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Social Security Number for International Students in Turkey

Turkey is a great country that offers educational opportunities for international students. However, there are some responsibilities that come with studying in a new country. One of the most important of these is the social security number and health insurance processes. In Turkey, incoming students’ curiosity about these issues is greatly increased. Instead of the social security number (SSN), the foreigner identification number (YU number) is used here, which can be a bit confusing. So, how does this process work and what should international students do? In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the social security number and health insurance system for international students in Turkey. It will make your study life easier if you are familiar with how the practices in Turkey will work. You will also learn how you can follow these processes. If you are thinking of studying in Turkey, this information will be useful for you!

Turkey does not have a “social security number” in the classical sense. Instead, a Foreigner Identification Number (YU number) is used for foreign students. This number starts with 99 and is required for official transactions. This number is used in any official document or social security transactions. For example, when enrolling at a university or applying for health insurance, you will need to declare your YU number. This can be a bit confusing at first for students who are used to the SSN system in the US. However, the YU number is very important while you are studying in Turkey and without it, it will be almost impossible to carry out your official transactions. Therefore, you should make sure that you receive this number during the registration process.

General Health Insurance (GHI) Obligation for International Students

International students in Turkey are required to apply for general health insurance (GHI) within three months (90 days) of their first enrollment at the university. This application is actually a legal obligation and is extremely important in order to benefit from health services. If the application is not submitted within this period, public health services will not be available and private health insurance will have to be purchased. The advantages of general health insurance include access to free or reduced-cost health services at public hospitals and private health institutions contracted with the SSI. This offers a significant savings opportunity throughout the student’s life. Especially considering the sometimes high costs of health care in Turkey, this convenience provided by the GSS is an opportunity not to be missed.

Application and GSS Registration Process

The application process for international students to the SSI consists of clear and distinct steps. First, the student must apply with a petition to a provincial directorate of social security or a social security center within three months from the date of enrollment. The following documents are requested in this process:

Foreigner identification number (YU number)
Student certificate from the university
Petition for application

In case of any lack of documentation, the application process is prolonged and results are delayed. The application procedure can also be carried out through the e-government system in Turkey. For this, it is necessary to obtain an e-government password from PTT. After logging into the e-government system, you can make your application and track your approval status using the “GSS Application and Tracking of Foreign Students” service. The e-government system makes your transactions very practical and offers the opportunity to receive many official documents online. For more information, you can check Turkish Social Security Institution’s official website

GSS Premium Payments

International students enrolled in the GHI are obliged to pay the general health insurance premium, which is calculated at one-third of the lower limit of daily earnings based on the legally determined premium. The premium is determined by the Social Security Institution (SSI) every year according to local legal regulations. For 2025, this amount may vary from the figures set annually, so it is important to check up-to-date information every year. You can also easily make your premium payments via E-government. Many students make these payments using internet banking. This saves time and ensures that payments are always up-to-date and complete. This practical method makes your student life in Turkey remotely more manageable.

After Application: Entitlement and Eligibility

International students have the right to benefit from health services after their general health insurance applications are approved. However, in order to exercise this right, it is necessary to obtain a certificate of eligibility. The certificate of eligibility is a document that shows that the student can receive health services within the scope of GSS. It is quite easy to obtain this document via e-government. In order to obtain the document, you can log in to the e-government system and make an eligibility inquiry. It is important that the document states “Eligible, can receive authorization.”

Otherwise, it will not be possible to benefit from health services. If you try to receive health care services before you receive your certificate of eligibility, you may face extra costs depending on the type of service. Therefore, you should try to obtain your documents immediately. In line with your study goals in Turkey, it is of utmost importance to follow all the steps to ensure your health insurance.

Successfully completing the health insurance process in Turkey will make the study life of international students more comfortable. You can plan this process clearly from start to finish by learning that Turkey has a system that is managed by Foreigner Identity Number (FID) instead of Social Security Number (SSN). By following the necessary steps to both apply for general health insurance and obtain your certificate of eligibility, you can gain advantages in accessing health services. All of these processes are essential for the health insurance of international students studying in Turkey. In order to meet all your health needs throughout your study life, it is very important to apply to GSS and get the necessary documents on time. For this, you should take steps carefully. Remember that being healthy during your education is an important factor in achieving academic success.

Now you know how important the social security number and health insurance processes are for international students who will study in Turkey. Do not forget to get a foreigner identification number (YU number) and make your general health insurance (GHI) application on time. Remember, a healthy student life is the foundation of a successful educational life. By taking the necessary steps to make a healthy start to your education in Turkey, you can enjoy every moment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SSN mandatory for foreign students?

In Turkey, there is no SSN in the classical sense. Foreigners can perform all their official transactions by obtaining a YU number. Therefore, SSN is not mandatory for foreign studentsstudying in Turkey.

How do international students apply for SSI?

International students can apply for SSI within three months after their first enrollment at the university, either at the provincial directorate of SSI or through e-government with identity verification.

How much is the SSI premium and where is it paid?

The SSI premium is determined annually by the SSI and paid by students. Payment can be made via internet banking or e-government.

What are the health services covered by the SSI?

Within the scope of GSS, examination, treatment, medication and other health services can be used in public hospitals and private health institutions contracted with SSI.

What should a student who has missed the application period do?

If no application is made to the GHI within the three-month period, the student will be required to have private health insurance.

The Concept of Social Security Number (SSN) in Turkey