealing to all segments. Complementary health insurance prices start at an average of 600 pounds per year based on a normal healthy individual. The scope can be expanded with different preferences such as inpatient or outpatient treatment. In addition, premiums paid for supplemental health insurance can be tax deductible in amounts that do not exceed 15% of the monthly gross wage.”

“No age limit”

Stating that the number of people with private health insurance, which is another health insurance, has increased by 3% on an annual basis, Çetin said, “Complementary health insurance is growing by an average of 40-50% each year. The most distinguishing difference between private health insurance and complementary health insurance is the requirement of SSI to benefit from complementary health insurance. Although complementary health insurance differs according to insurance companies, anyone with SSI can make it up to the age of 70. But some insurance companies can limit the maximum age limit to 60.”