Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

I would appreciate people’s views on health insurance.

Here is what I have gathered from other threads and my own research:

1) UK citizens residing in TRNC can use their EHIC card to get treatment in ROC, in public hospitals only.
2) ESTA seems to offer reasonable premiums for emergency cover in TRNC. (Need to clarify what ‘emergency’ means.)
3) International health insurance (covering Europe only) is extremely expensive: several thousand pounds with high excesses and/or co-pay clauses. Brokers tell me it is aimed primarily at corporations who take out group policies.

Here is what I do not know:

a) Unclear whether UK expats (non-resident for tax in UK) can get NHS treatment in UK, even if they lived/worked in UK for decades and paid into the system.
b) Do any TRNC companies offer health insurance (apart from emergencies)? If so, what are people’s experiences when claiming?
c) People seem to have had good experiences with the TRNC medical system but certain conditions (e.g. cancer?) lack specialists and infrastructure?
d) Presumably many of you are paying privately for treatment in TRNC, as and when you need it? Has this worked out well for you?

Thoughts on any of the above would be appreciated. Thank you!

My information (from the British government) is that if you are none resident in the UK you are not entitled to an EHIC card. Unless you are a pensioner and are resident in another EU country. When I left Germany I was required to return my EHIC card.

It has also been reported that ROC authorities have refused treatment (costs) to EHIC card holders that have TRNC residency.

I'd recommend looking at health insurance in the ROC. Well priced, good cover, and you are able to pick the hospital you receive treatment in. All prescription costs etc are covered as well.

But what would happen in the case of an emergency? We have had medical insurance with Güneş (a Turkish company) for 14 years and recently had a big claim which they paid without question.

Please can you give me the details for this Gunes Insurance as I would like to take out health insurance, thank you

Good quesitons and I would like answers to some of those if anyone has more.

As I understand it any health insurance is based on current health, and age. We had medical insurance in Australia, as it was requirement of our visa. Couldn't afford it now. For hubby not even travel insurance is affordable. Too many pre existing conditions, and not enough income to pay for cover.

So does anyone have actual figures for medical insurance here.

We have been paying about 6,500 TL a year with Güneş which covers both of us. However we were only 54 and 57 when we took it out. When we had passed the ten year mark they said they would continue the cover for the rest of our lives and the premium would only increase with inflation annually. Obviously this year we shall lose our no claims bonus which is around 200 TL as they have just paid out nearly 40,000TL for heart bypass surgery. there are several Güneş agents on the island but we do our renewal through our agent in Turkey.

Would you mind advising where the Gunes agents are please

Hi

I am looking for a health / dental insurance company that cover both TRNC and Turkey?

As Burt requested, please can you give a tel no and / or address for Gunes agent in the TRNC please

I have seen several agents boards along the roads but the one that is near the Bellapais traffic lights above the Siba pool shop is a nice guy and he can give you all the details.

Can you use the SGK health scheme ? I use it in Turkey where we live but thinking of moving to TRNC .

Not as far as I am aware Nuggets. I don't think there is a similar system here.

Laura B wrote:Not as far as I am aware Nuggets. I don't think there is a similar system here.

Pity, thanks for your reply