Over Half of Turkish Households Struggle with Healthcare Costs
Health Sector
Fresh data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) reveals a sobering reality for the nation’s economy and public health. According to the 2025 Health Module report released on February 25, 2026, healthcare expenses have become a significant weight on family budgets, with 56.3% of households reporting that medical treatments and examinations pose a financial burden.
Medical Bills Tighten the Grip on Family Budgets
The report breaks down the intensity of this financial pressure, noting that 6.1% of households find doctor visits and treatments an “extreme burden,” while 50.2% describe them as a “slight burden.” Only 40.9% of the population says medical costs do not affect their financial planning. This trend extends to essential supplies: 5% of families struggle significantly to afford medication, and 50.9% feel a moderate pinch at the pharmacy.
The Wealth Gap in Access to Dental Care
The disparity between income brackets is most visible in specialized care. Statistics show that the lower the income, the heavier the perceived weight of health costs. In the lowest 20% income group, a staggering 62.9% of households reported that general medical costs were a burden.
Dental care appears to be the most “elastic” expense; while 45.4% of the lowest-income group avoided dental spending entirely over the last year, that figure dropped to 25.5% among the highest earners. This suggests that many low-income citizens are sacrificing dental health due to budgetary constraints.
A Sedentary Nation: The Physical Activity Crisis
Beyond the financial data, the TÜİK report highlights a worrying lifestyle trend. Approximately 63.3% of individuals aged 15 and older reported engaging in no weekly physical activity. This sedentary lifestyle, combined with the rising costs of preventative and curative care, paints a challenging picture for the future of public health infrastructure in Turkey.
While 53% of the wealthiest citizens feel no pressure from medical bills, the broader population is increasingly forced to choose between their financial stability and their physical well-being.
