Birth support and SGK coverage: which costs and which allowances?

Rules can change; we describe the situation as of the date this article was prepared (October 2026). While expecting a baby, “who covers the costs?” is a very natural question. There are three separate doors to look at: SGK’s health coverage, SGK’s cash allowances and the Family Ministry’s birth support.

Pregnancy and birth costs

Under Law No. 5510, examinations related to maternity, birth, laboratory tests, diagnostic methods, medical interventions and treatment, follow-up and emergency health services are among the services financed by general health insurance. So pregnancy check-ups and birth are, as a rule, within health insurance.

The spouse of an insured person who is not insured herself is also entitled to health services in pregnancy and maternity. The temporary incapacity allowance, however, goes to the insured working woman; an uninsured spouse does not receive it.

Extra fees at private hospitals

Contracted private hospitals and foundation universities may charge an additional fee within a set limit on top of what SGK pays. The limit’s rate, exceptions and current co-payments can change, so we give no figures here. Before booking, ask the hospital for written price information and whether it has an SGK agreement.

Maternity allowance

Insured working women receive an allowance for each day they do not work, for 8 weeks before and 16 weeks after birth (8+2 weeks before in multiple pregnancy). Main conditions:

• At least 90 days of short-term insurance premiums in the year before birth
• Not working during the leave
• For self-employed people (4/b), no outstanding premium or health insurance debt

The payment is calculated from your daily earnings; SGK determines the rate. Civil servants keep receiving their salary from their institution instead. Some SGK pages may still show the old 8+8 weeks; the law provides 16 weeks after birth.

Nursing allowance

Paid once for each child. According to the SGK page, the 2026 amount is 1,621 TL. The condition is at least 120 days of premiums in the year before birth and a live birth. No separate application is needed and payment is made automatically; if it does not arrive, contact SGK. Insured women and insured men whose wife gives birth can benefit.

Family Ministry birth support

For children born on or after 1 January 2025, according to the Ministry’s FAQ page:

• 1st child: 5,000 TL, one-off
• 2nd child: 1,500 TL per month
• 3rd and later children: 5,000 TL per month

Monthly payments run from the month of application until the child turns 5. At least one parent must be a Turkish citizen and live in Türkiye; no official marriage is required. You apply on e-Devlet: for a first child until the child is 12 months old, for later children until 60 months. Because nothing is paid retroactively, applying early helps. Amounts may be updated over time; check the current information on e-Devlet when you apply.

Points that are often confused

It helps to keep the three payments apart. The maternity allowance is paid for the days you do not work during leave; the nursing allowance is a one-off payment for each child; birth support comes from the Family Ministry and needs a separate application. Women registered as company partners do not receive the maternity allowance. People whose insurance has ended may still receive the nursing allowance if the birth occurs within 300 days, with 120 days of premiums in the 15 months before birth. If you are unsure whether you fit these rules, look at your premium information in the SGK services on e-Devlet or ask SGK.

What you can do

1. Check your premium days in the SGK services on e-Devlet.
2. Register your mobile number with the SGK service.
3. After the birth, remember to apply for birth support on e-Devlet.
4. Ask a private hospital for its extra fee in writing beforehand.

Where to check current rules

• sgk.gov.tr: the Maternity and Nursing Allowance pages
• aile.gov.tr: the Birth Support FAQ
• turkiye.gov.tr (e-Devlet): birth support application and SGK services
• mevzuat.gov.tr: Law No. 5510

This article is for general information; the current statements of SGK and the Ministry are what count for your case.