One of the distinguishing and defining features of social insurance is the principle of obligation.
In other words, whether or not to have social insurance is not a decision left unilaterally to the will of individuals.
On the other hand, within the scope of the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510, an exception has been made to the principle of obligation with the “optional insurance” technique.
Those who are not actively in business, such as those who have left their jobs, are unemployed, housewives, and students, can pay optional insurance premiums in order to obtain their retirement rights. Periods for which optional insurance premiums are paid are counted within the scope of 4/B (Bağ-Kur).
Optional insurance practice can be defined as a practice that allows the insured to voluntarily continue their insurance in terms of disability, old-age and death insurance and general health insurance and complete the number of premium payment days envisaged for retirement.
The optional insurance premium rate is 32% of the monthly premium determined by the insured, between the lower limit and the upper limit of the earnings subject to premium. 20% of this is disability, old-age and survivors insurance premiums, and 20% is general health insurance premiums. Accordingly, for 2024; The minimum monthly premium amount that must be paid by an optional insured who declares earnings based on the lower limit of daily earnings subject to premium is 6,400.80 TL.
In this context, the clearest feature of optional insurance is that, contrary to the principle of obligation in social insurance, whether or not this insurance relationship is established is left to the will of the insured. It is up to the individual to decide whether to benefit from optional insurance or to waive this insurance at any time.
In this context, individuals who want to benefit from optional insurance, provided that they meet certain conditions, during the period they pay premiums; In case of death, beneficiaries will have the opportunity to benefit from all the benefits provided by the long-term insurance branches of compulsory social insurance.
Those residing in Turkey and Turkish citizens in countries where social security agreements have not been signed while residing in Turkey;
· over 18 years of age,
· Those who do not work in a way that requires compulsory insurance subject to the Social Security and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510,
· Those who are insured but work less than 30 days a month or do not work full time,
· Those who do not receive disability or old-age pension according to social security laws in Turkey due to their own insurance,
It can be optionally insured.
Those who continued to have optional insurance in accordance with the repealed laws before the effective date of the Social Insurance and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510, continue to have optional insurance within the scope of the Law without the need for any action.
Optional insurance begins from the day following the date the application is transferred to the Social Security Institution records.
For example, the optional insurance of a person who applies for optional insurance on 23.10.2024 will start as of 24.10.2024.
Those who want to become optionally insured for the first time must apply to the Social Security Provincial Directorates/Social Security Centers where they reside with the “Optional Insurance Entry Declaration”, a copy of which is attached to the Social Insurance Procedures Regulation.
Additionally, it is also possible to apply online via e-Government.
Insured individuals who want to become optionally insured again will need to apply to the Social Security Institution with a petition.
Earnings subject to premium in optional insurance and number of premium payment days will not be taken into account in terms of short-term insurance branches.
Finally, optional insurance;
· For those who request to terminate their optional insurance, from the day following the last day the premium was paid,
· For those who request a pension, from the date of request, provided that they are entitled to a pension,
· Date of death of the deceased insured,
It will end from now on.
Source: www.star.com.tr
