Change in GSS premiums: Those with income below the threshold will not pay
The increase in General Health Insurance (GSS) premium rates is prompting millions of people to undergo an income test. Those who fall below a certain threshold as a result of the income test will be exempt from the obligation to pay premiums.
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New regulations regarding General Health Insurance (GSS) premiums have made it even more important for citizens to undergo an income test. With a decision published in the Official Gazette in recent days, premium rates have been doubled. With this change, new amounts have been determined for citizens who pay their own premiums. However, those who fall below the threshold determined as a result of the income test will not be required to pay premiums.
The premium rate, which was previously calculated as 3 percent of the gross minimum wage, has been increased to 6 percent with the new regulation. With this change, the monthly GSS premium has risen from 780.17 liras to 1,560.33 liras. The new premium rates will be effective from December 1, 2025, and will be updated again according to the minimum wage increase starting from January 1, 2026.
The income test has become a critical step to be exempt from the premium obligation. If the income per person in the household is below one-third of the gross minimum wage, the premiums will be covered by the state. For 2025, this threshold has been set at 866.85 liras, and this limit will rise as the minimum wage increases.
The income test must be performed on time to prevent the accumulation of premium debt. Those who apply within one month after the registration notification from the Social Security Institution (SGK) are exempt from paying premiums if their income is eligible. However, if the test is delayed, the premium debt accumulated until the date of application is collected.
WHO IS SUBJECT TO THE INCOME TEST?
When conducting the income test, the income of everyone living in the same house is taken into account. Spouses, unmarried children, grandmothers, grandfathers, and unmarried children under the age of 25 who live away from home due to education are included in this scope. While the new regulation ensures that a significant burden for low-income citizens is covered by the state, it is prompting millions of people to apply for the income test.