What is Optional Insurance? Benefits and 2026 Premiums

Summary: People who do not work insured in any workplace or do not run their own business can retire and benefit from health services by paying 'Optional Insuran...

People who do not work insured in any workplace or do not run their own business can retire and benefit from health services by paying “Optional Insurance”.

1. Who Can Be Optionally Insured?

Those residing in Turkey (or Turkish citizens not working as workers abroad).
Those over 18 years old.
Those not working in a way requiring compulsory insurance (SSK or Bag-Kur).
Those not receiving monthly pension (retirement salary) due to their own insurance.

2. In Which Status Is It Counted? (SSK or Bag-Kur?)

Most Important Point: After the reform in 2008, optional insurance premiums are counted under 4/b (Bag-Kur) scope.

Meaning, you cannot retire early like SSK member (4/a) by paying optionally. You become subject to tougher conditions of Bag-Kur (like 9000 days).
Exception: “Last 3.5 year rule”. If you enter an SSK job 3.5 years before your retirement, you can retire from SSK conditions.

3. 2025 Premium Amounts

Premiums are 32% of Gross Minimum Wage (20% Disability/Old Age/Death + 12% GSS).

Lowest Premium: 32% of Gross Minimum Wage.
Highest Premium: Up to 7.5 times of this amount can be paid (To increase salary). (Current figures change with minimum wage every year in January and July).

4. What Are Its Advantages?

Retirement Right: Salary is granted when certain age and days are completed.
Health Service: You and your dependents (Spouse, child) receive health service in state.
Service Combining: Increases your total premium days by filling your empty periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is premium lower for housewives? A: No, standard optional insurance premium is same for everyone. However, different applications like “Housewives Insurance” (Tax Exempt Tradesman) are also available for housewives without tax liability (State support is on agenda).

Q: Can I borrow retroactively and pay? A: There is no “retroactive lump sum payment” in optional insurance. You start earning days from the date you apply. (Except Birth and Military Service borrowing).

Legal Support: You can contact us for retirement planning and service combining procedures.

Professional Legal Support

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📧 Email: info@avukatfevziyaskir.com

📍 Address: Opposite the Courthouse, Karatay/Konya, Turkey

⚖️ Attorney Fevzi Yaşkir - Licensed attorney at Konya Bar Association providing legal consultation and case management services for international clients.