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International Health Insurance in Greece

Health insurance in Greece can support your new life in this most charismatic of nations. As an expat, private cover can help your health if you can’t access the public system.

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Greece is a beautiful Mediterranean country, known for its ancient history, its near countless islands, and warm weather. Greece has a strong maritime culture and today, shipping and tourism make up two of Greece’s main industries. These industries also provide jobs to expats and international workers.

Local residents often rely on Greece’s National Health System (ESY), which is known for its high standards and free access.

Regardless of where you’re based, if you’re living in Greece you’ll want the best private health insurance available to get the most out of your time there.

How does the healthcare system work in Greece?

Greece’s healthcare system is free or heavily subsidised for Greek citizens and is funded by national health insurance. As a public system, it can be accessed by any Greek resident, but also by expats who pay into the national health insurance and have social security numbers. Typically, this will be automatic if you’re employed by a Greek company.

There are several options for international visitors, but one of the easiest ways for expats to access health insurance in Greece is with private international healthcare.

Discover everyday expat life in Greece

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Pros and cons of using Greece's healthcare system


Pros

  • Perhaps the biggest pro of Greece’s healthcare system is the pricing, or lack thereof. For most citizens, expats, and EU citizens, healthcare is free or heavily subsidised.
  • There’s no extra charge for seeing specialists. While seeing a specialist physician in some countries would mean you have to pay extra, in Greece, healthcare is free, no matter how niche the medical issue.
  • You’re never too far from a pharmacy in Greece. Whether it’s acne or arthritis, pharmacies are often the first line of defence. They’ll be able to offer advice on everyday ailments, and will be able to help with prescriptions.


Cons

  • Service can be slow. Free healthcare can mean that services are busy and waiting times are significantly longer in comparison to private healthcare. Getting to see specialists will likely take longer too.
  • Quality can vary from location to location. If you’re on the mainland or one of the larger islands, you can expect a consistent and high quality of care. Smaller islands or more rural locations may not have direct access to the best facilities. There may also be a shortage of ambulances on some islands.
  • If you’re from outside the UK or EU and don’t work for a Greek employer, you may struggle to access the public medical system. However, with private health insurance in Greece, you won’t have to worry.

What’s the difference between public and private care in Greece?

Public Private
Public healthcare in Greece is free of charge, or heavily subsidised. Private healthcare will charge for appointments, operations, and medicines.
Service can be slower as you’re not paying to be prioritised. Wait times are significantly reduced, especially if you want to see specialists.
Typically, fewer options when choosing your physician or services. If you’re paying for your treatment, you can generally pick from a wider range of options. Certain treatments or levels of care may not be available on public plans but are available to private customers.

 

How can international health insurance help you in Greece?

Moving to a new country can be stressful, but with international health insurance, settling in Greece doesn’t have to be.

Accessing Greece’s healthcare system may be tricky when you first move to the country. With private healthcare, you remove complications and broaden your access to physicians and specialists alike. Illnesses have a habit of striking when you least expect it. Having health insurance in place before anything happens can save you hassle, time, and money.

Get help with stress from Cigna Healthcare

Choosing your international health insurance

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Cigna Global Health Options Plans

Silver

Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

$1,000,000

Annual benefit limit

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Overview

The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.

Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient
  • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Vision and Dental

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $1,000,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Newborn care cover

    Gold

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    $2,000,000

    Annual benefit limit

    Get a Quote

    Overview

    Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.

    Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient
  • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Vision and Dental

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $2,000,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Inpatient Maternity

    Platinum

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Paid in full

    Annual benefit limit

    Get a Quote

    Overview

    Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.

    Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient
  • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Vision and Dental

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: Paid in full
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Private room
    • Full cancer care
    • Inpatient Maternity
    • Mental and Behavioural Health care paid in full

    Cigna Close Care℠ Plan

    Close Care

    Country of residence + Country of nationality

    $500,000

    Annual benefit limit

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    Overview

    An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.

    Available additional modules:
  • Outpatient and Wellness Care
  • Dental Care and Treatment

    • Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $500,000
    • Condition limit: $250,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Semi-private room
    • Full cancer care

    Why choose Cigna Healthcare for health insurance in Greece?

    • Access the care you want through our professional medical partners.
    • Treatment is direct for cost effectiveness.
    • Access treatment whenever, wherever you need it.
    • Cigna Healthcare is designed to be simple and stress free.

    Get a quote today
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    FAQs

    If you’re an EU resident, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare in Greece. However, it will only afford you the same level of care as residents. If you are a British national and have an EHIC, it’ll remain valid until the expiry date on the card passes.

    The cost of health insurance in Greece varies from person to person. Before you can be given a quote, there are a handful of questions you’ll need to answer. Some example questions might include your age, you and your family’s medical history, and any existing conditions.

    The standard of healthcare in Greece is considered to be high and on par with most other countries in Europe. However, the consistency of standards changes across the country. Some islands lack the same extensive medical services as the mainland and bigger islands.