Insurance for Students and Young Professionals in Sarıyer: Car, Health and Travel

With its university campuses and the business centres of Maslak, Sarıyer becomes part of the lives of many students and young professionals every year, including many who come from abroad. Some come to study, others start their first job in a Maslak office. At this stage insurance is usually the last thing on your mind, yet buying a first car, moving into a first rented flat or preparing for a trip abroad all go much more smoothly with the right policy. This guide explains, in a simple order, where to start.

The suggestions here are general; every young person’s situation, budget and priorities differ. Our aim is to turn insurance from a complicated subject into a plan you can tackle step by step.

First question: whose name is your health cover under?

As students, many young people have health cover through their family. Once you start work, things change and your employer’s benefits come into play. International students and employees should also remember that health insurance often comes up in residence permit applications, so knowing exactly what you hold matters. During these transitions it is important to know what is covered and what is left out.

• If you are on your family’s private health policy, find out up to what age you can remain on it.
• If your employer has group health insurance, ask about its scope and what happens if you leave the job.
• If you are considering a policy in your own name, learn the difference between complementary and private health insurance.

Complementary health insurance works alongside SGK, the Social Security Institution, and pays, under the policy conditions, the extra fee charged by private hospitals contracted with SGK; it is a common starting point for young people who are covered by SGK. We compare the two in complementary or private health insurance: a decision guide. For policy options, see our health insurance page.

A first car: traffic insurance is compulsory, kasko depends on budget

For a young person buying their first car, traffic insurance, the compulsory motor third-party liability cover, is required: under Law No. 2918, the Highway Traffic Law, every vehicle on the road must have valid traffic insurance. It pays for damage caused to others within policy limits, not for damage to your own car. For that you need kasko, which is comprehensive motor insurance.

1. Claims history: claim-free years in traffic insurance are reflected in later policies, so careful driving in the early years pays off in the long run.
2. Whose name the car is in: whether the car is registered to a family member or to you affects the policy.
3. Cover in the kasko quote: look not only at the total but at services such as glass, a replacement car and roadside assistance.
4. Expiry date: save the expiry date of your first policy as a reminder.

A rented home: your belongings are your responsibility

Insurance for a student flat or a first rented home is rarely considered. But the landlord’s policy usually considers the building; your furniture, computer and other belongings, and situations such as water damage to a neighbour, are your responsibility. Home insurance prepared for tenants can fill this gap.

If you share with flatmates, agree at the start whose name the policy will be in and how belongings will be declared.

Travel: exchange programmes and holidays

Student and early career years often involve travel abroad. Schengen visa applications require travel health insurance, so you need a policy that covers your travel dates and meets the application requirements. If you are going on an exchange programme or a longer period of study, check that the duration and scope of the policy match the programme’s requirements. See our travel health insurance page.

• Confirm your travel dates and have the policy prepared to cover them.
• Find out in advance which documents the destination country or school requires.
• Keep a copy of the policy on your phone and a printed copy with you.

On a tight budget, where to start?

Priorities differ for everyone. If you have a car, traffic insurance is already compulsory and comes first. If you have no health cover or it is insufficient, a health policy can come second. If your belongings in a rented flat are valuable, home insurance, and if you plan to travel abroad, travel health insurance join the list. We can talk through your needs and set an order that fits your budget.

You do not need to come to the office. Share your details by phone or WhatsApp, including your foreign ID number (Yabancı Kimlik No) if you hold a residence permit, and we will send you quotes from several insurers.

Common insurance mistakes among young people

• Looking only at the lowest price: a policy chosen without comparing cover may fall short when you need it.
• Not reading the policy document: knowing what is and is not covered prevents surprises.
• Giving incomplete or incorrect information: who drives the car and the home address must be declared accurately.
• Missing renewal dates: missing the traffic insurance expiry date leaves your car uninsured.
• Not reporting a move: student flats change often, and a change of address must be reflected in your policies.

However simple your questions seem, do not hesitate to ask; good habits with your first policy save you time and effort for years.

To ask any question about your first policy, visit our office at the Maslak Atatürk Oto Sanayi Sitesi, or call +90 530 375 89 61 or message us on WhatsApp for quotes from several insurers. We are happy to help in English and, with experience since 1996, will prepare your policy with you without rushing.