Travel Insurance for Turkey

Know more About Travel Insurance

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country located mainly in Western Asia and shares some of its landmass with Europe. With 97% of its area located in Western Asia and the remaining 3% in South-Eastern Europe, the country boasts a rich historical heritage, marked by several significant events throughout its history. 

Due to its rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the amalgamation of its history and modernity, Turkey is the 4th most visited country in the world. With approximately 330,000 Indians visiting Turkey in 2024, an increase from 274,159 Indian visitors in 2023, Indians can expect a lot by planning a trip to Turkey. From its world-class cuisine to the famous Turkish baths, there is much to enjoy when visiting the transcontinental nation. 

However, while travelling and tourism to Turkey are exciting to look forward to, travellers should keep in mind that not only does Turkey require travel health insurance for Turkey when visiting the country, but it is also highly recommended that travellers have Turkey travel insurance.

Travel Insurance Turkey From India

Travellers going on an international trip should note that foreign travel is not only expensive but often fraught with several risks, which can lead to a negative travel experience and a significant financial loss. From missed connecting flights delaying your travel plans and resulting in an additional day of expenses to having your trip cancelled due to a medical emergency at the last moment, travellers would often be left on their own in the past. But with travel insurance, the financial impact of these and dozens of other risks can be mitigated, allowing you to travel freely with peace of mind.

Why do you need travel insurance from India to Turkey?

When planning an international trip, it is essential to consider the scope and extent of risks to which one might be exposed. Not only is foreign travel expensive, as discussed above, but it is also fraught with many risks which can lead to a negative travel experience and financial loss. 

To counter these risks, one might need to constantly worry and take precautions for every aspect of the trip. However, with travel insurance for Turkey, it is possible to mitigate the impact of these risks. In addition, Turkey has made it mandatory for all foreign travellers to secure their trip with travel insurance for Turkey when entering the country since 2016, thus making it necessary to have insurance to enter the country. 

Explore the Key Benefits Offered by Travel Health Insurance for Turkey

In 2024, travellers have a lot of choices when comparing different plans and insurers, whether it is the scope and extent of coverage, coverage options, sum assured, ease of purchase, quick and efficient claim approval and a lot more. These key features and offerings allow travellers to choose the right policy and insurer. Here is a list of key benefits offered by Niva Bupa as a part of its TravelAssure policy:

• Niva Bupa offers travellers a simple, convenient and affordable way to secure their Turkey trip with Turkey travel insurance.

• Coverage of up to $500,000 under travel insurance for Turkey from India.

• Niva Bupa provides 24/7 assistance in any emergency to travellers with Turkey travel insurance. 

• The policy covers policyholders from expenses incurred due to medical emergencies, personal accidents, COVID-19, medical evacuation, repatriation, pre-existing diseases during emergencies, and more.

• Student travellers with student travel insurance for Turkey are also covered for additional risks, including 100% coverage for pre-existing diseases, study interruption coverage, sponsor protection, dental treatment, maternity expenses, and more.

• Travellers are also covered for non-medical risks, such as lost checked-in baggage or essential documents like passports and visas, missed connecting flights, trip delays, interruptions and cancellations, and personal liability.

What is covered under the Travel Insurance for Turkey?

As one of the leading insurance providers, Niva Bupa offers dozens of coverages as a part of its policies, enabling travellers to secure their trip financially and have mental peace when facing covered risks. Here is a list of some of the key coverages offered by Niva Bupa as a part of Turkey travel insurance:

Delay or loss of checked-in baggage: 

This coverage offers partial or complete reimbursement for significant delay or loss. 

Missed connecting flight:

This coverage reimburses you for the extra accommodation and travel costs to reach the next destination if you miss a pre-booked connecting flight due to the original flight running late. 

Loss of passport: 

This coverage reimburses you for the cost of applying for a new passport if the original is lost.

Dental treatment:

This coverage reimburses a pain-relieving dental treatment availed under anesthesia. 

Trip delay, cancellation, interruption: 

These three separate coverages offer reimbursement for part of the travel and accommodation costs if your travel is delayed, canceled, or interrupted due to certain conditions mentioned in the policy document. 

Medical emergency (hospitalization): 

This coverage offers reimbursement for the cost of medical treatment.

Emergency outpatient treatment: 

This coverage reimburses any emergency treatment under OPD. 

Medical evacuation: 

This coverage reimburses the transfer cost from one hospital to another if the primary hospital does not offer appropriate care. 

Emergency trip extension: 

If the trip is extended due to certain exceptional circumstances, this coverage offers an extension of the policy up to 7 days. 

Personal accident: 

This coverage pays a portion up to the sum insured for accidental death or disability.

Repatriation of mortal remains: 

This coverage reimburses you for the cost of transporting the mortal remains of the traveler or the cost of cremation in the city/country of death. 

There might also be additional coverage options depending on the type of travel; thus, it is vital to check the policy document for clarity on what is covered.  

What is not covered under the Turkey Travel Insurance plan?

In addition to what is covered, travellers must consider what is not covered to avoid these risks and not be caught unaware at the last minute due to claim rejection for participating in these risks. Here is a list of specific exclusions Niva Bupa does not cover as part of Turkey travel insurance.

• Treatment for any injury or illness resulting from nuclear or radiological emissions, war or rebellion, and specific acts of terrorism.

• Active participation in military exercises, war games, or engagement with the enemy.

• Any loss or injury due to committing or attempting to breach the law with criminal intent. 

• Expenses for cosmetic or plastic surgery or any treatment to change appearance, including obesity or weight control programs. Unless in certain circumstances as listed in the policy document.

• Maternity expenses.

• Non-prescription or unproven drugs or treatments.

• The provision of fitting hearing aids, spectacles, or contact lenses, including optometric therapy, any treatment, and associated expenses for alopecia, baldness, wigs, or toupees, and medical supplies, including elastic stockings, diabetic test strips, and similar products.

• If the insured person is travelling against the advice of a doctor or is receiving or on a waiting list for specified medical treatment.

• Death, injury, medical condition, or disability resulting from suicide or attempted suicide, self-inflicted wound or illness, consumption of alcohol or drugs, and depression.

• Countries with travel restrictions for Indians.

• Medical tourism.

• Damages due to adventure sports unless part of coverage.

• Expenses related to any admission specifically for diagnostics and evaluation purposes that are not related or incidental to the current diagnosis and treatment.

Please note that this list is just an excerpt from the policy document. Reading and assessing the exclusions when purchasing a policy is crucial to avoid any last-minute surprises and hassles.

Who Should Buy Niva Bupa Travel Insurance for Turkey?

Any travellers planning a trip to Turkey should consider purchasing travel insurance from Niva Bupa. As one of the leading travel insurance providers, Niva Bupa offers comprehensive policies for over 190 destinations worldwide. With Niva Bupa, not only can you financially secure your trip from dozens of risks, but it also enables you to travel with peace of mind by providing coverage for several times more than the initial premium amount. Not only this but buying a policy from Niva Bupa is simple and intuitive, with travellers being able to purchase the policy anywhere at any time, within just a few minutes.

What are the Criteria for Being Eligible for Travel Insurance in Turkey?

The following are the eligibility criteria to buy travel insurance for Turkey from Niva Bupa, one of India's leading travel insurance providers. 

• Adults should be between the ages of 18 and 70.
• Dependent children can be up to the age of 25.
• Travellers must possess and furnish mandatory documents like copies of passports, visas, income proof, and other relevant papers.

How do You Buy Travel Insurance for Turkey Online?     

Travellers looking to buy travel insurance for Turkey can easily do so online from the Niva Bupa website. Here is how you can buy Turkey travel insurance to secure your trip:

1. Visit the Niva Bupa website and click Travel Insurance in the header.
2. You can use the drop-down menu on that page to select Turkey, the departure and return dates, and the phone number.
3. After clicking on view plans, you can input the traveller’s details and continue to check the destination-specific plans for Turkey. 
4. Review and select the appropriate plans, change the sum insured to the amount you want to insure for your trip and choose any add-ons.
5. After this, click “Next” and fill out the relevant information and medical declaration to purchase the plan of your choice.

Once the payment is complete, the Turkey travel insurance policy will be emailed to you.   

When to buy Turkey travel insurance?

When looking to buy an insurance policy, the earlier, the better. As there is no benefit to sticking around and waiting for sales or other advantages, there is no better time to secure your trip with travel insurance than when you first book your flight tickets. Not only does this ensure financial protection if your trip is cancelled for covered reasons, but it also prevents any last-minute hassles and having to spend time picking and choosing the right insurance policy for your specific needs. 

Factors Affecting the Premium Of Travel Insurance For Turkey

The premium is the initial sum a policyholder pays to take out a particular policy. This sum is derived based on several factors, including the type of insurance, policy, individual and trip specifics, and more. Here are some key factors that influence the premium for your travel insurance for Turkey from India. 

1. Trip duration
2. Trip destination
3. Sum assured
4. Type of coverage selected
5. Any particular add-ons opted for
6. Age of the travellers
7. Number of travellers

These factors can affect the premium charged for a policy and result in a cheaper or more expensive policy. Suppose you wish to preview the premium for a policy based on your particular needs by following the above steps to purchase the policy. In that case, previewing the premium and using the parameters to see the specific changes is possible. 

What You Need to Know About Filing a Claim for Travel Insurance in Turkey

Travellers who need to file a claim settlement request for travel insurance can do so easily with Niva Bupa. There are several ways to request a claim settlement from Niva Bupa. Refer to the following methods for a quick and hassle-free claim process.

1. To file a travel insurance claim, you first need to contact your insurer, Niva Bupa. 
2. You may also contact the global third-party administrator if you are travelling overseas.
3. You can raise a claim for travel insurance online, by mail, or even physically. You can do so both while overseas and when you return to India.
4. You must submit a duly filled claim form along with the required documents based on the type of claim—for example, loss of baggage, trip cancellation, medical emergency, or death.

Besides this, one can make two types of claims in the case of a medical emergency. 

Cashless claim

• Niva Bupa is partnered with Europ Assistance, a global third-party administrator, to provide cashless claims to hospitals and healthcare centres worldwide.

• The customer intimates the claim to Europ Assistance via a toll-free number or email. 
• The TPA - Europ Assistance will contact the customer and provide them with the required Turkey travel insurance details.
• Europ Assistance will then initiate the GOP (Guarantee of payment) process with the hospital where the customer will receive treatment.
• Europ Assistance will request the documents from the hospital or the customer and, after assessing the claim, send them to Niva Bupa for approval/rejection/query/investigation.
• Our medical team will approve the claim by e-mail.
• The GOP will be released to the hospital as per the amount claimed.
• The hospital will contact the Europ Assistance team if any additional amount is required.
• At discharge, documents will be sent to Europ assistance and approved accordingly.
• After discharge, the hospital will send the documents to Europe Assistance for settlement to the hospital.

Reimbursement Claim 

Mandatory Documents Required for Reimbursement Claims

1. Claim form
2. KYC
3. Cancelled cheque of the proposer
4. Discharge summary 
5. Final bill along with break up
6. Payment receipt
7. All investigation reports

Turkey Visa Details and Entry Information

As a traveller, depending on the reason for your travel, there are five different types of Turkish visas from which to choose. Here are the specific visas, along with their explanations for your convenience:

1. Tourist visa

   A tourist visa or a visit visa is the most common type for most travellers; this allows entry into the country for tourism purposes and is relatively easy to get.

2. Work visa

   As the name suggests, a work visa is a stamp granting access to individuals planning to visit Turkey for work. This includes academicians, scientists, journalists, and other professionals.

3. Education visa

   An education visa grants students looking to study in Turkey the opportunity to travel for educational purposes.

4. Official visa

   An official visa is granted to government officials and issued for duty and courier.

5. Other

   This category offers all the other types of visas that do not fit any particular category. This includes medical tourism, documentary filmmaking, freight carrying, and different types of visas. 

Navigating the Turkey Visa Application Process with Ease

There are currently two ways Indian passport holders can get a visa to Turkey. The first method is the traditional method of visiting a consular authority and getting a sticker visa. On the other hand, Turkey also offers an e-visa that allows a one-time visit for up to 30 days. However, this e-visa is only available for Indian passport holders who have a visa or permanent residence permit in any of these countries:

• Any Schengen country
• US
• UK
• Ireland

So, travellers who do not have a visa for the above countries need to go through the traditional method of availing of a visa. This includes submitting several supporting documents, similar to getting a visa from any other country.

What are the Travel Documents Required to Travel From India to Turkey?

There are several documents that any Indian planning a trip to Turkey is expected to carry. Here is a list of some key documents to remember and carry when visiting Turkey. 

1. A valid passport with at least 6-months validity
2. Visa stamp
3. A visa application form
4. Latest photos of a specific size
5. Travel insurance for Turkey visa
6. Proof of accommodation
7. Return flight tickets
8. Proof of sufficient funds for your trip

Which is the Best time to visit Turkey?

The best time to visit this transcontinental nation depends on several factors. From your travel plans to preferences such as affinity for heat or coldness, whether you wish for a cheaper trip or go during peak tourist season, whether you want to lay down and relax on the beaches or visit the historical sites. Here are some of the critical factors to consider when planning your trip:

1. April and May- These months offer relatively pleasant weather with lower temperatures, allowing tourists to explore the historic sites and enjoy themselves while experiencing Turkey. Costs are also relatively cheaper compared to the peak months of June to August.
2. June to August- June to August is often considered a peak season for tourists. Not only do children get free from school and parents plan a trip during this time, but it is also the ideal time for going to the beach and relaxing. However, one thing to note is that the days between June and August in Turkey are pretty warm, often crossing 30°C.
3. September and October- Similar to April and May, these months also have lower tourist counts and pleasant weather, perfect for visiting historic sites and ruins. 
4. November to March- These months are quite cold, with prospects for snow and rain. During these months, tourists can enjoy skiing and other winter activities as well as visit some historical sites with peace of mind.

What are some famous Turkey Tourist Places?

If you plan a trip to Turkey, you must visit or at least see some of its landmarks before the journey ends. With 21 UNESCO World Heritage sites and dozens of other popular tourist destinations, here are some key destinations you should visit during your trip.

1. The ancient city of Troy
2. Blue Mosque
3. Topkapi Palace
4. Ancient ruins of Ephesus
5. Hagia Sophia

What are some popular Indian restaurants in Turkey?

While Turkey is renowned for its delicious Turkish cuisine, its growing popularity as a tourist destination has led to a rise in Indian restaurants, especially in major cities and tourist hubs. Here are some popular Indian restaurants in Turkey:

• Dubb Indian: This restaurant is part of a well-known chain and is praised for its authentic Indian flavours and a pleasant ambience. They have locations in key tourist areas like Sultanahmet and also a more upscale branch with a view of the Bosphorus.
• Musafir Indian Restaurant: Established in 2004, Musafir is a staple in the city's Indian dining scene, particularly in the Taksim area. It's often recommended for its traditional, homely Indian food and a warm atmosphere.
• India Gate Restaurants: With locations in Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia, India Gate is a chain that offers a reliable option for Indian cuisine. They are known for serving a variety of dishes from North India and are popular among tourists craving familiar flavours.
• Delhi Darbar Indian Restaurant Cappadocia: Part of a small chain, this restaurant is popular for its flavorful and authentic food. It's a good option for travellers seeking a change from Turkish cuisine.
• Bombay Bistro: Located in the popular Konyaaltı Beach area, this restaurant is known for its warm ambience and authentic Indian dishes, with customer favourites often including Butter Chicken and Biryani.

What are Some Fascinating Facts About Turkey?

1. The city of Istanbul lies in both Asia and Europe
2. Istanbul was formerly known as the Byzantine Empire
3. Turkey has more than 82,000 mosques
4. Ever seen an evil eye, an object popularised for staving away jealousy and envy of others, is one of the best-selling souvenirs from the country
5. The Grand Bazaar in Turkey has more than 3000 stores

What are Some Things to do in Turkey?

Turkey is famous for several reasons, from its deep-rooted history with many historical monuments and sites to explore to its transcontinental nature, scenic beauty, and much more. While many visit Turkey to explore its rich history, there are many things to do when visiting. 

Turkey is famous for its thermal springs and pools, which allow you to relax and benefit from some of its medicinal qualities. Take a hot air balloon over Cappadocia and revel in the beautiful turquoise water on the coasts of Turkey.

Do’s and Don’ts to Keep in Mind During Turkey Visit

• Buy bottled water when in Turkey
• Pack sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sunlight
• Carry comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothes to avoid sweat buildup in the heat or for comfort when going through the markets
• Carry any necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit
• Always keep your passport with you
• Check out any travel advisories for Turkey when you are visiting
• Respect local laws and regulations
• Avoid any unlawful activities and public demonstrations or protests
• Protect your luggage from crowded areas and theft
• Check the visa dates to avoid any trouble with the authorities
• Opt for the best travel insurance for Turkey based on your specific needs