Although the homeland of Hippocrates has long been renowned for its accessible and high-quality healthcare, the system’s structure and efficiency have faced significant challenges in recent times. The combined impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial crisis has deeply affected healthcare delivery. The Greek system is a mix of public and private providers, with varying levels of coverage and noticeable regional disparities.
Foyer Global Health has prepared a guide outlining how the Greek healthcare system works and highlighting why private international health insurance is essential for any relocation abroad.
A mixed, almost universal healthcare system
Greece’s healthcare system is mixed. It is built around a universal, centralised public health insurance scheme managed by EOPYY (the national organisation for healthcare services) complemented by a network of highly efficient, and rapidly expanding private healthcare providers. Some of these private facilities are contracted by the public system to help bridge the gaps in public healthcare delivery. This combination of public and private care helps ensure broad access for residents across both the mainland and the islands.
The universal nature of Greece’s public health insurance system, enshrined in the Constitution since 1975, is designed to provide access to medical services for all residents, both local and expatriates, regardless of their economic, social or professional status. In practice, however, universal coverage and the promise of free healthcare are not guaranteed and, except in emergencies, depend on patient contributions to the social security system.
How do I register with the Greek public healthcare system?
To register with the Greek public health insurance system, you must first obtain:
- Your AFM: A tax identification number issued by the DOY (the Greek tax office)
- Your AMKA: Your Greek social security number.
If you are an employee, your company will automatically register you with EFKA (the National Social Security Agency), and your contributions will be directly deducted from your salary. If you are an entrepreneur or a freelancer, you will need to register with EFKA yourself.
If you are not a European citizenand are self-employed, you will be required to take outprivate health insurance in order to obtain a residence permit.
What is covered by public health insurance in Greece?
Public health insurance, managed by EOPYY (the National Health Insurance Organisation), provides coverage for consultations with registered doctors, hospitalisation in public hospitals, emergency care, medication and medical examinations performed in approved public health facilities. Please note that not all healthcare and medication in the public sector is completely free. Patients are required to pay a substantial part of the costs through co-payments.
The EFKA (Greek social security) manages compulsory social security contributions and public health insurance benefits. Emergency care in the public sector is free of charge, even without health insurance.
What are the limitations of the Greek public healthcare system?
While the Greek public healthcare system offers broad access to residents, it also faces several challenges:
- Limited funding of public healthcare has led to shortages in medical equipment, delays in maintenance and staff shortages.
- Geographical disparities: the quality of care can vary greatly depending on where you live. The closer you are to a large city such as Athens or Thessaloniki, the more likely you will be able to benefit from high-quality healthcare services.
- Long waiting times and unequal access: patients in the public sector often experience long wait times and the overall quality of care can be inconsistent.
How much do healthcare services cost in Greece?
Healthcare costs in Greece vary depending on whether you use public or private services, the type of treatment you need, and the health insurance policy to which you are subscribed.
In Greece, public healthcare services are not completely free but remain low-cost for some services. For a consultation with a registered general practitioner, you will have to pay between 3 € and 5 €; for a specialist, between 5 € and 10 €; for prescription drugs, you will have to pay between 0% and/or up to 25% of the total cost. Healthcare in a public hospital is generally provided almost free of charge for emergency services.
In the private sector, however, a doctor’s appointment costs between 40 € and 150 €, and hospital costs can quickly add up to thousands of euros depending on the procedure and the length of stay.
Where to seek healthcare?
In Athens
- Evangelismos General Hospital The largest public hospital in the country and a leading training and research centre; offers a wide range of excellent medical services; very well equipped.
- Ygeia Hospital The largest private hospital in Greece, offering high-quality medical care and treatment using state-of-the-art technology.
- Onassio Cardiac Surgery Centre A highly renowned medical centre specialising in cardiac surgery and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
- Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital One of the largest paediatric hospitals in Greece.
In Thessaloniki
- AHEPA University Hospital of the largest university hospitals in northern Greece, covering a wide range of medical specialities.
- Ippokratio General Hospital of the oldest hospitals in Thessaloniki, renowned for its expertise in general medicine and specialities.
- European Interbalkan Medical Centre, A private medical centre equipped with state-of-the-art technology offering high-end care focused on patient comfort; frequented by expatriate patients.
Why choose private health insurance?
Given the gaps in the Greek public healthcare system and potential language barriers, many expatriates prefer to use private healthcare providers for faster access to care, higher quality care and anglophone staff. Medical services provided, however, in non-approved private facilities, not covered by public health insurance and even in accredited private facilities, significant out-of-pocket expenses may accrue.
This is whyprivate health insurance is strongly recommended. It gives you the freedom tochoose your healthcare providers and ensures comprehensive, reliable health coverage including the private sector.
Why choose Foyer Global Health for your relocation to Greece?
- We offer flexible, tailor-made and effective insurance from the first euro of your relocation to Greece and anywhere else in the world
- We offer several levels of cover to suit your profile at a competitive price
- You have access to a 24-hour online emergency medical service
- You are reimbursed as quickly as possible
- We offer a 100% digital health insurance experience
- You are free to choose your healthcare provider, whether public or private
To find out which of our three coverage plans is right for you, contact us and join our community of expatriates who are protected worldwide and whatever their situation.