Turkey is on the rise… (and not just because it’s nearly Christmas).

Turkey is on the rise as a top destination for UK senior travellers, with new data from Just Travel Cover showing a 34% increase in travel insurance policies for Turkey among the over-60s in August 2024, compared with a rise of just 3.6% for Spain – Britain’s most popular holiday destination.

With Turkey overtaking Spain it’s important that travellers are prepared for the unexpected and aware of common mistakes when it comes to Turkey and Travel Insurance.

Did you know that Turkey isn’t covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)/GHIC?

While some of Turkey is geographically in Europe, it is not part of the GHIC scheme, meaning medical treatment is not subsidised at all. Therefore, British travellers to the country are not covered for medical emergencies, leaving senior travellers vulnerable to significant out-of-pocket expenses if uninsured.

Dale Robinson, Head of Marketing and Communications at Just Travel Cover, commented:

“As Turkey continues to rise in popularity, it’s important travellers understand the risks and ensure they have Travel Insurance and declare any pre-existing medical conditions. With many UK senior travellers used to relying on the GHIC for free or reduced healthcare in EU destinations like Spain, they need to understand that Turkey requires a different approach. It’s important that travellers ensure they are properly insured, including cover for any pre-existing medical conditions, should things not go to plan.”

What Travel Insurance do I need for Turkey?

It is highly recommended that all travellers to Turkey have an adequate Travel Insurance policy. All Travel Insurance policies should be tailored to each individual and cover all destinations they wish to travel along with any pre-existing medical conditions.

If you’re looking for a single trip policy, then you simply need to select Turkey as the destination. However, for Annual Travel Insurance policy it does get a little more complicated. Despite telling you that Turkey isn’t part of Europe. Here at Just Travel Cover, if you have an annual Travel Insurance policy you are covered for any holidays to the country. It is important to check with each insurer to see whether Turkey is included in a European Travel Insurance policy before you purchase.

Don’t forget any additional travel requirements such as visas are not included with your Travel Insurance policy. For the latest travel information for Turkey, head over to gov.uk travel advice.

How to get the best Travel Insurance policy for you?

At Just Travel Cover we compare multiple insurers with three levels of cover to chose from bronze, silver and gold. Not only that, but we’re specialists in Travel Insurance for medical conditions and no upper age limit. Each Travel Insurance policy sold needs to be unique to the individual and their holiday requirements.

This means:

• Declare all pre-existing medical conditions.

This is extremely important as if you were to take ill whilst abroad due to a pre-existing condition and it wasn’t declared, you won’t be covered.

• Cover yourself for all activities

At Just Travel Cover you are covered for any activities within ‘pack A’ that include amateur sports such as golf, swimming and tennis, beach games, and hiking (under 200m altitude).

• Make sure all the destinations you intend on visiting are covered.

It is important especially when travelling with an annual Travel Insurance policy that any countries you intend on visiting are covered within your policy. For example, a standard Worldwide policy does not cover the USA.

•  Check your excess and cover limits.

At Just Travel Cover we have a wide range of policies with three levels of cover to choose from. We also have policies with excess values from £0 to £150. You can view all our products on offer here.

Get a free no obligation quote online today. If you have any questions our advisors are available on live chat Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm and Friday 9am to 5.30pm to help!

Find out more about Travel Insurance for Turkey here.