Alyssa Lane
Greece has a universal healthcare system called ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias), which provides free or low-cost medical services to residents. EU citizens and legal residents, including expats, can access this system, while non-EU citizens may need private insurance. Greece has a large number of private hospitals and clinics, which are far more efficient than their public counterparts. Private insurance can help cover costs not paid by public insurance and may sometimes cover everything. If you already have insurance from another country, you can usually extend it to cover you in Greece.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Public healthcare system funded by | Compulsory social insurance contributions |
| % of population with private health insurance | 15-17% |
| Public healthcare quality | Good to excellent care |
| Private healthcare quality | Good to excellent care |
| Public healthcare waiting times | Long |
| Private healthcare waiting times | Shorter |
| Public healthcare facilities | Older equipment |
| Private healthcare facilities | Newer equipment |
| English spoken in public healthcare | More likely in cities |
| English spoken in private healthcare | More likely |
| Public healthcare coverage for US citizens | Emergency care administered regardless of nationality or status |
| Private healthcare coverage for US citizens | Available from global providers |
| Public healthcare insurance for expats | Available through EFKA or IKA |
| Private healthcare insurance for expats | Available from Greek and global providers |
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What You'll Learn
- US citizens can use their health insurance in Greece, but it may not cover all costs
- Private health insurance is a good option for faster service and shorter wait times
- EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare in Greece
- Greece has a universal healthcare system called ESY, which provides free or low-cost services to residents
- The quality of healthcare in Greece varies depending on location
US citizens can use their health insurance in Greece, but it may not cover all costs
Greece has a universal healthcare system called ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias) that provides free or low-cost medical services to residents. EU citizens and legal residents, including expats, can access this system, while non-EU citizens may need private insurance. Greece's healthcare system is funded by compulsory social insurance contributions, and around 15% of the population also has private health insurance.
If you plan to live in Greece long-term, it is important to understand the Greek healthcare system and your options for health insurance. One option is to obtain private medical insurance, which offers medical coverage in the private hospital network. There are two types of private medical insurance in Greece: coverage that gives you access to all hospitals in Greece (must start before the age of 65) and coverage that gives you access to all hospitals/clinics within the network you select (must start before the age of 80). Private insurance can help cover costs not paid by public insurance and may sometimes cover everything.
Another option for US citizens is to extend their existing insurance from the US to cover them in Greece. This can be done through companies like GeoBlue, which offers an international healthcare plan that allows individuals to return to the US for treatment if they become seriously ill. Alternatively, international health insurance can provide access to the private sector and avoid long waiting times and public hospital overcrowding. These plans can cover inpatient and outpatient care, dental treatment, and maternity care.
It is worth noting that Greece has the most pharmacists per person of any country in Europe, and pharmacies are generally a good first line of defence against illness. Greek pharmacists are allowed to dispense products sometimes only available with prescriptions in other European countries, and at least one pharmacy is open 24 hours a day throughout the country.
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Private health insurance is a good option for faster service and shorter wait times
Greece has a complex healthcare system, and long waiting times have become more common in recent times. International health insurance can help you access the private sector and avoid these long waiting times and public hospital overcrowding.
Private health insurance can provide easy access to the treatment you need at a time that suits you. For example, Aviva's Digital GP service helps you access your private healthcare quicker. 96% of patients who use the app are offered appointments at their preferred time or within six hours of first contact. Same-day digital appointments, online treatment, and health hotlines are some of the benefits of private healthcare services.
Private patients have more flexibility in choosing care in private hospitals or as a private patient in public hospitals, and the choice of attending doctors. They also have shorter wait times than publicly insured patients, although the magnitude of this difference varies. For example, a study of 10 states found that privately insured patients were almost universally more likely than publicly insured patients to wait less than a week for a new PCP appointment and less likely to wait more than 30 days.
However, treatment in private facilities in Greece is not covered by IKA and can be expensive.
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EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare in Greece
Greece has a complex healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare sectors. The public healthcare system is funded by compulsory social insurance contributions, and anyone living in Greece is entitled to use it. However, long waiting times and overcrowding in public hospitals are common. The private healthcare sector is extensive, with better facilities and newer equipment. Doctors and nurses in private hospitals are also more likely to speak English.
If you need to see a specialist, you can go to a private doctor with a contract with the National Health System (EOPYY). EOPYY-contracted private doctors have a limit of 200 consultations per month free of charge. Beyond this limit, patients are required to pay for the consultation. For diagnostic tests in EOPYY-contracted private clinics or health providers, there is typically a 15% patient contribution to the cost of the diagnostic examinations. In most cases, there is also a 25% patient contribution to the cost of prescribed medication.
If you do not have your EHIC at the time of treatment and have to pay, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact your national health insurance fund when you return home to inquire about reimbursement. Make sure to keep all documentation, including official invoices, receipts, medical reports, and prescriptions stamped and signed by the treating doctor.
It is important to note that the EHIC is not valid for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK. The validity period of the EHIC also varies from one country to another, so it is advisable to check with your local health authority.
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Greece has a universal healthcare system called ESY, which provides free or low-cost services to residents
Greece has a universal healthcare system called ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias), which provides free or low-cost medical services to residents. Funded through taxes and social security contributions, ESY offers a range of services through public hospitals and clinics. However, due to overcrowding and long wait times in the public healthcare system, up to 17% of Greek households have opted for private health insurance.
Private healthcare in Greece is known for shorter wait times and better equipment. It is also more likely to have English-speaking staff, which is beneficial for Americans living in Greece. However, private healthcare can be expensive, and public insurance like EFKA or IKA does not cover it. Therefore, many people with public insurance also maintain private insurance to cover any costs not paid for by the public system.
For expats moving to Greece, it is important to understand the healthcare system and insurance options. While Greece's public healthcare system provides free emergency care to all, regardless of nationality or status, wait times can be long. International health insurance can provide access to the private sector, which offers faster service and better facilities.
Expats from the US or UK can visit their embassy websites for lists of English-speaking medical professionals. Additionally, retirees from EU countries who receive their pension from their home country and intend to settle in Greece are entitled to state health benefits. EU citizens can also access free healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), valid for up to 90 days.
Greece's healthcare system has been impacted by economic crises, with varying standards of care across the country. However, it has also been ranked highly by the World Health Organization, and many expats report positive experiences with the quality of healthcare and English-speaking doctors.
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The quality of healthcare in Greece varies depending on location
Greece has a complex healthcare system, with a mix of public and private health services. The quality of healthcare in Greece is generally high, but it can vary depending on location. The country's healthcare system is organised by the central government in Athens, but the services are delivered on a regional basis. While Athens and Thessaloniki offer a high number of excellent doctors and private clinics, those in rural areas or remote islands may struggle to find English-speaking healthcare providers.
Public healthcare in Greece is funded by compulsory social insurance contributions, and all residents are entitled to use it. However, long waiting times and overcrowding in public hospitals are common, especially outside of major cities. Private healthcare, on the other hand, provides faster access to treatment and more modern facilities, but it can be expensive. Up to 35% of healthcare spending in Greece comes out of families' pockets for private healthcare.
If you are visiting Greece or staying for a short period, it is recommended to have international health insurance with a provider such as GeoBlue or Now Health International. These plans can cover inpatient and outpatient care, dental treatment, and maternity care. For those living in Greece long-term, it is essential to have a good understanding of the healthcare system and to consider taking out private health insurance to cover any medical expenses not covered by the public health scheme. Greek private health insurance premiums are often less expensive than similar coverage in the United States.
The Greek healthcare system has some unique features, such as the tradition of "fakelaki," where patients give doctors an envelope of money as a thank-you gesture or an informal bribe. This practice is more common in public hospitals in remote areas than in big cities or private clinics. Pharmacies are also an essential part of healthcare in Greece, with the country having the most pharmacists per person in Europe. Greek pharmacists can provide advice and dispense products that may require a prescription in other European countries.
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Frequently asked questions
US medical insurance is not valid in Greece. However, some providers allow you to extend your insurance to cover you in Greece.
Greece has a universal healthcare system called ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias), which provides free or low-cost medical services to residents. EU citizens and legal residents, including expats, can access the system, while non-EU citizens may need private insurance. Greece is one of the 27 countries that are part of the Schengen area, and requires expats and visitors to show proof of insurance before applying for a visa.
The best health insurance for expats in Greece is a private international health plan that meets the Schengen area requirements. Private health insurance will allow you to avoid long waiting times and public hospital overcrowding.
