Top Hospitals in Greece by Specialty
Summary: If you're moving to Greece or recently arrived, it's important to know about the country's top hospitals for specific medical conditions. Here's a primer.
Greece is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and warm climate, making it an attractive destination for expats, international retirees, and digital nomads. The Greek healthcare system consists of both public and private hospitals, with the public sector providing free or low-cost healthcare to residents contributing to the social security system. Private hospitals offer a higher standard of comfort and shorter waiting times, which can be an appealing option for those who can afford private health insurance or out-of-pocket expenses. While Greece has competent healthcare services, some expats and travelers may find that certain specialized treatments or surgeries are not as advanced as in their home countries. In such cases, they might consider traveling back for specific medical care. However, Greece does have several top-tier hospitals for various medical conditions and surgeries, which are recognized for their quality of care and specialized services.
Top Hospitals in Greece for Heart Surgery and Chronic Heart Conditions
One of the leading facilities for cardiac care is the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center in Athens, which specializes in heart surgery and the treatment of chronic heart conditions. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly skilled cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Another notable institution is the Athens Medical Center, also in Athens, which offers comprehensive cardiac services and has a reputation for excellence in patient care.
Best Hospitals in Greece for Cancer Care
The Metropolitan Hospital in Athens is renowned for its cancer treatment center, providing advanced oncology care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Additionally, the Hygeia Hospital, also located in Athens, has a dedicated oncology department with a multidisciplinary team of specialists focused on providing personalized cancer treatment.
Leading Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units
For neonatal care, the Mitera Hospital in Athens is highly regarded, featuring a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature and critically ill newborns. The IASO General Hospital, another Athens-based facility, is also known for its excellent NICU and pediatric care services.
Top Hospitals in Greece for Diabetes Management
Laiko General Hospital in Athens has a dedicated endocrinology department that specializes in diabetes management and treatment. The hospital is well-equipped to provide comprehensive care for diabetic patients, including education, nutrition counseling, and advanced therapies.
Best Hospitals for Kidney Treatment and Care
The George Gennimatas General Hospital in Athens is recognized for its nephrology department, offering high-quality care for patients with kidney diseases. This includes dialysis services and kidney transplantation, supported by a team of experienced nephrologists and surgeons.
Top Hospitals in Greece for Neurology
The Eginition Hospital, affiliated with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is a leading institution for neurology and psychiatry. It provides comprehensive neurological services, including the treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders. The hospital is also involved in cutting-edge research and clinical trials.
Best Hospitals for Stroke Treatment
The Red Cross Hospital in Athens is well-known for its emergency services and stroke treatment unit. It offers rapid response and intervention for stroke patients, which is critical for successful recovery. The hospital's multidisciplinary team ensures that patients receive the best possible care during the acute phase and rehabilitation.
Leading Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery
For orthopedic surgery, the Athens Medical Group operates several hospitals with excellent orthopedic departments, such as the Athens Medical Center and the Interbalkan Medical Center in Thessaloniki. These hospitals are equipped with modern facilities and experienced orthopedic surgeons who perform a wide range of procedures, from joint replacements to sports injuries.
Top Hospitals in Greece for Pediatric Care
The "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital in Athens is one of the largest pediatric hospitals in Greece, offering comprehensive medical services for children, including all pediatric subspecialties. It is staffed by pediatricians with extensive experience in treating a wide array of childhood illnesses and conditions.
Specialized Hospitals for Other Conditions
For other specialized treatments, such as eye care, the Athens Eye Hospital is a leading facility with a focus on ophthalmology. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, the Hellenic Center for Diseases Control & Prevention (KEELPNO) provides services to patients recovering from various conditions and surgeries.
Expats and international residents in Greece should consider both the quality of medical services and the potential language barriers when seeking treatment. Many doctors and medical staff in private hospitals are likely to speak English, which can make communication easier for non-Greek speakers. It's also advisable for expats to have comprehensive health insurance to cover the costs of private healthcare, which can be expensive.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Greece Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece
- Best Places to Live in Greece
- Real Estate in Greece
- Guide to Real Estate in Greece
- Pros & Cons of Living in Greece
- Cost of Living in Greece
- Top Hospitals in Greece by Specialty
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Greece (Plus, Itineraries)
- Moving to Greece with a Pet
- Understanding Mental Health in Greece
- Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2024