Healthcare in Northern Cyprus — Hospitals, Doctors & Health Insurance
A complete guide to the TRNC healthcare system — public and private hospitals, finding a doctor, health insurance, and pharmacies.
The TRNC Healthcare System
Healthcare in Northern Cyprus is provided through both public and private sectors. The public system is administered by the Ministry of Health and is available to all registered residents. Private healthcare is widely available and often preferred by expats for shorter wait times.
Public Hospitals
Public hospitals are located in all major cities:
- •Nicosia Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital — The largest public hospital in the TRNC
- •Kyrenia State Hospital (Akçiçek) — Main public hospital in Kyrenia district
- •Famagusta State Hospital (Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu) — Main public hospital in Famagusta
- •Güzelyurt State Hospital — Smaller district hospital
Public hospital features:
- •Emergency departments (24/7)
- •Low cost or free for residents with social insurance
- •English-speaking staff common but not guaranteed
- •Wait times can be long for non-emergency treatment
Private Hospitals
Private hospitals offer faster service and more English-speaking staff:
- •Near East University Hospital (Nicosia) — Modern private hospital with international standards
- •Kamil Hospital (Kyrenia) — Popular private hospital in Kyrenia
- •Life Hospital (Kyrenia) — Private healthcare with English-speaking doctors
Private hospital features:
- •Shorter wait times
- •More English-speaking staff
- •Higher cost (pay per visit or via insurance)
- •Modern equipment and facilities
Finding a Doctor
General Practitioners (GP)
- •Public: Visit a state health centre (Saglık Evi) — free or low cost
- •Private: Visit a private clinic — 200–500 TL per consultation
Specialists
- •Cardiology, dermatology, gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and more are available
- •Private specialist consultation: 300–800 TL
- •Public specialist: Lower cost, longer wait
Health Insurance
Social Insurance (SGK)
If you are employed in the TRNC, you contribute to social insurance which covers public healthcare. Your employer handles registration.
Private Health Insurance
Recommended for expats and self-employed. Policies from TRNC insurance companies:
- •Basic coverage: 3,000–5,000 TL/year — public hospital access, emergency only
- •Comprehensive: 8,000–15,000 TL/year — private hospitals, full coverage
- •Family plans: Available with discounts
Required for Residence Permit
A health insurance policy is mandatory for all residence permit applications.
Pharmacies (Eczane)
Pharmacies are widely available. Many common medications are available without prescription, though antibiotics and painkillers require a doctor's prescription.
- •On-duty pharmacy (Nöbetçi Eczane): Each area has a 24-hour on-duty pharmacy — check local listings or call 115.
- •Prices: Generally lower than EU countries
- •Turkish brands: Many medications are sold under Turkish brand names
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 112 |
| Fire | 110 |
| Police | 155 |
| On-duty pharmacy | 115 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare free in Northern Cyprus?+
Public healthcare is low-cost or free for residents with social insurance (SGK). Without social insurance, you pay per visit. Private healthcare is pay-per-visit or covered by private insurance.
Do doctors in Northern Cyprus speak English?+
Many doctors in private hospitals and clinics speak English. In public hospitals, English is common but not guaranteed. Near East University Hospital and Kamil Hospital have English-speaking staff.
Do I need health insurance for a residence permit?+
Yes. A health insurance policy is mandatory for all residence permit applications. Basic policies cost 1,500–2,500 TL per year, comprehensive plans 8,000–15,000 TL.