Best Travel Insurance for the U.S. with Strong and Affordable Coverage
takayuki
Nomadrista
Travel Insurance for Istanbul: Do You Really Need It?
takayuki
Turkey is a popular travel destination that bridges Asia and Europe, offering many attractions such as historic mosques and cultural landmarks. Istanbul, in particular, draws millions of visitors each year.
However, many travelers experience unexpected problems—such as injuries or illnesses—because they did not have proper medical insurance.
Without insurance, medical treatment in Turkey can result in very high expenses. Below are real examples of medical costs reported by travelers.
Ankle dislocation and fracture – $40,170
Fell on cobblestones and suffered a dislocated ankle and ankle bone fracture. Hospitalized for 8 days and underwent surgery. Medical transport provided with a doctor escort.
Bile duct stones and bowel obstruction – $26,550
Severe abdominal pain late at night, transported by ambulance. Diagnosed with bile duct stones and bowel obstruction. Hospitalized for 11 days and underwent surgery. Medical transport arranged with a nurse escort.
Cervical fracture and spinal cord injury – $280,000
Fell on stairs in Cappadocia, causing a cervical fracture and spinal cord injury. Hospitalized for 42 days and underwent surgery. Family rushed to the hospital. Medical evacuation provided by charter flight with both a doctor and nurse accompanying.
Having proper coverage ensures you won’t face overwhelming medical bills if something happens during your trip.
The following travel insurance plans are easy to apply for online and provide comprehensive coverage for travelers.
No,1
SafetyWing
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$56.28 (not including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$250,000
Emergency Transportation
$20,000
Dental treatment
$1,000
Flight delays
$200
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
Without
Standby time
0 hours
No.2
World Nomads
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$220.43 (not including the US)
・$265.07 (including US)
・$265.07 (including US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$500
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$2,500
Standby time
72 hours
No.3
Heymondo
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$113.05 (not including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$450
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$1,700
Standby time
72 hours
This article introduces travel insurance options that are easy to apply for online and explains Turkey’s medical standards, healthcare system, and typical medical costs.
Contents
- Medical Standards in Turkey
- Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Travel to Turkey?
- Examples of High Medical Costs for Travelers in Turkey
- 1. Hospitalization and Surgery for a Subdural Hematoma
- 2. Hospitalization and Surgery for a Femoral Neck Fracture
- 3. Hospitalization and Surgery for a Dislocated Ankle
- 4. Emergency Transport and Hospitalization for a Stroke
- 5. Charter Medical Transfer from Cappadocia
- 6. Hospitalization and Surgery for Abdominal Pain
- Travel Insurance Options for Your Trip to Turkey
Medical Standards in Turkey
In large cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, travelers can find many hospitals and clinics equipped with modern facilities, where specialized medical treatment is available.
Many doctors and healthcare staff also speak English, which helps reduce concerns about language barriers.
However, in rural areas or smaller tourist spots like Cappadocia, medical facilities may be limited.
Patients often need to be transferred to larger hospitals in major cities, which can result in high additional transportation costs.
Having insurance ensures financial protection in the event of unexpected emergencies, accidents, or costly medical transfers.
Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Travel to Turkey?
Some countries require travelers to have medical insurance upon entry.
For example, the Czech Republic asks visitors to present proof of medical insurance, and travelers may face fines if they do not carry their insurance certificate together with their passport during their stay.
» Which Countries Require Travel Insurance to Enter?
In contrast, medical insurance is not mandatory for general travel to Turkey. However, if you are applying for a Turkish visa, medical insurance becomes a requirement.
Examples of High Medical Costs for Travelers in Turkey
In Turkey, treatment for a fracture typically costs around $550, a private hospital room is about $480 per day, and an ICU stay can reach approximately $2,520 per day.
Covering these expenses without insurance can be extremely difficult.
Here are some real examples of high medical bills faced by travelers in Turkey.
1. Hospitalization and Surgery for a Subdural Hematoma
A traveler experienced a severe headache while on a bus and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
They were diagnosed with a subdural hematoma and underwent surgery, spending 28 days in the hospital. A medical transfer was arranged with both a doctor and a nurse escort.
Total cost: $58,500
2. Hospitalization and Surgery for a Femoral Neck Fracture
After falling in a restaurant and injuring their hip, a traveler was diagnosed with a femoral neck fracture.
They spent 9 days in the hospital and underwent surgery. A medical transfer was arranged with a nurse escort.
Total cost: $44,900
3. Hospitalization and Surgery for a Dislocated Ankle
A traveler tripped on cobblestones and suffered a dislocated ankle and ankle bone fracture.
They were hospitalized for 8 days and underwent surgery, followed by a medical transfer with a doctor escort.
Total cost: $40,160
4. Emergency Transport and Hospitalization for a Stroke
A traveler lost consciousness while visiting the Topkapi Palace and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
They were diagnosed with a stroke and spent 20 days in the hospital. A medical transfer with a doctor escort was arranged afterward.
Total cost: $28,240
5. Charter Medical Transfer from Cappadocia
After falling down stairs at a souvenir shop in Cappadocia, a traveler was diagnosed with a cervical fracture and spinal cord injury.
They spent 42 days in the hospital and underwent surgery. A medical transfer by charter plane was conducted with both a doctor and nurse escort.
Total cost: $279,170
6. Hospitalization and Surgery for Abdominal Pain
While staying at a hotel in Istanbul, a traveler experienced intense abdominal pain late at night.
They were diagnosed with bile duct stones and bowel obstruction, requiring surgery and an 11-day hospital stay. A medical transfer with a nurse escort was arranged.
Total cost: $26,550
Travel Insurance Options for Your Trip to Turkey
If you need medical treatment due to an unexpected illness or accident while traveling in Turkey, you may face very high medical costs.
To avoid financial stress during your trip, purchasing travel insurance before departure is strongly recommended.
Here are three reliable travel insurance options that you can easily apply for online:
- SafetyWing
: A budget-friendly travel insurance plan that can be purchased online on the same day. You can also enroll from abroad with no waiting period. - World Nomads
: Provides comprehensive coverage, including medical insurance, lost or stolen belongings, and protection for various travel activities. - Heymondo
: Offers plans suitable for long-term travelers, with medical coverage options of up to 10 million dollars.
With the right travel insurance, you can explore Turkey with confidence and peace of mind.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance for international travelers and is especially popular among digital nomads and long-term visitors. You can easily sign up online, even if you are already abroad.
Key Features of SafetyWing
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Minimum coverage period: 5 days
- Immediate coverage available with no waiting period, even overseas
- 24/7 customer support via live chat
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
The detailed insurance benefits are listed below.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $1,000 |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Lost Baggage | $3,000 |
| Flight delays | $200 |
| Theft of passports | $100 |
| Car Accident | $250,000 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $250,000 |
| At the time of death | $20,000 |
SafetyWing provides medical coverage of up to 250,000 dollars, offering strong and affordable protection for unexpected problems during your trip.
The monthly premium starts at just 56.28 dollars, and you can adjust the coverage period to match the length of your trip.
You can easily get a quote and find the best plan for your needs on the SafetyWing official website.
World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel insurance service that offers flexible and comprehensive coverage for international travelers.
It is especially popular among long-term travelers and backpackers, as it provides protection for medical expenses, emergency transportation, trip cancellations, and theft.
Key Features of World Nomads
- Insurance rates vary depending on your destination
(Example: 265.07 dollars for a 4-week policy that includes the U.S.） - Medical coverage limit of $5,000,000
（Unlimited coverage plans are also available） - Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support by phone or email
The specific insurance details are as follows:
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Medical Transportation and Repatriation | $5,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $2,500 |
| Flight delays | $500 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $15,000 |
World Nomads offers comprehensive coverage that gives you peace of mind when traveling to countries with high medical costs, such as the U.S, and Canada.
Medical coverage can be as high as $5,000,000, or you can choose an unlimited plan for even stronger protection.
You can get a personalized quote for your travel plans directly from the World Nomads website.
Heymondo
Heymondo offers customizable travel insurance designed for international travelers. It provides wide coverage for medical expenses, emergency transportation, trip cancellations, and more.
This makes it a reliable choice, especially when visiting countries with high medical costs, such as the United States.
Key Features of Heymondo
- A cost-effective three-month plan is available for long-term travelers
- Premiums vary depending on your destination country
- Medical coverage limit: $5,000,000 or $10,000,000 for higher-tier plans
- Includes coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 customer support by phone or email
The detailed insurance coverage is outlined below.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Extended Overnight Expenses | $1,800 |
| Emergency Transportation | $5,000,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $1,700 |
| Flight delays | $450 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $100,000 |
Heymondo offers a range of plans to suit different needs, including the standard Travel Insurance Top plan and more comprehensive options with medical coverage of up to 10 million dollars.
You can easily check detailed insurance quotes on the Heymondo website.
Thank you for reading to the end!
If you are searching for the best travel insurance options, be sure to check the following page:
4 Recommended Overseas Travel Insurance Options
Best Travel Insurance: Our Top Pick Is SafetyWing at $56/Month
We have carefully selected popular travel insurance services and explained their features and benefits in detail, making it easy for you to find a plan that fits your travel style and budget.
ABOUT ME
I've been a nomad abroad for five years, traveling through 10+ cities across Europe. Right now I’m spending time in places like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. I’ll be sharing simple, useful tips for living abroad.
