Guide To Healthcare In Greece

Generally, the quality of Greek public health care is good, especially on mainland Greece. However, the recent financial crisis hasn't left the country's national health care system unaffected. This article explains public and private health service in Greece.

Public Healthcare

International citizens and their families can have access to free or low-cost public healthcare if they are subscribed to the Single Social Security Entity (EFKA), the public insurance company that oversees the country's social security. Once employed, they should apply for national health insurance and will be given a social security number known as AMKA. Medical care by EFKA-approved doctors is for the most part free, although patients will pay a contribution for prescribed medicines. Other social security benefits include free laboratory tests, maternity care, medical devices, and emergency transportation.

European Union nationals can also gain free healthcare benefits, for a limited period, provided they have their European Health Card. Pensioners from EU countries receiving a pension from their home country, intending to reside in Greece, are also entitled to state health benefits.

Primary healthcare is provided by ESY through regional health centers, clinics, and public hospital outpatient units. Public primary healthcare is also provided by social insurance funds, local authorities, and municipalities. Depending on their services, Greek hospitals are classified as either general or specialized.

Private Healthcare

Healthcare services in Greece are also extensively provided by the private sector. Private healthcare is provided by physicians contracted with insurance companies, independent physicians, and physicians who work in diagnostic centers, laboratories, and private hospital outpatient departments.

Private medical facilities generally offer better facilities and more modern equipment. Medical staff in private hospitals are also more likely to be able to communicate in English. Considering that the cost of private medical care is not covered by National Organization For Health Care Services (EOPYY), many Greeks also have private health insurance. International citizens who want to have access to private healthcare in Greece should consider purchasing private health insurance.

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Pharmacies And Medicines

Pharmacies in Greece have a sign with a green cross on a white background. Most medication is easily accessible, although some specialized medicines may only be available from hospitals and state-run pharmacies. Pharmacies are generally open from 8 am-2.30 pm and 5.30 pm-8.30 pm, but many central pharmacies stay open throughout the day. 

You can easily find on-duty pharmacies by visiting vrisko.gr. Simply select your prefecture and then choose your specific city or region to view the available options. 

Emergency Services

Even though public ambulances are typically widely available in larger cities, access may be more difficult on some islands and remote areas. In these cases, private ambulances, EKAV helicopters, and taxis may be legitimate alternatives depending on the situation.

166 - The ambulance service in Greece, known as the EKAV
112 - As with other countries in the EU, the general emergency number in Greece

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