How to Obtain a Health Report in Turkey: A Simple Guide for Foreigners

A health report may be required for a number of reasons, whether you are travelling or living in Turkey, such as a driving license, residency permit, or employment application. We are here to help you with this simple process, so don't worry!

A Health Report: What Is It?

An official document that certifies your suitability for a given task or condition is a health report, also known as a medical report or "sağlık raporu" in Turkish. Depending on the purpose, it may involve highly specialized tests or more fundamental ones like blood pressure and vision examinations.

Why is a health report necessary? 

• To apply for a driver's license or to convert
• To marry
• Applying for a room in a dorm
• For your job
• To apply for Turkish citizenship

Where to Get a Health Report?

There are three ways to obtain a health report:

1. Family Health Center: (also known as Aile Sağlığı Merkezi) It is a small, neighborhood clinics called Family Health Centers can be found in most Turkish neighborhoods. They mainly provide locals with basic healthcare services, such as health reports. These facilities frequently offer very low or no costs.
   If you live in the area and require a basic health report for general purposes, such a job or school, FHCs are a smart choice. Compared to hospitals, the procedure is typically faster and less crowded here. Bring your ID to the centre and state that you require a health report, or "sağlık raporu." They will take your blood pressure and examine your vision, among other basic examinations. You can typically walk in during business hours without an appointment.
2. Public Hospitals: Comprehensive health reports are among the many medical services offered by public hospitals, which are state-run establishments. These are usually bigger establishments that are capable of handling more intricate or specialised medical examinations.Public hospitals are a dependable and reasonably priced choice if you require a thorough health report for official purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license, residency permit, or other documents. They are capable of conducting all kinds of examinations, such as psychiatric evaluations, vision tests, and blood work. You can either visit the hospital directly or book an appointment through the MHRS system (online or by phone). Bring your ID, and the hospital will guide you through the necessary tests. Depending on the hospital's workload, it may take longer to complete the process compared to smaller clinics
3. Private Hospitals: Private hospitals are privately run medical centres that charge more for faster services. They are renowned for offering top-notch medical care with quicker outcomes. Private hospitals are the greatest choice if you're pressed for time or would rather have a more comfortable stay. Their services are frequently offered in several languages, including English, and they are able to provide health reports for any reason, including immigration and employment. You can visit a private hospital directly or book an appointment in advance. Be sure to bring your ID and explain what the health report is for. Tests are usually performed on the same day, and the report is often ready within hours.

When going to obtain a health report in Turkey, it's important to bring the necessary documents to avoid delays. Here are the key documents you should take with you:

1. For foreigners, identification (ID) might be a passport or a residency permit (İkamet İzni). You must have a Turkish ID card (Kimlik Kartı) if you live in Turkey.
    To validate your identity and process the report, your identification is necessary. Your Turkish ID number (T.C. Kimlik Numarası) could also be asked for.
2. Health Insurance Card: Bring your insurance card or proof of coverage if you have private or state health insurance (SGK). Insurance may cover some testing, which would lower the cost. If the hospital asks, it's a good idea to have it.
3. Bring a paper or screenshot of the appointment confirmation, if you have one, if you made the appointment via the MHRS system or any hospital's online system. This will guarantee that your appointment is set up correctly and help prevent confusion, particularly in busy hospitals.
4. Previous Medical Records (if applicable): Please bring any past test results or current medical issues that would be pertinent to your health report. Since the doctors may need to know your medical history for certain reports (such as when you're applying for a driver's license and require vision or hearing exams), this could save time.

Helpful Tips

• Select the Report Type: Make sure you understand the purpose of the report. Is it for a residency permit, a job, or a driver's license? Inform the hospital or clinic staff of the purpose of the report so that the appropriate tests can be conducted.
• Pay the Fees: Prices may differ. In some circumstances, it may be less expensive or even free in government hospitals. In general, private hospitals will bill more.
• Go Through the Tests: Depending on the report type, you may need to go through a number of medical examinations, such as blood tests, eye exams, or even psychological testing.
• Get Your Report: Following the completion of the tests, you will receive your health report, which is often available the same day or in a few days at most.

Getting a health report in Turkey is a simple process, especially if you know where to go and what to expect. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared, and before you know it, you’ll have your health report in hand!