Medical insurance

[Scunner]

quote:Originally posted by Ovacikpeedoff

Get a petition together and give it to the Mayor of Fethiye and what is he to do with it?

[Scunner]

quote:Originally posted by saoirse

SCHEME SUSPENDED- VOICES NEWSPAPER

Quelle surprise!

[karaokemark]

Birtish Embassy website updated

http://ukinturkey.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/

[Scunner]

FOREIGNERS living in Turkey are to be given at least one month's grace over the controversial imposition of the mandatory health insurance, it has emerged.

Following meetings between British Embassy and SGK (Sosyal GUvenlik Kurumu) yesterday (MON), it seems that the January 31 deadline - by which all expats had to be signed up by or face a 886TKL fine - has now been suspended at least for the time being.

In its place, SGK officials say they will send out letters to all expats and the policy will have to be taken out within one month of receiving the letter.

A statement from a British Embassy Consul warden to Voices via Facebook last night said: "After a conversation tonight with the Consulate General in Izmir, William Buttigieg has confirmed that the Ministry of Health has advised that they will be issuing a letter to all Resident Permit holders.

"The policy will then have to be taken out within one month of receiving the registered letter.

"For those that are only travelling to Turkey on a resident's permit but for a few weeks at a time then they can take a letter from their family NHS doctor to say that they are still registered with a doctor in the UK - take this to the SGK office and they will therefore be exempt."

Calls by Didim British expats for a meeting with William Buttigieg has been put off for the time being. The statement added: "As it stands WilliamButtigieg will not be coming to Didim this week as the British Embassy are trying to make arrangements to meet with the Ministry of Health to discuss.

"Once further details are known I will let you know and William will then be able to come to Didim with the correct information."

In a separate advisory note from the warden earlier yesterday, those expats who are travelling abroad this winter - for example back in the UK, in India or South East Asia and were in fear of missing the Jan 31 deadline - they were advised to keep proof of their flight tickets to avoid the fine. However that threat has receded with the new advice about issuing letters.

In a further twist, expats on forums were claiming that if you are retired - or it declares Emekli on your residency permit - this is usually found on the left hand page opposite your picture under the category profession - you were exempt. This still remains in doubt.

Equally for those with private health insurance, they are still in doubt as to whether they need to apply or are exempt.

For example, a statement issued by one private health insurer in Didim categorically stated that to one of its clients: "If you are retired (this has to be written on your Residency Card as Emekli down below your photo) or have an health insurance in UK you will (be) exempt for SGK Goverment Health Insurance. You don't need to apply."

If this is correct, then that would surely opt out all but a few expats as they declare they are retired any way!

The British Embassy website had yet to be updated beyond a holding statement on Monday stating: "We are aware of the confusion surrounding the new compulsory healthcare requirements for British nationals. It seems that regional offices are applying the rules differently, adding to the confusion.

"We have contacted the Ministry of Health again to ask them to clarify the requirements of the scheme immediately so that British nationals can make informed decisions about the options open to them. The Ambassador has also raised this with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

For those in Didim, kusdasi and Akbuk and other areas of Aydin Province, wanting to join the scheme voluntarily, they will have to apply to either the Soke office - Konak Mah. Yildirim Sokak No.22 Soke - 0256 512 1251 email address: sokesgm@sgk.gov.tr;
or Aydin: Aydin Sosyal Guvenlik Il Mudurlugu Ramazanpasa Mahallesi Hukumet Bulvari No:62, (0256) 213 60 55 or email: aydinsgim@sgk.gov.tr

Visit www.sgk.gov.tr for further information.

Direct Link: http://voicesnewspaper.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5191

[quackers]

What do you get for your money??? We get greatly reduced rates at Esnaf for seeing doctors,blood tests, scans,xrays,operations ect.Free medication on prescription from doctors.  Reduced rates at Kartel for eye tests and any operation. Reduced rate on lenses at opticians, Reduced rates at Dentist.
I agree hubblebubble that our poor turksih neighbours now have a way of getting the much needed medical help they require free as before they had to suffer or hope the family would help pay for them. I know of a  case in Yaniklar where they came round the houses asking for donations to help pay for medicine for a sick child.Not just the ex pats were asked all of the people living in the area. They only wated a couple of lire from each household and all that could gave.
I also remember a few years ago in Caliş a gentleman being in Devlet hospital in urgent need of a heart op. He had no money and no property. They asked his family in the UK to pay and they said no they had no money so someone was going to get up a collection to pay for this expensive op. He died before they started. I would hate that to happen to me and mine.

[Scunner]

From Facebook

"The petition signing will be at Nil Bar Calis front tomorrow between 11am and 12-30 pm, then onto Cafe Pazar 1pm to 2-30pm and PJ's bar 3pm to 4-30 pm. On Friday we will be at Kismet/boys bar in Fethiye 12 midday to 3 pm"

How fitting to have a pub crawl health in Turkey petition signing in 3 bars. Having it at 3 different places 10 minutes walk apart makes sense. People living near PJs won't need to walk literally around the corner to the one at Cafe Pazar!!! PMSL you couldn't write it. Like the petition, which hasn't even been started yet let alone written.

[kayakebab]

I asked what the petition is about, apparently one Turkish man is only paying 100tl a month, and its not fair, and some nationalities aren't going to have to pay it at all.

I shan't be joining the pub crawl, I mean signing.

[Scunner]

Which nationalities don't have to pay at all? Where did their research on this come from?

[Patience]

"British nationals who have lived in Turkey for one year will receive a letter about joining the scheme and then have one month to register.  "

Ooooo - goodie ... or will it be like the phone and ADSL bill arrive way past the payment date if at all?

[hubblebubble]

you know when my kids used to say 'its not fair' I used to point out lifes not fair - get used to it!!
If you have food in your belly, more in the cupboard, a roof over your head, an education and access to potable water and quality healthcare - you are priviledged in this world I feel.
Under any health scheme, be it private or public, some will subsidise others.
Be grateful you have a choice where to live and how to live.