Healthcare in Greece: Complete Guide for Expats (2026)

Greece operates a universal healthcare system that ranks among the best in the Mediterranean. The World Health Organization (in its last ranking from 2000) placed Greek healthcare 14th globally for overall performance — ahead of Germany (25th) and the UK (18th). For expats, the system offers genuine quality at reasonable cost, though navigating it requires understanding how public and private care interact.

This guide covers everything you need to access healthcare in Greece: registration requirements, public vs private options, insurance considerations, and the practical details that make the difference between confusion and competent care.

Overview of the Greek Healthcare System

Greek healthcare operates on two parallel tracks: the National Health System (ESY) providing public care, and a robust private sector offering faster service at higher cost. Most Greeks and long-term expats use both — public for serious conditions and emergencies, private for routine care and specialist consultations.

The National Health System (ESY)

The Ethniko Systima Ygeias (ESY) was established in 1983 and provides universal coverage to all legal residents. The system includes public hospitals, health centers, and local health units (TOMY) spread across the country. Emergency care is free for everyone regardless of insurance status.

ESY facilities offer competent medical care, particularly for serious conditions requiring hospitalization. Greek doctors are well-trained — the country has approximately 6.3 physicians per 1,000 population (OECD data), the highest ratio in the OECD. However, years of austerity reduced funding, leading to equipment shortages, long waiting times, and overcrowded facilities in some areas.

EOPYY: The Insurance Administrator

The National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY) administers social health insurance and contracts with both public and private providers. Once registered with EOPYY, you access state healthcare services on the same basis as Greek citizens — including subsidized medications and access to contracted private doctors.

EOPYY maintains a network of contracted physicians who provide consultations at reduced rates. You'll pay a small copayment (typically €5-15) for visits to EOPYY-contracted doctors, while prescriptions are subsidized at 75-100% depending on the medication.

Private Healthcare

Greece's private healthcare sector has expanded significantly, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Private hospitals offer modern facilities, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff — advantages that attract most expats for routine care.

Private care operates on a fee-for-service basis. Without insurance, expect to pay €50-100 for specialist consultations. Private health insurance dramatically reduces these costs while providing access to premium facilities.

How to Access Public Healthcare: The AMKA System

Legal residents access Greek public healthcare through the AMKA (Arithmos Mitroou Koinonikis Asfalisis) — your social security number. Without AMKA, you're limited to emergency care only.

Who Needs AMKA?

• Employed residents — Automatically registered through employer social insurance contributions
• Self-employed residents — Must register independently when establishing business operations
• EU citizens staying over 3 months — Can register after obtaining residence certificate
• Non-EU residents with residence permits — Eligible once permit is issued
• Pensioners with S1 forms — Register S1 to access EOPYY coverage funded by home country

How to Get AMKA

Register at your local Citizens Service Center (KEP) or through the myAADE digital platform. Required documents typically include:

• Valid passport or national ID
• Residence permit (non-EU nationals)
• Proof of address in Greece (utility bill, rental contract)
• Tax identification number (AFM) — obtain first if you don't have one

Processing takes 1-5 working days. Once issued, register your AMKA with EOPYY online to activate healthcare access.

After AMKA: Registering with EOPYY

With AMKA in hand, complete EOPYY registration at eopyy.gov.gr. This step activates your entitlement to:

• Free or reduced-cost consultations with EOPYY-contracted doctors
• Subsidized prescriptions (typically 75% covered)
• Free inpatient treatment at public hospitals when referred
• Access to EOPYY-contracted private clinics at reduced rates

Your AMKA/EOPYY registration links to any employer contributions automatically. If you're not employed, you may need to pay a small monthly contribution or qualify through other programs (unemployment, low-income).

Private Healthcare: Providers and Costs

Most expats use private healthcare for non-emergency needs. The advantages are significant: English-speaking doctors, appointment availability within days not months, modern facilities, and comprehensive diagnostics.

Major Private Hospital Groups

Athens:

• Hygeia Group — Greece's largest private healthcare provider. Flagship Hygeia Hospital in Maroussi offers comprehensive services across all specialties. Metropolitan Hospital in Neo Faliro provides 24-hour emergency and all major departments.
• Athens Medical Center — Two locations (Psychiko and Peristeri) with full-service capabilities. Strong in cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics.
• IASO Group — Specializes in women's health, maternity, and pediatrics. The main facility in Maroussi is a top choice for childbirth.
• Evangelismos Hospital — The largest public general hospital (1,100 beds), but mentioned here because its private wing offers premium services.

Thessaloniki:

• Interbalkan Medical Center — Northern Greece's premier private facility. Full range of specialties with strong international patient program.
• St. Luke's Hospital — Modern facility with comprehensive services and established reputation.
• AHEPA University Hospital — Public hospital with academic affiliation; handles complex cases.

Private Healthcare Costs (Without Insurance)

• General practitioner consultation: €40-60
• Specialist consultation: €60-100
• Emergency room visit: €100-200
• Basic blood panel: €50-100
• MRI scan: €200-400
• CT scan: €150-300
• Ultrasound: €50-100
• Minor surgery (outpatient): €500-2,000
• Hospital day (private room): €200-400
• Childbirth (vaginal, private hospital): €2,500-4,000
• Childbirth (cesarean, private hospital): €4,000-6,000

These costs are significantly lower than Western Europe but add up quickly without insurance. A complex hospitalization can reach €10,000-30,000.

Health Insurance Options for Expats

Insurance strategy depends on your residency status, budget, and risk tolerance. Most expats maintain private insurance for routine care while relying on EOPYY/ESY as backup for catastrophic events.

Private Health Insurance

Greek and international insurers offer plans ranging from basic to comprehensive:

Greek Insurers: Ethniki Asfalistiki, Interamerican, Eurolife FFH, Generali Hellas

International Insurers: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA, Bupa Global

Typical Premium Ranges

• Basic (€50-80/month): Hospitalization, surgery, some diagnostics
• Mid-range (€100-180/month): Above + outpatient consultations, prescriptions
• Comprehensive (€200-350/month): Above + dental, vision, maternity, wellness

Premiums increase with age. A 30-year-old might pay €80/month for mid-range coverage; the same plan costs €150-200 for a 55-year-old.

Choosing Insurance: Key Factors

• Network coverage — Does the plan include your preferred hospitals and doctors?
• Direct billing — Can providers bill the insurer directly, or must you pay and claim?
• Pre-existing conditions — Waiting periods and exclusions vary significantly
• Geographic scope — Does coverage extend to other EU countries or home visits?
• Evacuation coverage — Important for complex conditions requiring treatment elsewhere

EU Citizens: EHIC and GHIC Coverage

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provide essential coverage for EU/UK citizens in Greece.

What EHIC/GHIC Covers

These cards entitle holders to necessary state healthcare during temporary stays — the same treatment Greek citizens receive through ESY. Coverage includes:

• Emergency hospital treatment
• Necessary medical care during your stay
• Maternity care if needed
• Treatment of chronic conditions that require attention during your trip
• Dialysis and oxygen therapy (if pre-arranged)

What EHIC/GHIC Does NOT Cover

• Private healthcare (cards only work in public system)
• Repatriation to home country
• Non-urgent treatment that can wait until you return home
• Lost or stolen belongings
• Search and rescue

Long-Term EU Residents

If you're an EU citizen moving to Greece permanently (or for more than 3 months), EHIC/GHIC becomes insufficient. You should:

1. Register for Greek residence
2. Obtain AMKA through KEP or myAADE
3. Register with EOPYY
4. Once registered, you may be entitled to apply for a Greek EHIC for travel elsewhere

UK citizens post-Brexit have similar pathways. Register your UK-issued S1 form (if entitled as a pensioner or posted worker) with EOPYY to access Greek state healthcare funded by the UK.

Non-EU Residents: Requirements

Non-EU nationals face stricter requirements for healthcare access.

Visa Application Health Requirements

Most Greek visa categories require proof of health insurance covering your entire stay. This includes:

• Digital nomad visa — Comprehensive health insurance mandatory
• Golden Visa — Health insurance required for permit issuance and renewal
• Retirement visa — Must demonstrate healthcare coverage
• Student visa — Insurance required; some universities offer group plans

Without valid insurance, visa applications will be rejected.

After Arrival: Accessing Healthcare

Once you hold a valid residence permit and have registered for AMKA, you access EOPYY coverage like any other resident. The pathway:

1. Obtain residence permit through appropriate visa category
2. Register for AFM (tax number) at local tax office
3. Register for AMKA at KEP
4. Register with EOPYY online
5. Begin accessing public healthcare services

Until this registration completes, private insurance remains your only option. Budget 2-8 weeks for the full process depending on bureaucratic efficiency.

Digital Nomads: Insurance Requirements

Greece's Digital Nomad Visa explicitly requires health insurance as a condition of approval.

Minimum Requirements

Your insurance must:

• Cover your entire stay in Greece (minimum 12 months)
• Include emergency medical treatment
• Cover hospitalization and surgery
• Have no co-payment restrictions that would leave you exposed

Recommended Coverage

Beyond minimums, digital nomads should consider:

• Repatriation coverage — Evacuation to home country if needed
• Equipment coverage — Laptops and work tools are your livelihood
• Third-party liability — Protects against accidental damage claims

Popular insurers for digital nomads include SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Cigna Global's Closecare plan.

Cost Expectations

Budget €100-200/month for comprehensive digital nomad insurance. This exceeds basic travel insurance but provides the security required for long-term remote work.

The €3,500/month income requirement for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa means healthcare costs remain manageable relative to earnings.

Hospitals: Athens and Thessaloniki

Major Athens Hospitals

Public Hospitals:

• Evangelismos General Hospital — Greece's largest public hospital (1,100 beds). Handles complex trauma, cardiac emergencies, and transplants. 24-hour emergency services. Address: 45-47 Ipsilantou St, Athens 106 76
• Attikon University Hospital — Teaching hospital affiliated with University of Athens. Strong in oncology and research-based treatment. Address: Rimini 1, Chaidari
• Laiko General Hospital — Central Athens location, comprehensive services. Address: 17 Agiou Thoma St, Athens
• KAT Hospital — Specializes in trauma and rehabilitation. Best choice for serious accidents. Address: Nikis 2, Kifisia

Private Hospitals:

• Hygeia Hospital — Premium private care, international patient department with English-speaking coordinators. Address: 4 Erythrou Stavrou St & Kifisias Ave, Maroussi
• Metropolitan Hospital — Part of Hygeia Group, full 24-hour emergency and specialty departments. Address: 9 Ethnarchou Makariou & El. Venizelou, Neo Faliro
• Athens Medical Center — Two locations offering full-service private care. Marousi: 5-7 Distomou St; Peristeri: 64 Thivon Ave
• IASO Hospital — Women's and children's specialty focus, top maternity choice. Address: 37-39 Kifisias Ave, Maroussi

Major Thessaloniki Hospitals

Public Hospitals:

• AHEPA University Hospital — Northern Greece's primary academic medical center. Handles complex cases, strong emergency department. Address: 1 S. Kyriakidi St
• Hippocration General Hospital — Large public hospital with comprehensive services. Address: 49 Konstantinoupoleos St
• Papanikolaou General Hospital — Specializes in oncology and pulmonology. Address: Exochi, Thessaloniki

Private Hospitals:

• Interbalkan Medical Center — Premier private facility in Northern Greece, international patient program. Address: 10 Asklipiou St, Pylaia
• St. Luke's Hospital — Modern private hospital with full services. Address: 555 Panorama

Emergency Contacts

• 166 — National ambulance service (EKAB)
• 112 — European emergency number (routes to appropriate service)
• 1016 — Pharmacy duty roster information
• 100 — Police
• 199 — Fire department

When calling 166, operators may have limited English. State your location clearly and describe the emergency simply. Response times in Athens center average 8-15 minutes; outlying areas may take longer.

Pharmacies (Farmakeio): How They Work

Greek pharmacies provide more services than many expats expect. Pharmacists can advise on minor conditions and dispense medications that would require prescriptions elsewhere.

Operating Hours

Standard pharmacy hours run Monday-Friday 8:30am-2:30pm, with afternoon sessions (5:30pm-8:30pm) on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Saturday hours vary.

However, Greece operates a duty pharmacy (εφημερεύοντα) system ensuring 24-hour coverage. In every area, at least one pharmacy remains open overnight and on weekends. Find the current duty pharmacy by:

• Calling 1016 (Greek language service with area-specific information)
• Checking local pharmacy windows (duty schedules posted)
• Searching online for "εφημερεύοντα φαρμακεία" + your area
• Using the Efimereonta app (Greek language)

Prescription System

EOPYY-registered patients receive prescriptions electronically. Your doctor enters the prescription into the system; you collect medication at any pharmacy using your AMKA number and ID. The system calculates your copayment automatically.

Standard copayments:

• 0% — Chronic conditions, cancer medications, insulin
• 10% — Generic equivalents of brand medications
• 25% — Standard medications

Without EOPYY registration, you pay full price. Many common medications cost €5-30, but some treatments reach hundreds of euros monthly.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Greek pharmacies sell many medications without prescription that require one in other countries. Pharmacists can provide:

• Basic antibiotics (for common infections)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Certain stomach medications
• Some antihistamines
• Basic pain management

This accessibility helps manage minor conditions without doctor visits, though pharmacists will refer you to physicians for anything beyond routine issues.

Finding English-Speaking Pharmacies

Pharmacies in central Athens, tourist areas, and near hospitals commonly have English-speaking staff. In residential neighborhoods and smaller cities, basic English is common among younger pharmacists but not universal.

Cost Comparison: Public vs Private

Understanding the cost differential helps you make informed decisions about care pathways.

• GP consultation: Public (with EOPYY): Free or €5 | Private (without insurance): €40-60 | Private (with insurance): €0-20 copay
• Specialist consultation: Public: €5-15 | Private: €60-100 | With insurance: €0-30 copay
• Emergency room: Public: Free | Private: €100-200 | With insurance: €0-50 copay
• Basic diagnostics: Public: Free-€20 | Private: €50-200 | With insurance: €0-40 copay
• Hospital day: Public: Free | Private: €200-400 | With insurance: €0-100 copay
• Surgery (minor): Public: Free | Private: €500-2,000 | With insurance: €0-500 copay
• Surgery (major): Public: Free | Private: €5,000-20,000 | With insurance: €0-2,000 copay

When to Use Each System

Use public healthcare (ESY/EOPYY) for:

• Emergency care and trauma
• Serious hospitalizations
• Complex conditions requiring extended treatment
• Expensive treatments covered by social insurance
• Childbirth (public maternity wards are competent)

Use private healthcare for:

• Routine check-ups and preventive care
• Specialist consultations when wait times matter
• Diagnostics requiring quick results
• Conditions where English communication is essential
• Elective procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Is healthcare free in Greece?

Healthcare in Greece is not completely free. Public healthcare through the ESY system is available at no or low cost to those registered with AMKA and EOPYY. You may pay small copayments (€5-15) for consultations with EOPYY doctors and contribute 10-25% toward most prescription costs. Emergency care at public hospitals is free regardless of insurance status. Private healthcare requires payment or insurance.

How do I get an AMKA number in Greece?

Register for AMKA at your local Citizens Service Center (KEP) or through the myAADE digital platform. Bring your passport, residence permit (if non-EU), proof of address, and AFM tax number. Processing takes 1-5 working days. Once you have AMKA, register with EOPYY online to activate healthcare access.

Can EU citizens access free healthcare in Greece?

EU citizens can access state healthcare using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. For stays over 3 months, register as a resident and obtain AMKA to access EOPYY coverage on the same basis as Greek citizens. Your EHIC only works in the public system — private healthcare requires separate payment or insurance.

What health insurance do I need for a Greek digital nomad visa?

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa requires comprehensive health insurance covering your entire stay (minimum 12 months). Insurance must include emergency treatment, hospitalization, and surgery with no problematic co-payment restrictions. Budget €100-200/month for appropriate coverage through providers like SafetyWing, Cigna Global, or World Nomads.

What is the emergency number in Greece?

Call 166 for ambulance services (EKAB) or 112 for the general European emergency number. 166 connects directly to the National Center for Emergency Care, while 112 routes to appropriate services based on your emergency. For duty pharmacy information, call 1016.

Are Greek pharmacies open 24 hours?

At least one pharmacy (farmakeio) in every area operates 24 hours through the duty pharmacy (εφημερεύοντα) system. Find the current duty pharmacy by calling 1016, checking posted schedules outside local pharmacies, or searching online. Standard pharmacy hours are mornings and some afternoons, closed Sundays.

How much does private health insurance cost in Greece?

Private health insurance in Greece costs €50-80/month for basic hospital coverage, €100-180 for mid-range plans including outpatient care, and €200-350 for comprehensive coverage including dental, vision, and maternity. Premiums increase with age — a 55-year-old pays roughly double what a 30-year-old pays for equivalent coverage.

What are the best hospitals in Athens?

Top private hospitals in Athens include Hygeia Hospital (Maroussi), Metropolitan Hospital (Neo Faliro), Athens Medical Center (two locations), and IASO Hospital (Maroussi) for women's and children's care. For public hospitals, Evangelismos is the largest general hospital, while KAT Hospital specializes in trauma care. Private hospitals offer English-speaking staff and shorter wait times; public hospitals handle complex emergencies and serious conditions competently.

Planning your move to Greece? Explore our Greece visa guide, cost of living breakdown, and Athens living guide for comprehensive relocation planning.