Turkey’s Healthcare System and Insurance Sector Transformation
Turkey’s healthcare and insurance sectors are currently experiencing a quiet yet profound transformation. Life expectancy has increased, fertility rates are falling, and chronic diseases are on the rise. At the same time, people have better access to healthcare services, and their expectations for quality of life are shifting. As a result, insurance is no longer just about financial security; it is evolving into a health and life partner that supports individuals throughout every stage of life.
Demographic Transformation: An Inevitable Shift
In 2000, the average life expectancy in Turkey was 71 years. Today, it stands at 78.1 — 74.7 for men and 80.7 for women. This improvement brings new challenges, especially in terms of healthcare and elderly care needs. According to the United Nations, by 2040, about 14% of Turkey’s population will be over 65, and this ratio may exceed 20% by the 2050s. Pınar Kuriş, General Manager of QNB Sigorta, highlights, “This demographic change mirrors the experience of Japan in the 1990s and requires us to rewrite the mathematics of insurance.”
Health Risks Are Increasing: A Redefined Role for Insurance
Recent data clearly shows the necessity for a more proactive insurance approach. In 2023, circulatory system diseases like heart attacks and strokes accounted for more than 33% of all deaths. Similarly, cancer was responsible for 18% of male and 12% of female deaths, while preventive screenings remain underutilized—66% of women have never had a mammogram, and 64% have never had a pap smear test. According to Kuriş, “Insurance must evolve. It’s not just financial support after illness; it’s about protecting and promoting health before illness occurs.”
Long-Term Care: The Emerging Necessity
With a rapidly aging population, the demand for long-term care is increasing. Currently, family members shoulder most of this burden. OECD data reveals that the cost of long-term care can range from one to seven times an average household’s income. Despite this, Turkey’s private care insurance remains insufficient. Kuriş notes that insurance must take a holistic perspective—creating systems that not only treat but help maintain healthy living and adapt to new family structures.
Future Insurance: Digital, Inclusive, and Personalized
The future of insurance lies in innovation. Chronic disease packages, remote healthcare, digital assistants, and behavior-based policies will reshape the industry. Digital healthcare accessibility is particularly crucial in rural areas. As Kuriş states, “It’s not enough to make small policy changes; we need a new ecosystem that integrates health and insurance.”
QNB Sigorta’s Vision: Designing a Healthy Future
QNB Sigorta continues to innovate across areas such as senior citizen coverage and digital healthcare solutions. According to Kuriş, “For us, insurance means enabling healthier and safer lives. Every product we design is a value we build for the future.”
Ultimately, Turkey’s demographic evolution poses both challenges and opportunities. By embracing preventive, digital, and life-oriented insurance solutions, the industry can ensure a longer, healthier, and more secure future for all.
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