An Expat’s Guide to Understanding Greece’s Healthcare System
In ancient Greece, the region was renowned for its healers and physicians. Their practices spread through the Roman Empire and influenced Europe’s shift into modern medicine. Today, the healthcare system in Greece has the medical technology and sophistication of other European Union countries. Tourists come to the country for its health care services. It is rated well by the World Health Organization, #14 globally for quality of care. And it ranks 27th in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation.
You may consider it an affordable place to live in Europe. Or you may want to spend time there to enjoy its history or be close to family. If you’re moving to Greece, you need these answers to foreigners’ most important questions about the Greek healthcare system.
Greek medical care is distinguished by the country’s unique geography and culture. Healthcare in the country’s mainland cities differs significantly from care on its remote islands. And many things, from buying aspirin to spending time in the hospital, may come as a surprise to foreigners.
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An Overview of the Healthcare System in Greece
The healthcare system in Greece has both a public healthcare system and private care providers. Some expats from the U.K. can sign up for public healthcare.
People who have gained citizenship through a Greek parent or grandparent can also sign up for it. Foreigners can also receive basic emergency care from public hospitals.
Citizens get universal healthcare, provided by the National Healthcare Service, the ESY (in Greek: Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας, ΕΣΥ). To obtain it, citizens sign up with EOPYY, the national health insurance organization, and receive a national insurance number, also known as an AMKA.
With an AMKA, they can enroll in health programs known as social insurance. These schemes provide basic and supplemental medical coverage. Citizens may pay a contribution towards their social insurance.
Greece also has many private clinics, hospitals, and care providers. Some of these are free “solidarity clinics” that, today, provide care for refugees and undocumented migrants.
Others are glossy, high-tech care centers providing a premium experience to medical tourists and those with private health insurance.
Medical tourists come to Greece for treatments including dental care, LASIK vision surgery, and IVF fertility care. For these elective treatments, they may pay 25% to 70% less than in the UK or in another EU country.
The Greek Healthcare System Pros & Cons
It takes new residents time and effort to connect with healthcare providers, ranging from local pharmacies to medical specialists.
Once you do make those connections, you can receive excellent care with a personal touch.
Pros of the Greek Healthcare System
In Greece, there is a slightly low ratio of 238 hospitals for its 11 million citizens, which numerous clinics and community health centers balance.
There are also high ratios of medical specialists per population, such as ophthalmologists. As noted, basic emergency care is free for everyone, even foreigners.
Pharmacies, after-hours clinics, and community health centers provide more care options. In small towns and on remote islands, pharmacies are equipped to offer a range of medical services, including assistance with minor emergencies.
Foreigners are often amazed at the medications available in Greece without a prescription, including antidepressants.
Cons of the Greek Healthcare System
Unfortunately, Greek healthcare has been under stress since 2009, when the country, reeling from an economic crisis, reduced its public healthcare funding by 25%.
Since then, Greek people have received less essential care. It can be challenging to get good care for mental health, care for seniors and children, and chronic illnesses. Some types of care, such as dental treatments and ambulance services, are now almost entirely private.
Additionally, Greece’s medical specialists face shortages of staff, including dental assistants and nurses, particularly in public hospitals. Both citizens and expats report long waiting times to obtain appointments and consult with medical practitioners.
Additional Challenges of the Greek Healthcare System
Foreigners face additional challenges in working with the Greek healthcare system. Public health insurance involves filling out forms in a Foreign Language and navigating a complex bureaucracy.
Additionally, inpatient hospital care is planned for citizens who have family members who can provide support. Understaffed public hospitals often expect families to care for patients at night and on weekends.
You can hire additional care if needed. Either way, being in a public hospital can be challenging or expensive if you are living independently.
Does Greece Have Universal Healthcare?
Yes. Most citizens have registered with the ESY, received an AMKA number, and enrolled with a social insurance provider.
A 2016 law change means that even Greek citizens and refugees who cannot afford social insurance fees receive public healthcare. This is in addition to the basic emergency care that is free for everyone in Greece, even visitors.
If you are getting care through Greek social insurance, most of your care is free or low-cost. You can make your own appointments with a doctor or specialist.
While this is empowering, it contributes to the long wait times for specialist appointments. Covered care also includes eye care, such as eye exams and contributions towards glasses.
Universal healthcare does not typically include extensive dental care. Greece has privatized its dental care, unlike other EU countries.
Most dental care is paid for out of pocket, and its cost can be a challenge for Greek citizens. Some insurers operate their own dental clinics for their customers.
Up to 17% of the Greek population pays for private health insurance. This opens the doors to the country’s private clinics and doctors, offering faster access, multilingual doctors, and improved services overall.
How Much Does Health Care in Greece Cost?
This list provides examples of private healthcare services and their associated costs for patients from abroad.
Costs are converted to USD here.
- GP Visit: $25 to $163
- Dental: $50 for an X-ray, $50 (€45) to $100 for a hygienist appointment, $80 to $200 for a filling
- Optical: Eye exams may be covered by public health or be free with the purchase of glasses or contacts. Seeing an eye doctor ranges from $30 to $60
- Mental Health: $40 to $80 for a therapist, $50 to $200 to see a psychiatrist
- Physical Therapy: $20 to $80 to see a physiotherapist
- Alternative Care: $60 to $140 to see a homeopathist
- Prescription Drugs: $25 to $70 for a doctor’s appointment with prescriptions, $8 for an antibiotic from a pharmacy
How to Access & Receive Healthcare in Greece
Many people moving to Greece have already acquired private health insurance. Expats often prefer this option as it provides top-quality healthcare in a simpler format.
In big cities, including Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras, you’ll be able to find every kind of healthcare easily. Be aware that calling for emergency medical help in a congested city may not result in an ambulance being dispatched. You may be assisted by a paramedic on a motorcycle or scooter.
In rural areas and on the islands, you will get health care at your local pharmacy or community health center. Your care provider there may only speak Greek, and you will probably need to travel to the mainland for specialized treatment.
Who is Eligible for Healthcare in Greece?
To enter the healthcare system in Greece, you must be eligible for national or social insurance. All Greek citizens qualify.
Some EU citizens can receive care through the Greek health system for a limited time. Some UK citizens living in Greece and drawing a UK state pension can access limited public healthcare through an S1 form.
To sign up, you register with EOPYY, the Greek health insurance organization, and obtain a national insurance number, also known as an AMKA. Then, using your AMKA, you sign up for a social insurance scheme.
These schemes provide basic and supplemental medical coverage. You can pay for a range of options. If you sign up, you receive a record called an “envivliaro,” both a physical booklet and an online record, that tracks your medical care.
One of the largest schemes is the Social Insurance Institute (previously known as IKA, now called EFKA), which offers options for immigrants.
Self-employed expats have another option in the Greek system, the e-National Social Insurance Fund (previously OAEE, the Self-Employed Professionals Insurance Organization).
Where Can You Find Healthcare for Foreigners in Greece?
For longer-term care in Greece, you need a family physician or GP. How do you find a doctor who speaks your language? It’s okay to ask for help.
You may reach out to other expatriates in Greece, in person or online. They often share the names of helpful pharmacies, doctors, and clinics.
Greek online clinics offer fast service in multiple languages for basic care and prescriptions. Insurance providers and embassies also have lists of recommended practitioners:
Medications in Greece
Obtaining medications may come with some surprises for expats. Pharmacies are the only place you can get medicine of any kind, even aspirin.
You may be agreeably surprised at what you can get without a prescription at a Greek pharmacy. Or you may find that there’s a shortage of your drugs.
If you need prescription medication, bring as much as you can with you, along with all your medical documentation from your home country.
Then, get your prescriptions confirmed by a doctor in Greece as soon as possible. This will allow you to renew your prescriptions locally. Pharmacies will expect to receive your prescription from a Greek doctor.
Maternity Care and Communicating with Doctors
Maternal and obstetric care in Greece differs from that in countries like the United States. For delivering babies, the default is C-sections, partly because this allows stressed hospitals to schedule time, and partly because they are seen as safer.
For a natural birth or home birth, discuss this early in your care plan. It’s a major difference, so be clear and direct. And ensure that everyone involved in your care is aware of your wishes. Home births are currently rare in Greece.
Be aware that Greek doctors are respected and used to wielding authority. They may be surprised by questions about their decisions for patients, or requests for second opinions.
If you are seriously ill, doctors may discuss your care with your family first, rather than directly with you as the patient. Again, be clear and direct about your wishes while being respectful.
Do I Need Health Insurance in Greece?
To live in Greece long-term, most foreigners need international health insurance. Most Greek visas require proof of medical insurance to be approved.
Your Greek embassy will give you a Health Insurance Declaration Form to complete. As part of this, you confirm that your policy provides a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage and includes medical repatriation if needed for visa purposes.
You can sign up for the health insurance you need either in Greece itself or in another country. Or contact us for a quote.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
The Best Health Insurance in Greece for US Citizens
U.S. citizens in Greece get the most out of comprehensive health insurance. Insurers based in the U.S. may have a care network available in Greece, featuring doctors who speak English. Invest in an international plan that includes medical repatriation.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
The Best Health Insurance in Greece for US and Non-US Immigrants
Outside of emergencies, most foreigners in Greece need private health insurance. Private health insurance also opens the doors to private clinics with all their benefits.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Emily Cotlier is an experienced communications consultant and business analyst, senior analyst at New Zealand’s Parliamentary Counsel Office, specializing in visas, immigration, international relocation, and managing finance, insurance, and real estate.
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