A New Era in Private Health Insurance: Summary of the October 2025 Regulation Update

Official Gazette Date of Publication: October 20, 2025
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Authority: Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency (SEDDK)

Purpose of the Regulation Update

The revised Private Health Insurance Regulation aims to strengthen the rights of policyholders, ensure transparency between insurers and clients, and modernize insurance processes for the digital age.
The amendments apply to both individuals and insurance companies.

Key Highlights

1. Updated Scope and New Definitions

Travel and sickness insurance are now explicitly excluded from the regulation.
A new concept, “permanent data storage” (kalıcı veri saklayıcısı), has been introduced, covering channels such as e-mail, SMS, mobile applications, and e-Government platforms. Electronic communication is now officially recognized as a valid and binding form of notification.

2. Enhanced Transparency and Information Obligations

Insurance companies must now provide clear information on rights and obligations before policy issuance. All discounts and promotional offers must be transparently listed in the policy.
Customer data should be verified through official institutions such as the Social Security Institution or the Insurance Information and Monitoring Centre.

3. Revised Waiting Period Rules

The waiting period (time before certain medical conditions are covered) may now be applied only during the first policy term. Upon renewal or when changing providers, a new waiting period cannot be imposed — previously elapsed time must be credited to the insured person.

4. Lifetime Renewal Guarantee

The most significant change introduces a mandatory Lifetime Renewal Guarantee for all individuals under 60 years old. Those who remain insured under the same plan for at least three consecutive years and maintain a claims-to-premium ratio below 80% will retain lifelong coverage under the same terms. Once granted, the guarantee prevents any reduction in coverage or increase in premiums.
All lifetime guarantee records will be stored in a centralized database.

5. New Rights for Group Policyholders

Employees insured under group health plans can now continue their coverage individually when leaving the group or company. They can transfer their insurance policy to an individual plan without losing previously earned rights or guarantees.

6. Policy and Provider Changes

Policy changes require insurer approval but cannot affect the Lifetime Renewal Guarantee. If the insured moves to another insurance company, all prior rights — including the Lifetime Guarantee — may be transferred.
Data exchange between companies must occur solely through the Insurance Information and Monitoring Centre.

7. Data Protection and Retention

Personal and health data must be processed in full compliance with the Turkish Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK). All records must be stored for 10 years after the end of the insurance and then deleted or anonymized.
All parties accessing this data are bound by strict confidentiality obligations.

8. New Prohibitions and Clarifications

Private insurers are now prohibited from covering co-payment amounts defined under Article 68 of the Social Security Law. This ensures a clear separation between public and private health coverage.

Conclusion

These reforms mark a shift toward a more transparent, secure, and digitally integrated private health insurance system. Policyholders will enjoy stronger rights and clearer communication, while insurers face higher standards for compliance and data governance. Overall, the new regulation aims to lay the foundation for a modern, fair, and sustainable insurance landscape in Türkiye.

Author: Beril Duman Erdebil