15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Greece

"Either get private health insurance if applicable, or be prepared to pay for private care," wrote an expat living in Paros.

"Greece offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system in Greece is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare in Greece is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Greece are eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Greece can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health center and obtaining a Greek health insurance card. This card allows them to access the public healthcare system and receive the same level of care as Greek citizens," said an expat in Greece.

"Greece has a well-developed healthcare system that provides a wide range of medical services. The country has a network of public hospitals and clinics that offer free or low-cost medical care to citizens and residents. Private hospitals and clinics are also available, offering a higher standard of care for those who can afford it. Greece also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized treatments and services. In addition, Greece has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription and over-the-counter medications," remarked one expat in Greece.

"The cost is reasonable under the IHC, private care varies, but in general is cheaper than UK I believe," commented one expat living in Paros, Greece.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Greece can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services, such as doctor visits and hospital stays, can be high, and the cost of health insurance can also be high. Additionally, the cost of medications can be expensive, and many people in Greece struggle to afford the cost of healthcare and health insurance," wrote one expat.

"Nearest proper hospitals are in Athens, a boat or plane ride away. The emergency service in the public health facility is very good, mainly due to a very conscientious doctor. Otherwise there are private clinics which cater for scans, x rays, blood tests etc," mentioned one expat in Paros.

"In Greece, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the European emergency number 112, or the national emergency number 166. The emergency services in Greece are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained professionals who are ready to respond to any medical emergency," commented one expat who moved to Greece.

"As mentioned previously it depends on the situation as there are many hospitals in Athens. Care varies," remarked one expat in Paros.

"Greece is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, with some of the best selection being found in the cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. Additionally, the islands of Crete and Corfu are known for their excellent selection of medical specialists, as well as the region of Central Macedonia. Other areas of Greece with a good selection of medical specialists include the Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands, and the Cyclades Islands," remarked one expat living in Greece.

"Yes, plenty of pharmacies, prescription is needed for some drugs, which gives a discount on the price, otherwise they can be expensive sometimes," said an expat in Paros.

"Prescription medications are widely available in Greece. Most pharmacies in Greece carry a wide range of prescription medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications used to treat a variety of conditions. Many pharmacies also offer generic versions of popular medications, which can be more affordable than the brand-name versions. In addition, some pharmacies offer online ordering and delivery services, making it easier for people to access the medications they need," commented one expat living in Greece.

"Greece has a well-developed healthcare system, providing quality medical care to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services. The quality of medical care in Greece is generally high, with many doctors and medical professionals having received training abroad. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific medical conditions. In addition, Greece has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," said one expat living in Greece.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Greece, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Greece is generally of a high quality, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents of Greece. The public healthcare system is divided into primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care. Primary care is provided by general practitioners, while secondary care is provided by specialists. Tertiary care is provided by hospitals and other specialized medical centers," mentioned one expat in Greece.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Greece. The government has implemented a number of measures to protect the public, including the closure of non-essential services, the introduction of telemedicine, and the implementation of strict safety protocols in hospitals. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and a shortage of medical supplies. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a strain on the mental health of healthcare workers, who are often overworked and underpaid. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Greece has been resilient and has managed to provide quality care to those in need," commented one expat living in Greece.