Healthcare in Greece
Who is covered, from what date, and what insurance you need
Greece has universal public healthcare funded through social insurance, free or low cost at the point of use for residents who contribute or are covered. It was strained badly by the debt crisis, and most foreign residents add inexpensive private cover.
| System | ESY national health system with EOPYY as the insurance fund source |
| Access | Contributors, their dependants, and covered resident categories |
| AMKA | The social security number required for any public healthcare |
| Private consultation | Commonly EUR 40–80 |
| Private insurance | Commonly EUR 40–100 per month |
Getting into the system
Everything begins with the AMKA, the social security number. Without it you cannot register with the health fund, be prescribed subsidised medication, or use public facilities other than emergency care. Obtaining one requires your residence permit and proof of address, and it is the first administrative task after arrival.
Employees and the self-employed contribute and are covered along with dependants. Holders of visas that prohibit work, including the financially independent person visa and the golden visa, are generally required to hold private insurance instead.
What the system is like
Public hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki include strong specialist centres, and emergency care is competent and free. Austerity left lasting shortages of staff and equipment, waiting lists for non-urgent procedures are long, and informal expectations around payments have been widely reported historically.
Private clinics are numerous, quick, and inexpensive relative to northern Europe. Most foreign residents use public cover for emergencies and serious illness while paying privately for routine care, which is affordable enough to do without insurance if necessary.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widespread and pharmacists have wide discretion. Prescription medication is subsidised for those in the system, with co-payments varying by drug and by the patient's status. Prices for common medicines are low by American standards.
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