39th ABW implements base visitor medical policy Published July 16, 2015 By Senior Airman Michael Battles 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Due to a recent change in 39th Air Base Wing policy, friends and family members visiting service members stationed at Incirlik Air Base must obtain medical insurance coverage valid in Turkey beginning July 17. In order to receive a base pass that is valid for more than 24 hours for visiting individuals, who are not on orders or affiliated with the Department of Defense, proof of valid medical coverage must be provided as part of the pass request process. The change is in large part due to the price of hospital bills individuals might incur while visiting Turkey, which most U.S. medical insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, will not pay for outside of the U.S. "In the past, visitors to overseas installations have been hospitalized at host nation medical facilities and lacked medical insurance and means of payment for care," stated Col. Craig Wills, 39th ABW commander, in the new policy letter. "These types of facilities provide essential services for our base population not available at our military treatment facility. Non-payment to host nation facilities could lead to loss of these important services." Coverage plans may be purchased online, which become valid instantly or within 24 hours of purchase in most cases. Coverage plans can range from $50K to $1 million, with cost starting at approximately $5 a day depending on age. Plan cost is also based on country of citizenship, number of travelers and policy coverage amounts. It's recommended that visitors purchase at least $100K of medical insurance coverage, emergency medical care and aeromedical evacuation coverage prior to arrival at Incirlik Air Base. Due to the base's location, there are limited local medical insurance agencies available and costs may be comparably higher than prices in the U.S. or online. Travelers should also be aware that even though many plans seem similar, coverage for pre-existing conditions varies, ranging from zero benefits to full coverage if pre-existing conditions are controlled with medications. A list of medical plans can be found at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/health.html. For more information, contact the 39th Medical Group TRICARE Office or the 39th Security Forces Squadron Pass and Registration Office.