How does the healthcare system work in Greece?

What is the quality of healthcare in Greece?

• In general, the quality of healthcare in Greece is good, although there can be differences between urban and rural areas. The country also has the highest number of medical professionals per capita in Europe.
• Greece has a national health system (ESY) that aims to provide free healthcare to all residents. The system consists of both public and private providers.
• In Greece, there are general and specialized hospitals. The former are hospitals that offer all types of care, while specialized hospitals focus on a field of expertise and often work with a specific referral. There are also medical clinics (poliklinika) where you can find specialized doctors such as gynecologists, cardiologists, dermatologists, etc.
• It is not very difficult to find a pharmacy in Greece, especially in the city. Look for a green cross and you found the pharmacy. Most pharmacists can also give good advice for minor problems. Please note that most pharmacies close around noon and then open again in the evening. Ambulances (EKAV) are generally fast in the cities, but less efficient in rural areas or on the islands. EKAV helicopters and taxis can be used here.
• Call 116 in case of emergency, or 112 if they do not speak English.

How does the public healthcare system work in Greece?

• Expats who live, work or retire in Greece can join the public healthcare system. Healthcare is often free and good, especially in the cities.
• To join the public healthcare system, a contribution to the Social Insurance Institute (IKA) must be made. The IKA, will then provide a kind of social security card (AMKA).
• If you are self-employed, you can register with the OAEE instead of the IKA.
• Family members including your spouse (if not working), parents, unmarried children living at home and children with a disability are also covered by the social insurance.
• In general, medical care is free when using providers affiliated with IKA. This applies to medical transport, general and specialist care, laboratory tests and pregnancy care. A contribution is usually requested for medicines.
• English is usually spoken in health centres, but it can be difficult in small villages or smaller hospitals.
• EU residents can also use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to use public healthcare during the first 90 days in the country.

How does the private healthcare system work in Greece?

• There are many private institutions in Greece. These institutions are often better, because they are not so dependent on the economic situation in the country and use much more advanced technology.
• Treatment in a private institution is not covered by the IKA and is often quite expensive.
• The main reason why many locals and foreigners have private insurance is because not all care is covered by public insurance. Waiting times in private hospitals are also generally shorter and there is a greater chance that healthcare staff will speak English.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Greece?

• General practitioners are the first point of care in Greece, but unlike many other countries with a GP system, you do not need a referral to see a specialist.

How is the dentist arranged in Greece?

• Dental care is of good quality in Greece and there are many providers.
• In general, you must make an appointment with the dentist in advance for treatment. You cannot just walk-in. During your first visit, you can register with the clinic so that follow-up appointments are easy to make.
• Dental care is partly free through social insurance. If you have a lot of dental problems, it may be wise to take out private insurance.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Greece?

• Maternity care is free through the public system. The care is also of good quality with extensive checks and tests.
• Private care is expensive, but does provide access to specialists, private hospitals and shorter waiting times.
• When you are pregnant, you have to arrange everything yourself. Your GP can help you with this, but you can also register with a specialist and make your first appointments yourself. There are local websites in English to find (reviews of) health practitioners.
• The costs via private care can be quite high. Hospital births are expensive.
• In recent years, home births have become increasingly popular, although hospital births are still the most popular option. Public insurance does not cover the costs of a home birth. When an emergency occurs during the birth and you will have to go to a public hospital by ambulance. The transportation is covered.
• The midwife will draw up a birth certificate, which you will have to take with you to postnatal appointments.
• Depending on the circumstances, abortion is legal up to 12, 19 or 24 weeks.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Greece?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Greece?

• Greece is generally a safe country with a low crime rate, especially outside the big cities.
• Pickpocketing does occur in large, tourist areas. Be especially careful at busy markets and when taking public transportation.
• Political protests and strikes are common, especially in Athens. These are usually peaceful, but can sometimes get out of hand. Avoid large crowds.
• In summer, there is a high risk of forest fires, especially on islands and in dry areas.
• Greece is located in a seismically active zone, so minor earthquakes are common.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Greece?

• In summer, temperatures can exceed 40°C, which can cause heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive sun exposure in summer.
• In some areas, especially in summer, mosquitoes can transmit diseases. 

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Greece?

• Traffic in Greece is quite chaotic and unpredictable. People often ignore traffic rules and drive aggressively.
• The roads in the cities are usually narrow and busy. In the countryside, the roads are often poorly maintained.
• Many locals use scooters, which can be quite chaotic.
• In cities such as Athens, the metro and bus network is good, but on islands and in remote areas you often have to rely on cars or boats.
• Taxis are relatively cheap, but some drivers try to rip off tourists. Ridesharing is limited.
• If you travel a lot between the islands, be prepared to take into account ferry delays due to weather conditions.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Greece?

• Is the trip to Greece and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Greece if you are going to live there for a while?

• For almost all Greek visa applications, it is necessary to prove that you are insured. Before you can register with the national system, you need your own private insurance. EU citizens can initially use their EHIC. The insurance must cover a certain amount of euros, as well as medical repatriation.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.