Insurance expert Burcu Polat Cengiz stated that, due to rising healthcare costs and high fees at private hospitals in recent years, Supplementary Health Insurance (SHI) is no longer a choice but a basic necessity. Polat emphasised that Supplementary Health Insurance provides an important safeguard, particularly for middle-income citizens in managing their healthcare expenses.
Burcu Polat Cengiz: “The Cost of Accessing Healthcare Is Rising Day by Day”
Noting that cost increases in the healthcare sector are directly affecting citizens’ budgets, Burcu Polat Cengiz drew attention to the fact that significant co-payment fees can arise in many specialities, even at private hospitals contracted with the Social Security Institution (SGK).
In her assessment, Polat stated:
“In previous years, many people viewed Supplementary Health Insurance as an optional product. However, at the current stage, the costs of accessing healthcare services have risen significantly. In particular, the additional fees citizens face when receiving healthcare services in private hospitals can put a strain on their budgets. For this reason, Supplementary Health Insurance is no longer a luxury but has become a necessity.”
Providing Protection Against Unexpected Healthcare Costs
Noting that it is impossible to predict when health issues will arise, Polat stated that individuals and families must ensure health insurance is included in their financial planning.
Polat said, “Many people may not fully appreciate the necessity of health insurance whilst they are in good health. However, a sudden illness, the need for surgery or long-term treatment processes can result in significant costs. Supplementary Health Insurance prevents citizens from facing high healthcare costs during these processes and provides important financial protection.”
Offers a Major Advantage for Families
Noting that healthcare costs for families with children can reach higher levels than expected during the year, Polat emphasised that Supplementary Health Insurance plays a critical role in safeguarding family budgets.
Pointing out that children may require frequent doctor’s appointments, whilst regular check-ups and diagnostic procedures become increasingly important for adults, Polat said, “It is of great importance for families to be able to access healthcare services quickly and to a high standard. Thanks to Supplementary Health Insurance, policyholders can receive healthcare services under much more favourable conditions at private hospitals contracted with the Social Security Institution (SGK).”
Preventive Health Awareness is Growing
Polat stated that Supplementary Health Insurance makes significant contributions not only during periods of illness but also in terms of access to preventive healthcare services, adding that regular medical check-ups offer a major advantage in terms of early diagnosis.
Pointing out that the early detection of health issues both increases the success of treatment and prevents high costs that may arise in later stages, Polat noted that health insurance has become one of the key tools encouraging individuals to undergo health check-ups.
Awareness of Insurance is Growing
Burcu Polat Cengiz noted that public awareness of health insurance has increased in recent years, adding that the importance of health security has been better understood, particularly in the post-pandemic period.
Polat said, “People now want to protect not only their cars or homes, but their health as well. Health is more valuable than anything else. Therefore, Supplementary Health Insurance should be viewed not as a cost item, but as an important investment in the future,” she said.
“Don’t Put Off Your Health”
Urging citizens to act responsibly regarding health insurance, Polat emphasised that conducting a proper needs analysis when selecting a policy is of great importance.
“We cannot predict when health issues will arise. However, taking precautions is within our control. A premium payment that may seem small today could prevent much larger healthcare expenses tomorrow. For this reason, Supplementary Health Insurance is no longer a luxury product, but a basic necessity that every family should include in their budget,” he remarked.
