What Are 4A/4B/4C Insurance Types? Who Do They Cover?

Following this consolidation, employees' insured status has been classified into three main categories: 4A (SSI), 4B (BAĞ-KUR), and 4C (Pension Fund).

In this article, we will examine in detail the scope of these three insurance types, their differences, and the contribution rates applicable for the year 2026.

What Are 4A/4B/4C Insurance Types?

Within the SSI system, insured status is determined based on an individual's type of employment and method of earning income.

In this context:

• 4A insured persons: Individuals who work under an employment contract and are employed by an employer.
• 4B insured persons: Individuals who operate independently on their own behalf and account (company partners, tradespeople, self-employed professionals).
• 4C insured persons: Civil servants and other public officials employed in public institutions.

Each insurance type differs in terms of contribution payment method, retirement conditions, scope of health coverage, and entitlement to unemployment insurance.

What Is 4A Insurance?

4A insurance refers to the social security coverage of employees working under an employer in the private sector.

Pursuant to subparagraph (a) of Article 4 of Law No. 5510, everyone who works for an employer under an employment contract is insured within the scope of 4A.

Rights of 4A Insured Persons

• Long-term insurance branches: Disability, old-age, and survivors' insurance,
• Short-term insurance branches: Work accident, occupational disease, sickness, and maternity insurance,
• Unemployment insurance: Income support in the event of termination of the employment contract,
• General health insurance (GSS): Access to healthcare services for the employees and their dependents.

4A Contribution Rates (2026)

As of 2026, the gross minimum wage is TRY 33,030.00, and the contribution rates applicable under 4A are as follows:

2026 SSI Parameters
Premium Rates for Those Subject to Employment Contract Under Article 4/1(a) of Law No. 5510
Insurance Branch	Employer Share (%)	Employee Share (%)	Total (%)
Disability, Old Age, and Death	12	9	21
Short-Term Insurance Branches	2.25	-	2.25
General Health Insurance	7.5	5	12.5
Unemployment Insurance	2	1	3
Total	*23.75	15	38.75

^*When the 2-point employer incentive is applied, the employer's contribution rate is reduced to 21.75%.

What Is the 4B Voluntary Insurance Contribution Amount? (2026)

Voluntary insurance enables individuals who are not employed in any job or whose insured status has ended to maintain their social security entitlements by paying their own contributions.

This framework is regulated under Articles 40 and 41 of Law No. 5510.

The total contribution rate is 33%, of which:

• 21% applies to long-term insurance branches,
• 12% applies to general health insurance (GSS).

Based on the gross minimum wage for 2026:

TRY 33,030.00 × 33% = TRY 10,899.90 (Monthly minimum voluntary insurance contribution)

What Is 4B Insurance?

4B insurance, formerly known as BAĞ-KUR, covers individuals who are self-employed and working on their own behalf.

Taxpayers, company partners, self-employed professionals, and individuals engaged in agricultural activities are considered 4B insured person.

Rights of 4B Insured Persons

• Old-age, disability, and survivors' insurance,
• General health insurance,
• Maternity, childbirth, and temporary incapacity benefits,
• The right to credit service periods (such as childbirth, military service, periods spent abroad, etc.).

4B Contribution Rates (2026)

4B insured person bears the entire contribution obligation personally. The total contribution rate is 35.75%, distributed as follows:

Contribution Rates
Contribution Type	Rate (%)
Long-Term Insurance Branches	21%
General Health Insurance	12.5%
Short-Term Insurance Branches	2.25%
Total	35.75%

The minimum 4B contribution for 2026:

TRY 33,030.00 × 35.75% = TRY 11,808.23 / month

4B insured person become entitled to retirement upon completing 9000 contribution days.

What Is 4C Insurance?

4C insurance is the system applicable to public officials and civil servants.

This structure, formerly known as the Pension Fund, is regulated through the provisional articles added to Law No. 5434 under Law No. 5510.

Persons Covered:

• Public employees subject to the Civil Servants Law No. 657,
• Military personnel, judges, prosecutors, police officers, and academics,
• Members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, mayors, and individuals employed in state-owned enterprises.

Retirement Conditions

• Women: 58 years of age and 9000 contribution days,
• Men: 60 years of age and 9000 contribution days.

The majority of contributions are covered through state funding. 4C insured persons are not entitled to unemployment insurance.

Who Do 4A–4B–4C Insurance Schemes Cover?

The table below summarizes which individuals are subject to which insurance scheme:

Insurance Schemes Cover
Insurance Type	Who Is Covered?	Contribution Payer
4A	Employees working under an employer in the private sector	Employee + Employer
4B	Individuals working independently on their own behalf, company partners, self-employed professionals	The insured person themself
4C	Civil servants employed in public institutions	State + Employee contribution

What Are the Advantages of Social Security Insurance?

Being included in the social security system provides not only retirement benefits but also numerous rights during active employment:

• Retirement security: Entitlement to an old-age pension once the required contribution days and age conditions are met.
• Health insurance: Comprehensive healthcare services at institutions contracted with the SSI.
• Maternity and work accident insurance: Temporary income support in cases of childbirth, illness, and accidents.
• Severance and unemployment protection (4A): Income security for employees working under an employment contract.
• Right to service credit: Inclusion of military service, maternity, and overseas employment periods in retirement calculations.
• Incentives and contribution discounts: The 2-point SSI contribution discount, employment incentives, and youth employment incentives.

4A–4B–4C Insurance Types Comparison Table

Insurance Types Comparison Table
Feature	4A (SSI)	4B (BAĞ-KUR)	4C (Pension Fund)
Scope	Employees working under an employment contract	Self-employed individuals	Public officials
Contribution Payer	Employee + Employer	The insured person themself	State
Contribution Rate (2026)	38.75% (15 + 23.75)	35.75%	State-subsidized
Required Contribution Days for Retirement	7200	9000	9000
Unemployment Insurance	Available	Not Available	Not Available
Health Insurance	Within the scope of GSS	Within the scope of GSS	State-subsidized
Former Name	SSK	BAĞ-KUR	Pension Fund
Legal Basis	Article 4/1-a of Law No. 5510	Article 4/1-b of Law No. 5510	Article 4/1-c of Law No. 5510

Conclusion

Türkiye's social security system operates through the 4A, 4B, and 4C insurance types, which are structured according to the different employment statuses of employees. This structure provides social protection tailored to each individual's type of work, offering security both during working life and throughout the retirement period.

While individuals working under an employer in the private sector are considered 4A insured persons, those who run their own business or are company partners fall within the scope of 4B, and civil servants employed in public institutions are evaluated under 4C.

Each insurance type differs in terms of contribution rates, retirement conditions, scope of health coverage, and entitlement procedures.

Today, many processes, from retirement planning to access to healthcare services, are carried out based on these insurance statuses. Therefore, accurately identifying one's insurance type and regularly monitoring contribution payments is the most effective way to prevent potential loss of rights in the future.

The dynamic nature of the social security system creates a constantly evolving regulatory landscape for both employees and employers. For this reason, understanding the differences between 4A, 4B, and 4C insurance types is of critical importance not only for today but also for ensuring future financial security.