Jeffrey Wade
Greece has a hybrid healthcare system, combining the National Health System with other social insurance funds. The country offers free or low-cost healthcare to its citizens and permanent residents, who contribute to social security. Expats and foreigners in Greece can access the public healthcare system, but the degree to which they pay depends on their residency status and whether they are employed in Greece. Private health insurance is also an option for faster access and more options. The cost of health insurance in Greece varies from person to person, with factors such as age and medical history affecting the price.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs medical insurance in Greece? | Expats, students, and families. |
| What type of insurance is needed? | Private international health insurance. |
| What is the cost of health insurance in Greece? | The cost varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, medical history, and existing conditions. Annual premiums for private insurance start at €80-100 per person and increase with age, reaching €1000 per year for those over 75. The WorldCare Essential Plan from Now Health International is advertised at EUR 26 per month. |
| What does the Greek healthcare system cover? | The Greek healthcare system is a hybrid of the National Health System and other social insurance funds. It covers emergency care, basic services, and some treatments and medications. Private insurance is needed for faster access, more options, and shorter wait times. |
| Who is covered by the Greek healthcare system? | Greek citizens, residents, expats with a social security number (AMKA) who pay into public insurance, EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and unemployed individuals. |
| How does someone obtain a social security number in Greece? | By applying at a KEP service centre in your municipality. |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of medical insurance for expats
Greece's healthcare system is a hybrid of the National Health System and other social insurance funds. The government's health insurance covers medical expenses, and private healthcare is also an option. Expats in Greece are encouraged to take out private health insurance to cover any medical expenses not covered by the public health scheme. The cost of private medical insurance is comparable to that of the US and sometimes less.
Expats who are employed in Greece pay 14% to 24.33% of their wages into government social security, boosted by national insurance contributions of up to €650. This pays for public national insurance and health services. Expats who pay into the Social Insurance Institute (IKA) have access to free or inexpensive public healthcare for themselves and their families.
Private health insurance is needed for faster access to healthcare and more options. The cost of health insurance in Greece varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, medical history, and any existing conditions. For example, the fee for those aged between 3 months and 21 years is commonly the minimum, while the largest insurance fee is applied to those older than 75 and can reach €1000 per year.
International health insurance plans for expats in Greece can start from as little as €26 per month for basic inpatient and day-patient care. Other plans cover outpatient care, dental treatment, and maternity care, while a SimpleCare plan covers urgent and emergency treatment only.
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Private vs public healthcare
Greece's healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The public system is funded by the state budget and insurance funds, while the private sector is financed by out-of-pocket payments or voluntary health insurance. The public system provides universal coverage through the National Organization for Healthcare Provision (EOPYY), which was established in 2011. The EOPYY aims to ensure that all legal residents have access to necessary healthcare services.
Public Healthcare in Greece
The National Health System (NHS) in Greece includes health centres in rural areas, provincial clinics, and public hospital outpatient departments. These services are mainly financed by the state budget and, to a lesser extent, by insurance funds. Social insurance funds cover polyclinics owned and operated by specific insurance funds, while local authority services include a few clinics and welfare services funded by the state budget through the Ministry of Interior.
Public healthcare in Greece is provided under the EFKA umbrella, which unifies over 50 services, including universal healthcare, parental benefits, employment, and pensions. Citizens and residents covered by EFKA can access free healthcare. EU visitors spending up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Greece can use their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to receive free medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. Students from other EU countries studying in Greece can also use their EHIC for free healthcare.
Expats with a social security number (AMKA) who pay into public insurance through EFKA, the main social security fund for employees and self-employed workers in Greece, are eligible for care. If employed in Greece, 14% to 24.33% of wages go towards government social security, boosted by national insurance contributions. This pays for public national insurance and health services. While emergency healthcare is free for everyone, including foreign nationals, other healthcare services may be free or low-cost for those contributing to the system.
Private Healthcare in Greece
Private healthcare in Greece is often chosen to complement the public system or to access faster and perceived higher-quality care. Private hospitals and clinics are prevalent, especially in urban areas, and they often provide faster access to specialised treatments. Private health insurance is needed for foreigners who do not have access to the public healthcare system, such as Americans living in Greece.
The cost of private healthcare insurance in Greece depends on factors such as the provider, age, and coverage level. The cheapest packages start at roughly €30 per month, while premium packages can exceed €210 per month. Annual premiums per person typically range from €80 to €100, increasing with age and reaching up to €1,000 per year for those over 75. Private insurance can cover direct access to specialists, second opinions, emergency evacuation, extensive inpatient and outpatient care, vision and dental care, medicine administration, and prolonged rehabilitation.
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Medical insurance for US citizens
If you're a US citizen planning to visit Greece, it's important to know that the country requires all international travellers to have travel insurance with medical coverage of at least €30,000 (approximately $30,950 as of January 2025, or $50,000 according to another source). This insurance is mandatory even for short visits and may be requested by Greek officials at the port of entry.
For US citizens planning to relocate to Greece, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding healthcare and insurance. Greece has a universal healthcare system, and while emergency care is free for everyone, non-emergency medical care can be more complicated for foreigners. Here are some key points to consider:
- Public Healthcare Insurance: In Greece, employment through a Greek company is the most common way to qualify for public healthcare insurance. If you work for a Greek employer and contribute to the Social Insurance Institute (IKA) through a social security system called AMKA, you will be entitled to public healthcare insurance. This system provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents who qualify.
- Private Healthcare Insurance: If you don't qualify for public healthcare insurance, private health insurance is an option. This type of insurance offers coverage in the private hospital network and is commonly used by expats from non-EU countries. There are two main types of private medical insurance in Greece: one that gives you access to all hospitals in the country, and another that provides access to hospitals and clinics within a selected network. Private insurance can be purchased from companies like Cigna Global Health and Now Health International.
- International Healthcare Plans: Some companies, like GeoBlue, offer international healthcare plans that allow you to seek treatment in your home country or Greece. These plans can be more expensive than local Greek private insurance but may be a good option if you prefer to have the option to return to the US for treatment.
- Pharmacies: Greece has the most pharmacists per person in Europe, and they can provide advice and assistance for minor ailments and prescriptions. Pharmacies are easily accessible and can be your first line of defence for non-emergency health issues.
The cost of private medical insurance in Greece is comparable to that of the US. The pricing varies depending on factors such as age, medical history, and existing conditions. Now Health International, for example, offers a basic plan starting at €26 per month, while more comprehensive plans can cover outpatient care, dental treatment, and maternity care.
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Medical insurance for EU citizens
If you're an EU citizen planning to move to Greece, you may find a different social security system, including health insurance coverage, to the one in your home country. EU citizens who are affiliated with the Greek statutory health insurance system (through S form) are expected to have an EU-AMKA (social security number for citizens with EU-statutory health insurance). You can apply for an EU-AMKA by contacting the Electronic National Social Security Fund (eEFKA).
If you receive a pension from Greece, you and your family are covered by the Greek health insurance system, even if you are also receiving pensions from other countries. If you do not receive a pension or any other income from Greece, you and your family will receive medical treatment in Greece if you would be entitled to medical treatment in the country that pays your pension. You should request an S1 form from your social security service in the country you are moving from.
If you are a citizen of an EU country with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can access the Greek health system for free and for a limited time. EU visitors that spend up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Greece can use their EHIC to get free medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. Students from other EU countries who study in Greece can also use their EHICs for free healthcare at any time. However, the EHIC will only allow you and your family to access necessary medical treatment (e.g. emergency treatment) during the period you are receiving unemployment benefits.
Expats with an AMKA who pay into public insurance through EFKA, which is the main social security fund for employees and self-employed workers in Greece, are eligible for free or inexpensive care. Employed and self-employed expats in Greece must pay EFKA social security contributions, which are about 14% to 24.33% of their wages. This pays for their public national insurance and health services. Expats are encouraged to take out supplementary private insurance.
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Medical insurance for tourists
Greece has a hybrid healthcare system that combines the National Health System with other social insurance funds. The country offers free or low-cost healthcare through its public system, especially for residents who are insured and contribute to social security. Emergency care is available to everyone, including tourists, regardless of nationality or status. Basic services are covered, but patients may still pay for certain treatments or medications.
Expats and foreigners working in Greece may be paying into a national insurance plan. If you are employed in Greece, 14% to 24.33% of your wages go into government social security, boosted by national insurance contributions of up to €650. This pays for your public national insurance and health services.
If you are a visitor or immigrant to Greece, you will need health insurance. Almost all Greek visas require proof of medical insurance. This is part of registering as a resident in Greece if you’re there for more than three months. You need to buy your health insurance before you submit your visa application so that you can provide proof. If you are in Greece at the time, you will be able to buy health insurance there. For Greece, you provide proof by completing a Health Insurance Declaration Form. Your Greek embassy will provide this. You will need to confirm that you have at least €30,000 of medical coverage and that your policy includes medical repatriation if necessary.
EU visitors that spend up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Greece can use their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to get free medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. Students from other EU countries who study in Greece can also use their EHICs for free healthcare at any time. Third-country visitors and tourists who arrive in Greece on a Schengen Visa have mandatory travel insurance that covers possible medical expenses. Visitors from countries that have a visa-free agreement with Greece can usually access medical treatment for free or at a reduced cost.
If you are a short-term traveller from the United States, you may purchase Medigap insurance through Medicare for limited coverage. However, you will need a global medical policy if you plan to live in Greece. Americans can and should get health insurance in Greece. Private health insurance is needed because most Americans have limited or no access to the public healthcare system. The cost of private medical insurance is comparable to U.S. insurance, sometimes less. Some Americans may be able to get public healthcare as well as emergency care in Greece. Dual citizens or long-term residents with visas can get an AMKA, opening up basic coverage. If your coverage is basic, or you have not been working in Greece, expect to pay additional fees for care, doctor’s visits, and specialists. Without an AMKA in Greece, you need to pay for all medical care when you receive it.
There are several options for international visitors, but one of the easiest ways for expats to access health insurance in Greece is with private international healthcare. The cost of health insurance in Greece varies from person to person. Before you can be given a quote, you’ll need to answer questions about your age, medical history, and any existing conditions. Annual premiums per person start at €80–100 and depend on the insured’s age. The fee gradually increases with each age group by approximately 20%. The largest insurance fee is applied to those older than 75 and can reach €1,000 per year.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of medical insurance in Greece for expats depends on several factors, such as age, medical history, and existing conditions. Basic coverage can be obtained through an AMKA, which requires paying into the public insurance system. Private insurance is also an option for expats, with costs varying based on the chosen plan and level of coverage.
Private health insurance in Greece offers faster access to medical services, shorter wait times, and better-equipped facilities. It also provides access to a wider range of physicians and specialists, particularly in private hospitals.
Visitors to Greece from EU countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access free medical treatment for up to 90 days. Visitors from non-EU countries with a Schengen Visa are required to have mandatory travel insurance that covers potential medical expenses.
