Introduction
Wondering how healthcare in Greece works for British expats? This guide explains the Greek healthcare system, including public healthcare in Greece, private healthcare in Greece, health insurance, S1 entitlement, AMKA registration, treatment costs and access to hospitals. If you are moving to Greece from the UK, understanding your healthcare options before you arrive can help you avoid unnecessary costs, secure the right medical cover and relocate with greater confidence.
Explore our Moving to Greece from the UK Guide for practical advice on every stage of your relocation.
Article Summary
Healthcare in Greece offers an excellent standard of medical care, provided you understand how the system works before relocating. Access to public healthcare in Greece depends on your residency status, employment, EFKA contributions, EOPYY registration or S1 entitlement for eligible UK pensioners. Many foreign residents also choose private healthcare in Greece and comprehensive health insurance in Greece for faster appointments, wider hospital choice and greater access to English-speaking doctors. Whether you are working, retiring, relocating with your family or obtaining residency through the Greece Golden Visa, arranging suitable healthcare before moving is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Key Takeaways
The following key points summarise what every UK national should understand before relying on healthcare in Greece.
- Public healthcare is available only if you meet the relevant entitlement criteria.
- Many British expats in Greece combine public and private healthcare.
- Eligible UK pensioners may access healthcare through an S1.
- An AMKA number is essential for many healthcare services.
- Health insurance in Greece remains advisable for many foreign residents.
- Private healthcare generally offers shorter waiting times.
- Athens provides the widest choice of hospitals and specialists.
- Smaller islands may have more limited healthcare facilities.
- Emergency medical treatment is accessed through 112 or 166.
- Healthcare planning should begin before moving to Greece from the UK.
How Healthcare in Greece Works
Unlike the NHS, the Greek healthcare system combines a publicly funded healthcare service with a large and well-developed private medical sector. Most eligible residents rely on both systems, using public entitlement for routine healthcare while choosing private hospitals and specialists when faster treatment or greater flexibility is required.
The public healthcare system is delivered principally through the National Health System (ESY), while EOPYY – National Organisation for Healthcare Services Provision administers healthcare benefits and contracts with doctors, diagnostic centres and other healthcare providers. Eligibility generally depends on employment, social security contributions through EFKA, or other recognised entitlement routes such as an S1 for qualifying UK State Pension recipients. Registration normally requires an AMKA number, which acts as your Greek social security and healthcare identification number.
Private healthcare plays an equally important role. Throughout Athens, Thessaloniki and other major cities, private hospitals provide modern facilities, advanced diagnostics, English-speaking consultants and significantly shorter waiting times than are often available through the public system. Consequently, many UK nationals complement their public entitlement with health insurance in Greece.
The right healthcare solution depends on your circumstances. Employees, self-employed residents, pensioners, families and Greece Golden Visa holders all have different entitlement rules and insurance requirements. Assuming that residency alone automatically provides access to public healthcare in Greece can lead to expensive mistakes.
Before You Rely on Healthcare in Greece, Check Your Entitlement
Access to public healthcare depends on your employment, residency status, EFKA contributions or S1 entitlement. Confirm your eligibility before you move—not when you need treatment.
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Can British Expats Access Healthcare in Greece?
Whether British expats in Greece can access public healthcare in Greece depends on how they qualify rather than simply where they live. Employment, social security contributions, residency status and, for some retirees, S1 entitlement all determine whether you can use the Greek healthcare system on the same basis as insured Greek residents.
Employees and self-employed residents who contribute through EFKA may qualify for public healthcare after obtaining an AMKA number and completing the necessary registration. Eligible British pensioners can usually access the same public healthcare through a registered S1 issued by the UK, while eligible dependant family members may also receive cover in certain circumstances.
Students, temporary visitors and financially independent residents have different rules. A GHIC or EHIC only covers medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay and should never be regarded as a long-term healthcare solution after moving to Greece from the UK. Likewise, holding a Greece Golden Visa or another residence permit does not automatically create entitlement to public healthcare in Greece.
Unsure which residence route is right for you? Explore our Greece Visas and Residency Guide to compare the main options available to UK nationals moving to Greece.
Many residents in these categories rely on health insurance in Greece until they become eligible for public cover or continue using private healthcare permanently.
Understanding your healthcare position before relocating is essential. Assuming you can access public healthcare simply because you have become resident could leave you without appropriate medical cover when you need it most.
Can British Expats Access Public Healthcare in Greece?
| Status | Public Healthcare Position | Private Health Insurance |
| Employed in Greece | Eligible after EFKA registration and contributions | Optional but commonly used |
| Self-employed in Greece | Eligible after registering and contributing through EFKA | Often recommended |
| UK State Pension recipient with S1 | Eligible after registering a valid S1 | Optional supplementary cover |
| Eligible dependant of S1 holder | May qualify, subject to Greek eligibility rules | Consider additional cover |
| Student | Limited entitlement depending on circumstances | Often advisable |
| Temporary visitor | GHIC/EHIC covers medically necessary state treatment only | Travel insurance essential |
| Greece Golden Visa holder | No automatic public healthcare entitlement | Normally required |
| Financially independent resident | No automatic contribution-based entitlement | Usually essential |
ESY, EOPYY, EFKA and AMKA Explained
Understanding the different organisations within the Greek healthcare system can seem confusing at first. However, each performs a distinct role, and together they determine how healthcare in Greece operates for residents and British expats in Greece.
The National Health System (ESY) provides public hospitals, emergency treatment and many frontline healthcare services. EOPYY manages healthcare benefits and contracts with doctors, diagnostic centres, pharmacies and private providers that treat eligible patients. EFKA collects social security contributions from employees and the self-employed, creating the basis for many people’s public healthcare entitlement. Finally, your AMKA number acts as your personal healthcare and social security identification number, allowing healthcare providers to access your records and confirm eligibility.
Once registered, eligible residents can visit EOPYY-contracted doctors, receive prescriptions electronically, access diagnostic tests and, where necessary, obtain referrals to specialists or public hospitals. Many British expats in Greece combine these public services with private healthcare in Greece, particularly when seeking faster appointments, greater consultant choice or English-speaking specialists.
Obtaining an AMKA should therefore be one of the first administrative priorities after relocating if you qualify for public healthcare. Without it, accessing many healthcare services can become considerably more complicated.
Understanding the Greek Healthcare System
| Organisation | What It Does | Why It Matters |
| ESY | Greece’s National Health System | Provides public hospitals and emergency care |
| EOPYY | National healthcare benefits organisation | Contracts doctors, diagnostics and pharmacies |
| EFKA | Social security authority | Collects contributions that support healthcare entitlement |
| AMKA | Personal healthcare and social security number | Required for registration, prescriptions and many healthcare services |
S1 Healthcare for British Pensioners in Greece
The S1 can be one of the most valuable healthcare arrangements available to British pensioners relocating to Greece. Eligible recipients of a UK State Pension may be able to receive public healthcare in Greece on the same basis as insured Greek residents, with the UK reimbursing Greece for the cost of their healthcare.
Before moving, eligible pensioners should request an S1 certificate from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. After arriving in Greece, the document must be registered with the relevant Greek authorities before public healthcare entitlement becomes active. Once registered, the S1 can also provide cover for eligible dependant family members where the relevant conditions are met.
It is important to understand that an S1 differs from a GHIC or EHIC. The GHIC and EHIC are designed for temporary visits and medically necessary treatment during short stays, whereas the S1 supports long-term healthcare entitlement for qualifying UK pensioners who become resident in Greece.
When State Pension entitlement begins, individuals who satisfy the eligibility criteria can normally transition to the S1 system, helping to maintain continuity of healthcare after retirement abroad. Even so, many retirees continue to purchase private health insurance in Greece to reduce waiting times, gain access to private hospitals and benefit from wider specialist choice.
Combining S1 entitlement with carefully chosen private medical insurance can provide UK retirees with comprehensive healthcare after settling in Greece.
Public vs Private Healthcare in Greece
The choice is rarely between public or private healthcare. Most eligible residents use both, combining public entitlement with private medical care to gain faster access to specialists and a wider choice of hospitals.
The Greek healthcare system provides good-quality public healthcare for eligible residents through ESY and EOPYY, while an extensive private sector offers faster access, greater choice and shorter waiting times. Public healthcare is generally well suited to routine medical care, emergency treatment and ongoing management of chronic conditions, particularly for residents who qualify through EFKA contributions or a registered S1.
Private healthcare, however, can be attractive because appointments with specialists are often available much sooner. Private hospitals typically provide more comfortable accommodation, greater continuity of care and a wider choice of consultants, many of whom speak fluent English. Diagnostic investigations, including MRI and CT scans, are also usually arranged more quickly than through the public system.
Location also influences healthcare quality. Athens and Thessaloniki offer the country’s largest concentration of both public and private hospitals, whereas healthcare on smaller islands can be more limited, particularly for specialist treatment. In these situations, private insurance with medical evacuation or wider hospital access may provide valuable reassurance.
Compare everyday life across the country in our Living in Greece for UK Expats Guide before deciding where to relocate.
Neither system is universally better. Public healthcare offers excellent value for eligible residents, while private healthcare provides convenience, flexibility and faster access when time matters. Combining public entitlement with comprehensive health insurance in Greece allows eligible residents to benefit from the strengths of both systems.
Public vs Private Healthcare in Greece
| Factor | Public Healthcare | Private Healthcare |
| Eligibility | Requires EFKA contributions, registered S1 or other entitlement | Available through insurance or self-payment |
| Cost | Free or subsidised for eligible patients | Paid directly or through insurance |
| Waiting times | Can vary for specialists and diagnostics | Generally much shorter |
| Hospital facilities | Good, particularly in major cities | Modern hospitals with enhanced facilities |
| English-speaking doctors | More common in larger cities | Widely available in major private hospitals |
| Specialist access | Referral may be required | Direct appointments usually available |
| Diagnostic tests | Available but waiting times may apply | Faster access to MRI, CT and laboratory services |
| Hospital accommodation | Standard public wards | Private rooms and greater comfort |
| Rural and island coverage | Variable | Also variable, but stronger in major cities |
| Patient choice | Limited to available providers | Greater flexibility and hospital choice |
| Best suited to | Eligible residents comfortable using the public system | Residents seeking faster access and greater convenience |
Health Insurance in Greece for Foreigners
Health insurance in Greece can be essential for foreign residents who lack public entitlement or require faster access to private treatment. While some residents qualify for public healthcare in Greece, others must rely on private medical insurance to satisfy residency requirements or ensure access to private hospitals and specialists.
Private insurance is particularly important for financially independent residents, many Greece Golden Visa applicants and anyone without public healthcare entitlement through employment, EFKA contributions or a registered S1. Even where public healthcare is available, some British expats maintain private cover to reduce waiting times and expand their choice of hospitals and consultants.
Policies vary considerably. Greek domestic insurers often provide cost-effective cover within Greece, while international insurers may offer broader geographical protection, larger hospital networks and continued cover when travelling or relocating elsewhere. When comparing policies, look beyond the monthly premium. Inpatient and outpatient benefits, emergency evacuation, repatriation, maternity cover, dental treatment, annual benefit limits, policy excesses, waiting periods and exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions all influence the true value of a policy.
Anyone applying for residency should also ensure their insurance provides the documentation required for the relevant immigration process, including visa-compliant health insurance certificates where applicable.
The cheapest policy is rarely the best choice. Selecting the best health insurance for foreigners in Greece means balancing affordability with the level of protection you and your family may require over many years of living abroad.
Before Choosing Health Insurance, Understand the Gaps
The cheapest policy may satisfy residency requirements but still leave significant gaps in your medical cover. Make sure you understand exactly what is—and isn’t—covered before you commit.
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How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in Greece?
The cost of private health insurance in Greece depends on far more than age alone. Insurers also consider your medical history, location, chosen excess, geographical area of cover, annual benefit limits and whether outpatient treatment is included.
As a broad 2026/27 guide, basic local cover may cost around €50–€100 per month, mid-level policies around €125–€250, and comprehensive or international plans around €250–€500 or more. Some entry-level expat policies are advertised from approximately €84 per month, although the final premium depends on personal underwriting and the benefits selected.
Younger applicants with no significant medical history will usually pay less. Premiums tend to rise sharply for older applicants, particularly where wider outpatient cover, low excesses or international treatment are required. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded, covered with a premium increase or accepted only after a waiting period.
Location also matters. A policy limited to treatment in Greece generally costs less than one covering Europe, the UK or worldwide treatment. Likewise, hospital-only insurance is usually cheaper than cover including GP appointments, diagnostics, prescriptions, dental care and maternity services.
Healthcare costs are only one part of your relocation budget. Our Cost of Living in Greece Guide Cost of Living in Greece: Is Greece Expensive? explains the day-to-day expenses UK nationals should budget for before moving.
The best health insurance for foreigners in Greece is therefore not necessarily the cheapest. British expats should compare exclusions, renewal terms, hospital networks and benefit limits before choosing a policy.
Private Health Insurance Costs in Greece (2026/27)
| Level of Cover | Indicative Monthly Cost | Typical Position |
| Basic local cover | €50–€100 | Mainly inpatient or emergency treatment |
| Mid-level cover | €125–€250 | Wider hospital access with some outpatient benefits |
| Comprehensive international cover | €250–€500+ | Broader geographical cover and higher benefit limits |
| Older applicants | Individually assessed | Age and medical history may increase premiums substantially |
| Pre-existing conditions | Individually assessed | May be excluded, restricted or priced separately |
These figures are indicative market ranges, not quotations. Premiums should be confirmed directly with the insurer before relocating.
Healthcare Costs in Greece
Healthcare costs in Greece are generally lower than equivalent private treatment in the UK, but charges vary considerably between doctors, hospitals and regions. The figures below are indicative 2026/27 ranges and should be checked before treatment.
Eligible patients using public healthcare in Greece may receive hospital care free or at a subsidised rate. However, co-payments still apply in certain areas. The usual patient contribution for prescribed medication is around 25%, although reduced or zero contributions may apply to particular conditions. Diagnostic tests carried out through an EOPYY-contracted private provider normally attract a 15% patient contribution.
Private treatment is more predictable but can become expensive without suitable insurance. A private GP appointment may cost approximately €60–€150, while private hospital accommodation can range from €200–€500 or more per day, before consultant, treatment and procedure fees are added.
Specialist consultations, MRI scans, CT scans, dentistry and maternity care are generally paid directly unless included in the policy. Some insurers cover inpatient treatment but exclude routine consultations, prescriptions, dental treatment or pregnancy-related care. Others apply an annual excess or require the patient to pay part of each claim.
Emergency treatment in a public hospital may be available to an entitled patient without a substantial upfront charge. Private emergency treatment, however, may generate separate charges for the hospital, consultant, diagnostics and admission.
For British expats in Greece, the most important issue is not simply the headline cost. It is understanding which treatments the public system covers, which charges remain payable and where private insurance may still leave gaps.
Our Financial Planning for UK Expats Guide explains how healthcare costs fit into your wider relocation budget and long-term financial planning.
Healthcare and Treatment Costs in Greece (2026/27)
| Service or Treatment | Indicative Cost | Important Qualification |
| EOPYY-contracted doctor | Free or reduced cost | Requires valid entitlement and provider availability |
| ESY public hospital treatment | Generally free for entitled patients | Referral or eligibility conditions may apply |
| Prescription medication | Usually 25% contribution | Reduced rates may apply to certain illnesses |
| EOPYY-contracted diagnostics | Usually 15% contribution | Applies to approved tests for eligible patients |
| Private GP consultation | €60–€150 | Varies by doctor, city and clinic |
| Private specialist consultation | €60–€200+ | Senior consultants may charge more |
| Private blood tests | €30–€80 | Depends on the tests requested |
| Private CT scan | €150–€300 | Contrast and reporting may increase the cost |
| Private MRI scan | €200–€400 | Price varies by body area and clinic |
| Private hospital room | €200–€500+ per day | Treatment and consultant fees are additional |
| Dental cleaning | €50–€80 | Most dental treatment is private |
| Private childbirth | €2,000–€6,000 | Depends on hospital, delivery and complications |
| Emergency private treatment | Variable | May include hospital, consultant and diagnostic fees |
All figures are indicative as at 2026/27. Costs vary by provider, location, medical complexity and insurance terms.
Hospitals and Clinics in Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete and the Greek Islands
The quality of healthcare in Greece varies by location, making where you choose to live an important healthcare decision.
Athens offers the country’s largest concentration of public hospitals, private clinics, specialist consultants and diagnostic centres. It also has the widest choice of English-speaking doctors, making it the preferred location for many British expats in Greece, particularly those with ongoing medical conditions or specialist healthcare requirements.
Thessaloniki provides the strongest healthcare network in northern Greece, combining university hospitals, public facilities and an expanding private sector. Although healthcare standards are high, specialist choice is generally more limited than in Athens.
Crete offers good healthcare in Heraklion and Chania, while Rhodes and Corfu provide reliable hospital and primary care services for residents and visitors. However, access to highly specialised treatment may require referral to larger mainland hospitals.
Healthcare on smaller islands is naturally more limited. Local health centres manage routine care and minor emergencies, but serious illness, major trauma or complex surgery may require transfer by ambulance, ferry or air ambulance to a larger regional hospital. Anyone with chronic medical conditions should therefore consider hospital access before deciding where to relocate.
Regional Healthcare Access in Greece
| Location | Public Healthcare | Private Healthcare | Main Consideration |
| Athens | Extensive | Extensive | Best choice for specialist treatment |
| Thessaloniki | Strong | Strong | Leading healthcare centre in northern Greece |
| Crete | Good | Good | Best access in Heraklion and Chania |
| Rhodes | Good | Moderate | Specialist treatment may require transfer |
| Corfu | Good | Moderate | Limited specialist availability |
| Smaller islands | Basic | Limited | Emergency evacuation may occasionally be required |
Choose Your Location Around the Healthcare You May Need
The best property isn’t always in the best location. Easy access to hospitals, specialists and emergency care could become far more important than you expect once you are living in Greece.
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Emergency Medical Services in Greece
Medical emergencies in Greece are handled through 112, which connects callers to ambulance, police and fire services. You can also dial 166 directly for the National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAV).
Public ambulances transport patients to the nearest appropriate ESY hospital, while private ambulance services may involve additional charges. Anyone using private healthcare in Greece should notify their insurer as soon as practical if hospital admission or specialist treatment is required.
Residents living on smaller islands or in remote areas should confirm whether their insurance includes medical evacuation or transfer to a larger hospital before relocating.
Medical Emergency Checklist
- Call 112 or 166 immediately.
- Provide your exact location.
- Take your AMKA and insurance details if possible.
- Contact your insurer after emergency treatment.
- Confirm whether onward hospital transfer is required.
Prescription Medication and Pharmacies in Greece
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Greece, with out-of-hours pharmacies operating on a rotating basis. Eligible residents receive electronic prescriptions through the Greek healthcare system, with EOPYY applying the relevant patient contribution where appropriate.
British expats should arrange an appointment with a Greek doctor soon after relocating, as medicine names and available brands may differ from those used in the UK. Anyone taking long-term medication should arrive with an initial supply, copies of prescriptions and a doctor’s summary explaining their condition.
Some controlled medicines require additional documentation before being brought into Greece. Planning repeat prescriptions before moving to Greece from the UK helps ensure uninterrupted treatment while registering for AMKA and establishing healthcare entitlement.
Healthcare for British Retirees in Greece
Reliable healthcare should be central to any decision about where to retire in Greece. Eligible UK State Pension recipients may access public healthcare in Greece through a registered S1, while many retirees also maintain private health insurance in Greece for faster appointments and wider hospital choice.
Anyone managing chronic medical conditions should establish relationships with local GPs and specialists soon after arriving. Repeat prescriptions are generally straightforward once registered with AMKA and the appropriate healthcare provider, although some specialist medicines may require advance ordering.
Retirees should also think beyond routine medical care. Mobility, home support, rehabilitation services and long-term care become increasingly important with age. Living within practical reach of a well-equipped hospital often proves more valuable than choosing an isolated property with spectacular views.
Private health insurance may become more expensive as applicants grow older, particularly where pre-existing medical conditions exist. Reviewing cover before relocating can therefore improve both availability and affordability.
Planning healthcare alongside pensions, residency and location can provide greater security throughout retirement in Greece.
Healthcare for Families and Children in Greece
Parents should consider access to hospitals and paediatric care before choosing where to live in Greece. Athens, Thessaloniki and larger regional centres provide the widest choice of paediatricians, maternity hospitals and specialist children’s services.
Routine childhood vaccinations form part of the Greek healthcare system, while emergency paediatric care is available through major public hospitals and many private facilities. Families choosing private healthcare in Greece often benefit from shorter waiting times and easier access to English-speaking paediatric specialists.
Children enrolling in Greek schools may also need vaccination records or other health documentation, making preparation before relocation advisable. Dental care is widely available through private practices, with many families choosing insurance that includes routine dental treatment.
When selecting health insurance in Greece, parents should compare maternity cover, outpatient consultations, emergency treatment and hospital networks. Living close to a suitable hospital provides valuable reassurance and can significantly reduce stress when urgent medical care is required.
Healthcare for Greece Golden Visa and Other Residence Permit Holders
Holding a Greek residence permit does not automatically provide access to public healthcare in Greece. Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, including employment, EFKA contributions, S1 entitlement or another recognised route into the Greek healthcare system.
Greece Golden Visa investors, financially independent residents and many digital nomads typically rely on private health insurance in Greece, particularly during the residency application process. Suitable medical insurance may also be required as part of certain residence permit applications or renewals.
Workers paying Greek social security contributions may become eligible for public healthcare after completing the necessary registration procedures, while eligible family members may receive cover depending on their legal status.
Before relocating, applicants should confirm exactly what healthcare evidence is required for their chosen residence route. Insurance certificates, policy schedules and proof of valid cover are commonly requested during immigration procedures.
Understanding your healthcare entitlement before applying for residency helps avoid unnecessary delays and ensures you remain appropriately protected from the day you arrive in Greece.
Compare all available residency options in our Greece Visas and Residency Guide before submitting your application.
How Healthcare in Greece Compares with Spain, Portugal and Turkey
Healthcare can be a deciding factor when UK nationals compare Greece with Spain, Portugal and Turkey. All four countries provide good medical care, but eligibility, costs and access differ.
Spain and Portugal generally provide broad public healthcare access for eligible residents and UK pensioners with a registered S1. Greece also offers excellent healthcare through ESY and EOPYY, although entitlement depends on meeting the relevant registration and contribution requirements. Turkey operates a different system centred on SGK, with no equivalent EU S1 arrangement.
Private healthcare costs in Greece are generally competitive by Western European standards and are often lower than Spain or Portugal. Waiting times for specialist treatment are usually shorter in the private sector, while English-speaking doctors are widely available in Athens, Thessaloniki and larger tourist destinations. As with Spain and Portugal, healthcare on smaller islands can be more limited than in major cities.
No single country is universally better. The right choice depends on your healthcare needs, retirement plans, preferred location and budget., Greece offers UK nationals an attractive balance between affordable private healthcare, good public provision and an excellent quality of life.
Healthcare Comparison: Greece, Spain, Portugal and Turkey
| Factor | Greece | Spain | Portugal | Turkey |
| Public healthcare access | Entitlement based | Strong | Strong | SGK system |
| S1 for UK pensioners | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Private healthcare costs | Competitive | Higher | Moderate | Generally competitive |
| Waiting times (private) | Short | Short | Moderate | Short |
| English-speaking doctors | Good in major centres | Good | Good | Good in major cities |
| Retirement suitability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
Practical Healthcare Checklist Before Moving to Greece
Use this checklist before relying on healthcare in Greece.
✔ Confirm whether you qualify for an S1.
✔ Apply for an AMKA number where eligible.
✔ Complete public healthcare registration if entitled.
✔ Compare health insurance in Greece before relocating.
✔ Check policy exclusions and pre-existing condition rules.
✔ Bring sufficient prescription medication from the UK.
✔ Carry copies of your medical records and prescriptions.
✔ Save emergency numbers 112 and 166.
✔ Identify your nearest hospital and pharmacy.
✔ If living on an island, confirm emergency evacuation arrangements.
✔ Review healthcare needs for children or dependant family members.
Preparing these essentials before moving to Greece from the UK will help ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare from the day you arrive.
Don’t Leave Your Healthcare to Chance
Completing a checklist is easy. Making sure your healthcare, residency, insurance and wider relocation plans all work together is where costly mistakes are avoided.
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Why Choose Advice for Expats?
Healthcare should never be planned in isolation. Advice for Expats helps UK nationals coordinate healthcare, residency, insurance, retirement, pensions, taxation and location decisions through carefully selected professional partners in Greece. Rather than dealing with multiple advisers independently, we help you develop a structured relocation strategy that reduces risk and supports informed decision-making before you leave the UK. Our objective is simple: to help you relocate with greater confidence and avoid costly mistakes later.
FAQs: Healthcare in Greece
The following answers cover the healthcare questions British expats ask most often before moving to Greece from the UK.
Is healthcare free in Greece for foreigners?
No. Healthcare in Greece is not automatically free for foreigners. Access to public healthcare in Greece depends on your residency status, EFKA contributions, a registered S1, or another recognised entitlement. Without public eligibility, private health insurance or self-payment is usually required.
Can British expats use public healthcare in Greece?
Yes, provided they qualify. British expats in Greece may access public healthcare in Greece through employment, self-employment, EFKA contributions or a registered S1. Simply holding a residence permit does not automatically create healthcare entitlement.
Who qualifies for an S1 in Greece?
Eligible UK State Pension recipients may qualify for an S1, allowing them to access the Greek healthcare system on the same basis as insured Greek residents after registering the document with the relevant Greek authorities.
What is an AMKA number in Greece?
An AMKA number is your personal healthcare and social security identification number. It is required for many aspects of healthcare in Greece, including prescriptions, public healthcare registration and access to many healthcare services.
Do I need private health insurance in Greece?
Many foreigners do. Health insurance in Greece is particularly important for residents without public entitlement, Greece Golden Visa holders and anyone wanting faster access to private hospitals, specialists and English-speaking doctors.
How much does healthcare cost in Greece?
Healthcare costs in Greece vary depending on whether you use public or private services. Eligible residents often receive subsidised treatment, while private consultations, diagnostics and hospital care are charged separately unless covered by insurance.
Do Greece Golden Visa holders receive public healthcare?
No. Holding a Greece Golden Visa does not automatically provide access to public healthcare in Greece. Most investors rely on private health insurance in Greece unless they later qualify through another recognised entitlement route.
Is healthcare on the Greek islands reliable?
Yes, although facilities vary. Larger islands provide hospitals and specialist services, while smaller islands often rely on health centres and may transfer complex cases to larger mainland hospitals.
People Also Ask: Healthcare in Greece
These additional questions reflect common searches from UK nationals about healthcare before relocating to Greece.
Is public or private healthcare better in Greece?
Neither is universally better. Public healthcare in Greece offers excellent value for eligible residents, while private healthcare in Greece provides faster appointments, wider specialist choice and greater access to English-speaking doctors. Many British expats successfully combine both systems.
What is the best health insurance for foreigners in Greece?
The best health insurance for foreigners in Greece depends on your age, residency status, medical history and budget. Compare hospital networks, outpatient benefits, exclusions, excesses and geographical cover rather than focusing solely on the monthly premium.
Are there English-speaking doctors in Greece?
Yes. English-speaking doctors are widely available in Athens, Thessaloniki and other major cities, as well as many private hospitals serving international patients. Availability is generally more limited in smaller towns and on remote islands.
How much does private health insurance cost in Greece?
The cost of private health insurance in Greece usually ranges from around €50 per month for basic local cover to €500 or more for comprehensive international policies, depending on age, medical history and the level of cover selected.
Can I rely on a GHIC when living in Greece?
No. A GHIC is intended for temporary visits and medically necessary state healthcare. It should not be relied upon after moving to Greece from the UK, where long-term residents normally require public entitlement or private medical insurance.
What happens if I need emergency treatment in Greece?
Call 112 or 166 immediately. Public hospitals provide emergency treatment, while private hospitals may require insurance details or payment arrangements. Residents of smaller islands should also understand local transfer and medical evacuation procedures before relocating.
Useful Resources
The following official resources provide additional guidance for British expats planning healthcare before moving to Greece.
Health Insurance Cover When Living Abroad: Official European Union guidance on healthcare cover, S1 registration, social security coordination and access to public healthcare when living in another European country.
Greek Ministry of Health: Official information on the Greek healthcare system, public health policy and healthcare services.
Start Your Greece Journey
Healthcare in Greece can provide an excellent standard of medical care, but successful access depends on proper planning before you relocate. Understanding your eligibility for public healthcare in Greece, arranging appropriate health insurance in Greece, registering for AMKA, considering your long-term medical needs and choosing the right location can all make a significant difference to your experience after arrival.
Relying on assumptions about public healthcare entitlement or insurance cover can result in unnecessary costs and avoidable complications. Taking professional advice before moving to Greece from the UK helps ensure every aspect of your relocation works together from the outset.
Put the Right Healthcare in Place Before You Move to Greece
Healthcare is too important to leave until after you arrive. We will help you put the right healthcare and insurance arrangements in place before you relocate.
Start Your Greece Relocation Journey
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