Healthcare in Greece: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Travelers

Greece offers a high standard of healthcare, but the quality and accessibility of medical services can vary depending on your location. While major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have well-equipped hospitals and private clinics, smaller islands and rural areas may have limited medical facilities.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about healthcare in Greece, including public and private medical services, health insurance, pharmacies, and emergency care. If you need immediate medical assistance while in Greece, you can consult a doctor in Athens through Doctor Athens or arrange a telehealth consultation via TravelDoctor EU.

Understanding Greece’s Healthcare System

Public Healthcare in Greece (ESY)

Greece operates a National Health System (ESY), which ensures free or low-cost healthcare for residents who contribute to the country’s Social Insurance Institute (IKA). This system offers comprehensive medical coverage, including:

• Primary care at rural health centers, public hospitals, and outpatient clinics

• Specialist consultations through general and specialized hospitals

• Emergency care, maternity services, laboratory tests, and prescription medications

Once expats begin working in Greece, they must apply for national health insurance through IKA. Upon registration, they receive a social security number (AMKA), which grants access to public healthcare services.

Who Can Access Public Healthcare in Greece?

Expats and residents who contribute to IKA can access Greece’s public healthcare system. Additionally, citizens of European Union (EU) countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for short-term medical coverage. UK citizens can use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for similar benefits.

Retirees from EU countries who receive their pension from their home country may also qualify for state healthcare benefits.

Private Healthcare in Greece

While Greece’s public healthcare system provides universal coverage, many expats and Greek citizens opt for private healthcare due to:

• Shorter waiting times for specialist consultations and treatments

• Higher quality medical facilities with modern equipment

• English-speaking doctors and staff

Private Clinics and Hospitals in Greece

Private hospitals and clinics are widely available in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities. Some of the best private hospitals in Greece have internationally trained doctors and advanced medical technologies.

For expats and tourists in Athens, Doctor Athens offers English-speaking medical care, including:

• Treatment of common illnesses and allergies

• Fracture and concussion assessment

• Vaccinations and pregnancy tests

• Chronic disease management

• Sexual health consultations

• Rapid home and hotel visits within 60 minutes

Since private healthcare is not covered by IKA, many residents choose private health insurance to offset medical costs.

Finding a Doctor in Greece

How to Find an English-Speaking Doctor in Greece

If you are looking for a doctor in Greece, you can:

• Visit a public health center (Kentro Ygeias) or hospital outpatient clinic

• Search for private clinics that cater to expats

• Use embassy recommendations for English-speaking doctors

• Contact Doctor Athens for immediate medical assistance in Athens

For virtual medical consultations, TravelDoctor EU provides online telehealth services.

Pharmacies and Medications in Greece

Accessing Medication in Greece

Pharmacies (φαρμακεία, “farmakeia”) are widely available in Greece, especially in Athens and other urban areas. Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals and can often recommend treatments for minor illnesses.

Many medications in Greece are available over-the-counter, but some require a prescription. If you need specialized medications, you may need to visit a hospital.

Pharmacy Opening Hours

Most pharmacies in Greece operate from:

• 08:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Monday to Friday)

• Some 24-hour pharmacies are available in major cities

• If a pharmacy is closed, a sign on the door will indicate the nearest open pharmacy

Emergency Medical Services in Greece

Public Emergency Services (EKAV)

Greece’s public ambulance service (EKAV) is available in major cities and offers free emergency transport to public hospitals. However, response times can vary, especially in rural areas or on smaller islands.

How to Call an Ambulance in Greece

• 166 – Direct line for public ambulance services (EKAV)

• 112 – European emergency number (for English-speaking assistance)

In areas where EKAV ambulances are unavailable, private ambulances, taxis, or EKAV helicopters may be used for emergency transport.

Where to Get Medical Care in Greece and Europe

For in-person medical care, visit trusted healthcare providers in Europe and Latin America:

• Athens, Greece: Doctor Athens

• Paris, France: American Medical Center Paris

• Budapest, Hungary: Expat Medical

• Berlin, Germany: Arzt Besuche

• Bucharest, Romania: Expat Medical Bucharest

• Krakow, Poland: Medicus Specialist Private Practice

• Argentina & Mexico: Travel Doctor ES

For telehealth consultations, TravelDoctor EU provides virtual medical appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can foreigners access free healthcare in Greece?

Yes, expats who contribute to IKA can access free or low-cost healthcare. EU citizens can use their EHIC for temporary coverage, while UK citizens can use the GHIC.

Is private healthcare expensive in Greece?

Private healthcare in Greece is more expensive than public healthcare but offers shorter waiting times and English-speaking doctors. Many residents opt for private health insurance to reduce costs.

Are there English-speaking doctors in Greece?

Yes, many private clinics in Athens and Thessaloniki have English-speaking doctors. You can also visit Doctor Athens for immediate English-speaking medical care.

How do I get a prescription in Greece?

You need to visit a doctor to get a prescription. Most medications are available at pharmacies, which operate Monday to Friday, with some open 24/7.

What number do I call for a medical emergency in Greece?

Dial 166 for a public ambulance or 112 for English-speaking emergency services.