Overview: Greek Healthcare System

Greece has a mixed public-private healthcare system:

- Public (EFKA): Nearly free for tax residents, covers most needs - Private: Faster access, more English-speaking doctors, modern facilities - Most retirees use both: Public for routine care, private for speed and comfort

Public Healthcare (EFKA)

What is EFKA?

EFKA (Ενιαίος Φορέας Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is Greece's unified social security fund. As a Greek tax resident, you contribute monthly and receive comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Monthly Contributions

- Based on declared income - Typical range: €100-€200/month for retirees - Automatically deducted if employed; self-paid if retired

What's Covered

- GP visits (€1-€5 co-payment) - Specialist visits (€5-€10 co-payment) - Hospital stays (free or minimal co-payment) - Surgery (free in public hospitals) - Prescription medications (€1-€5 co-payment) - Diagnostic tests (€5-€20 co-payment) - Dental (basic only)

What's NOT Covered

- Private hospital stays - Advanced dental work - Cosmetic procedures - Experimental treatments - Some brand-name medications (generics are covered)

How to Register

1. Obtain Greek tax residency and AFM

2. Visit local EFKA office with passport and AFM

3. Complete registration forms

4. Receive health booklet (βιβλιάριο υγείας)

5. Choose a local GP (personal doctor)

Private Healthcare

Why Go Private?

- Faster appointment times (days vs weeks) - More English-speaking doctors - Modern facilities and shorter waits - Choice of specialist without GP referral - Private rooms in hospitals

Private Health Insurance Options

#### Local Greek Insurance - Cost: €1,500-€3,000/year - Coverage: Private hospitals, specialists, diagnostics - Pros: Accepted everywhere in Greece, lower premiums - Cons: Limited international coverage

#### International Insurance - Cost: €3,000-€8,000/year - Coverage: Greece + international, often includes US - Pros: Coverage when traveling, higher limits - Cons: More expensive, may require upfront payment and reimbursement

#### Popular Providers - Interamerican: Largest Greek insurer, good network - Ethniki Insurance: Strong hospital network - AXA Greece: International standards, English support - Cigna: International coverage, popular with expats - Allianz: Comprehensive plans, good for pre-existing conditions

Typical Private Healthcare Costs (Without Insurance)

- GP visit: €40-€60 - Specialist visit: €60-€100 - Dental cleaning: €40-€60 - Filling: €60-€120 - Crown: €300-€600 - Blood tests: €50-€150 - MRI scan: €200-€400 - Private hospital room: €150-€300/night

Finding English-Speaking Doctors

In Athens

- Hygeia Hospital: Full English-speaking staff - Metropolitan Hospital: International patient department - IASO General: English-speaking specialists - American Embassy: Maintains list of English-speaking doctors

In Other Cities

- Major private hospitals in Thessaloniki, Crete, and Corfu have English-speaking staff - Ask your insurance provider for a list - Expat Facebook groups are excellent resources - We maintain a database of English-speaking doctors by region

Tips

1. Book appointments online where possible

2. Bring a Greek speaker for complex discussions

3. Get written summaries of diagnoses

4. Keep copies of all medical records

Medications in Greece

Pharmacies

- Greece has excellent pharmacies (φαρμακείο) - Pharmacists are highly trained and can advise on minor ailments - Many medications available over-the-counter that require prescriptions elsewhere - Look for the green cross sign

Prescription Medications

- Generics are heavily subsidized (€1-€5) - Brand names cost more but are often available - Bring a supply of current medications when relocating - Get Greek prescriptions from your new GP

Bringing Medications to Greece

- Bring a 3-month supply initially - Carry prescriptions and doctor's letter - Declare controlled substances at customs - Register with a Greek GP promptly to get local prescriptions

Emergency Healthcare

Emergency Number

- 112: EU-wide emergency number (works in Greece) - 166: Greek ambulance service

Emergency Rooms

- Public hospital ERs are free for EFKA members - Private hospital ERs charge €100-€300 - All hospitals must treat emergencies regardless of insurance

Air Ambulance

- Available for remote islands - Cost: €5,000-€15,000 - Some international insurance covers this

Healthcare by Region

Athens

- Best healthcare in Greece - 20+ major hospitals - Most English-speaking doctors - Shortest waits for specialists

Thessaloniki

- Very good healthcare - 5+ major hospitals - Growing number of English-speaking doctors - Good for most needs

Crete

- Two university hospitals (Heraklion and Chania) - Good for routine care - Complex cases may require Athens referral - English-speaking doctors in tourist areas

Islands (Corfu, Rhodes, etc.)

- Basic healthcare available locally - Serious cases evacuated to Athens - Private clinics in tourist areas - Consider medical evacuation insurance

Our Healthcare Registration Service

Our healthcare registration service includes: - EFKA registration - GP selection and registration - Private insurance comparison and setup - English-speaking doctor network access - Pharmacy guidance - Emergency procedure briefing

Book a free consultation to discuss your healthcare needs.

Healthcare in Greece for Expats and Retirees