This article explains the scope of the regulation for BAĞ-KUR, who benefits from it, its legal basis, and its practical implications for insured persons and their dependants.
A significant social security measure has been introduced in Turkey to protect uninterrupted access to healthcare services for certain insured groups. Under a new presidential decision, the health service entitlement period has been extended until 31 December 2026 for BAĞ-KUR insured persons and General Health Insurance (GSS) beneficiaries who have outstanding social security contribution debts.
This extension is particularly important for self-employed individuals, tradespeople, and uninsured citizens covered under the general health insurance scheme, many of whom have faced restricted access to healthcare due to unpaid premiums in recent years.
Legal Background of the Regulation
The extension was introduced pursuant to Presidential Decision No. 10812, which was published in the Official Gazette dated 7 January 2026 and numbered 33130.
The decision concerns insured persons covered under Law No. 5510 on Social Insurances and General Health Insurance, which forms the backbone of Turkey’s social security system. Under normal circumstances, individuals with long-standing unpaid contribution debts may lose their entitlement to benefit from healthcare services financed by the Social Security Institution (SGK).
This new regulation temporarily suspends that restriction for certain categories of insured persons.
Purpose of the Extension
The primary objective of this decision is to prevent disruptions in access to healthcare services caused by accumulated contribution debts. Economic fluctuations, inflationary pressures, and income instability have made it difficult for many self-employed individuals and low-income households to keep their social security payments up to date.
By extending healthcare access despite outstanding debts, the regulation aims to:
- Protect public health
- Prevent social hardship
- Avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment
- Reduce long-term healthcare costs arising from untreated conditions
The measure is temporary and is expected to be reviewed again after the end of 2026.
Who Is Covered by the Extended Health Service Entitlement?
The decision applies to specific insured groups defined under Law No. 5510. Within the scope of the extension, the following persons will continue to benefit from healthcare services until 31 December 2026, even if their contribution debts exceed 60 days.
1. BAĞ-KUR Insured Persons (Article 4/1-b)
The first category includes individuals insured under subparagraph (b) of the first paragraph of Article 4 of Law No. 5510, commonly referred to as BAĞ-KUR insured persons.
This group generally includes:
- Self-employed professionals
- Tradespeople and artisans
- Company partners
- Independent business owners
BAĞ-KUR insured persons are responsible for paying their own social security contributions. Under standard rules, unpaid contributions may lead to suspension of healthcare benefits. The new decision temporarily removes this barrier.
2. General Health Insurance Holders Under Article 60/1-g
The second group includes individuals covered by general health insurance pursuant to subparagraph (g) of the first paragraph of Article 60 of Law No. 5510.
This category typically includes persons who:
- Are not insured under another social security status
- Are required to pay GSS premiums based on income testing
- Do not have an employer paying contributions on their behalf
Many individuals in this group have accumulated contribution debts due to limited or irregular income. The extension ensures continued access to healthcare services despite these debts.
3. Dependants of Eligible Insured Persons
The regulation also applies to dependants of the above-mentioned insured persons, including:
- Spouses
- Children
- Other legally recognized dependants
This aspect of the decision is particularly important, as it ensures that families do not lose healthcare access due to the principal insured person’s unpaid premiums.
Healthcare Services Covered by the Extension
During the extension period, eligible individuals and their dependants will continue to benefit from healthcare services provided under the General Health Insurance system, including:
- Public hospital services
- Outpatient and inpatient treatment
- Emergency healthcare
- Prescribed medications
- Diagnostic tests and examinations
The extension does not eliminate contribution debts; it only preserves healthcare access while debts remain outstanding.
Contribution Debt Threshold and the 60-Day Rule
Under normal SGK regulations, insured persons with contribution debts exceeding 60 days may lose their entitlement to healthcare services. The new presidential decision suspends the application of this rule for the covered groups until the end of 2026.
This means that:
- Healthcare entitlement continues even if debts exceed 60 days
- No additional application is required from insured persons
- The extension applies automatically within the defined period
Temporary Nature of the Measure
It is important to emphasize that this regulation is time-limited. The extension is valid only until 31 December 2026.
After this date:
- A new decision or legal arrangement may be required
- Standard SGK rules may come back into force
- Contribution debt status may again affect healthcare eligibility
Insured persons are therefore encouraged to monitor official announcements and, where possible, take steps to regularize their contribution status.
Practical Implications for Insured Persons
For individuals covered by BAĞ-KUR or GSS, the regulation offers several practical benefits:
- Continued access to healthcare without interruption
- Reduced financial stress during medical treatment
- Protection for family members and dependants
- Time to restructure or settle contribution debts
However, it does not waive or cancel existing debts. Outstanding contributions remain payable and may still accrue late payment charges unless addressed through restructuring programs.
Implications for the Social Security System
From a policy perspective, the decision reflects a balance between financial discipline and social protection. While contribution collection remains a priority, uninterrupted healthcare access is recognized as a fundamental social right.
The regulation also reduces:
- Emergency-only healthcare reliance
- Long-term public health risks
- Administrative disputes over entitlement status
Need for Reassessment After 2026
The decision explicitly anticipates a reassessment after the specified period. Authorities are expected to evaluate:
- The economic conditions of insured persons
- Contribution collection performance
- Impact on healthcare system sustainability
Future extensions, restructuring opportunities, or policy changes may be introduced depending on these factors.
Access to the Official Gazette
The full text of Presidential Decision No. 10812 can be accessed via the Official Gazette dated 7 January 2026 (No. 33130).
(Document available in Turkish)
The extension of healthcare service entitlement until 31 December 2026 for BAĞ-KUR insured persons and general health insurance holders with outstanding contribution debts represents an important social protection measure in Turkey.
By ensuring uninterrupted access to healthcare services for insured persons and their dependants, the regulation mitigates the risk of social and medical hardship while allowing time for future reassessment of contribution obligations.
Although temporary in nature, this decision provides crucial relief to hundreds of thousands of individuals and reinforces the principle that access to healthcare should not be immediately denied due to financial difficulties.