Health insurance between Turkey and Germany: AT11 and TA11

Turkey and Germany have had a social security agreement since 1964. Thanks to this agreement, someone insured in one country can, under certain conditions, also get healthcare in the other. Two separate forms are used for this, and because their names are almost identical, they are often mixed up.

Which form is for what?

Who does AT11 cover?

AT11 can be issued to someone insured with SGK in Turkey or to the family members they are "responsible for" (dependants). The two groups who use it most are:

• Students in Germany: Students whose mother or father is insured with SGK can get AT11 from SGK before coming to Germany. Some universities accept AT11 as sufficient proof of insurance.
• People coming to Germany for a short time: For example people sent on assignment and family members accompanying them. They can get emergency healthcare.

Important: You need to show as "active" with SGK. The form can only be issued if you have an entitlement (provizyon) record in the SGK system.

Is there an age limit?

If you get AT11 through a parent, Turkish rules on "dependent children" apply. The general rule is:

• Up to age 18
• Up to age 20 if you are at secondary school
• Up to age 25 if you are at university
• You must not be married. There is no age limit for children with disabilities.

There are exceptions for unmarried daughters who were insured through a parent before 1 October 2008. Ask SGK about your own situation.

When you reach the age limit, graduate or get married, your AT11 entitlement ends. You then need to take out your own insurance in Germany.

Is AT11 still valid if you start working in Germany?

• Minijob (earnings below the monthly limit): Usually doesn't affect AT11.
• Working student (Werkstudent) or a higher-paid job: If you earn above the Minijob limit, German statutory health insurance (GKV) may become compulsory. AT11 may then not be enough. Ask your Krankenkasse before you start.
• A job after graduating: Once you work full-time, German insurance is compulsory. AT11 no longer applies.
• If your parent's insurance in Turkey ends: For example, if they become unemployed and lose their insurance, your AT11 entitlement ends too.

How to get and use AT11

1. In Turkey, before coming to Germany, apply to your SGK provincial office. If you are a student, bring your admission letter and proof of enrolment.
2. AT11 is usually issued for one semester. Don't forget to renew it before it expires.
3. When you arrive in Germany, take AT11 to a statutory health insurer (Krankenkasse) of your choice, for example AOK or TK. The insurer gives you a document or card, which you use to see a doctor.
4. You also get the insurance certificate (Versicherungsbescheinigung) needed for university enrolment from this insurer.

The other direction: your family in Turkey and TA11

• If you fall ill on holiday in Turkey: If you have statutory health insurance in Germany, ask your Krankenkasse for a T/A 11 before you travel. With this form you can be treated free of charge at emergency departments and hospital outpatient clinics in Turkey. You first need to register at an SGK office. If you couldn't get the form before travelling, you can also request it afterwards.
• Your family living in Turkey: If you work in Germany with statutory health insurance, your spouse and children living in Turkey can get healthcare in Turkey through your insurance. Under Turkish rules, your parents may also be covered if their income is below the minimum wage. You can apply for this through your Krankenkasse.

Practical tips from women

• Save the expiry date. Put your AT11 expiry date in your phone calendar. If it runs out, you could end up uninsured.
• Take TA11 with you. Carry the form every time you go to Turkey. Some hospitals may still ask for payment; keep the invoices and send them to your Krankenkasse.

This section will grow with the experiences of women in the BACIM community. If something has worked for you, you're welcome to share it.

Sources

• SGK Circular 2012/38 (alomaliye, Turkish)
• Insurance and AT11 for Turkish students (Hochschule Bochum, PDF)
• Treatment in Turkey and TA11 (German Federal Foreign Office, January 2026, PDF)
• Insurance for family members in Turkey (Lower Saxony State Parliament, PDF)
• Age limits for children (Habertürk, Turkish)

This guide is not a substitute for legal advice. Information checked as of October 2026. Age limits and rules for working can vary from person to person; ask SGK and your Krankenkasse about your own situation.