Healthcare For Expats In Greece

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, attracts numerous expatriates each year drawn to its Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and lifestyle. But what about healthcare in this country? Can expatriates access quality medical care? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Greek healthcare system, with a special focus on options available for foreign residents.

A High-Performing Healthcare System: Greece Delivers

The Greek healthcare system has seen significant improvements in recent years, now offering quality care comparable to other European countries. Greece has a network of well-equipped public hospitals and private clinics, along with highly qualified healthcare professionals. Expatriates can rest assured: it’s entirely possible to receive good medical treatment in this country.

The Greek healthcare system operates on a mixed model, combining a universal public service (ESY) and a dynamic private sector. The public system offers basic coverage to all legal residents, including expatriates working and contributing in Greece. However, many expatriates opt for supplementary private insurance to benefit from faster access to care and greater flexibility in choosing practitioners.

Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have modern medical infrastructure and recognized specialists in various fields. Even in more rural or island areas, you’ll typically find health centers capable of handling basic care and emergencies. For more complex cases, transfers to major urban centers can be arranged quickly.

Healthcare Budget in Greece: Controlled Costs for Expatriates

Regarding the budget to plan for healthcare in Greece, expatriates will be pleasantly surprised by costs generally lower than those in many Western countries. Medical consultation and treatment fees are regulated by the state, helping maintain reasonable prices even in the private sector.

To provide some benchmarks, a general practitioner consultation costs on average between €20 and €50, while a specialist visit can range from €50 to €100. Hospitalization fees in a private clinic typically range from €150 to €300 per day, depending on room type and services provided.

It’s important to note that these costs can be largely covered by the Greek public health insurance (EOPYY) for enrolled expatriates. However, many expatriates choose to purchase international health insurance to benefit from more comprehensive coverage and avoid potential wait times in the public system.

The annual budget to plan for private health insurance in Greece varies considerably depending on age, health status, and desired coverage level. On average, you can expect costs ranging from €1,000 to €3,000 per year for comprehensive coverage including hospitalization, consultations, and medications.

The Best Private Clinics in Greece: Medical Excellence Serving Expatriates

For expatriates seeking high-quality care in a comfortable environment, Greece has several reputable private clinics. Here’s a selection of the most sought-after facilities:

1. Athens Medical Center

Located in the capital, Athens Medical Center is recognized for its excellence in many medical specialties. This state-of-the-art facility has cutting-edge equipment and welcomes many international patients. It’s particularly renowned for its cardiology, oncology, and orthopedic surgery services.

2. Hygeia Hospital

Hygeia Hospital, also located in Athens, is one of Greece’s largest private hospitals. It offers a complete range of medical and surgical services, with particular expertise in neurosurgery, radiotherapy, and robotic surgery. The facility has a dedicated international patient service, facilitating care for expatriates.

3. Metropolitan Hospital

Located in Piraeus, Athens’ port, Metropolitan Hospital is renowned for its cardiology and cardiac surgery center. It also has a state-of-the-art oncology department and an internationally recognized assisted reproduction center.

4. Euromedica General Clinic of Thessaloniki

For expatriates living in northern Greece, Euromedica General Clinic in Thessaloniki is a reference. This modern facility offers a wide range of medical and surgical services, with particular expertise in urology and gastroenterology.

5. IASO Group

The IASO Group manages several private clinics in Greece, with the most well-known being IASO General Hospital in Athens. This facility is particularly renowned for its maternity and gynecology services, attracting many expatriate women for pregnancy monitoring and childbirth.

These private clinics typically offer services in English and sometimes other foreign languages, making communication easier for expatriate patients. They often have dedicated international patient departments, offering additional services such as assistance with administrative formalities or coordination with foreign insurance companies.

Navigating the Greek Healthcare System: Practical Tips for Expatriates

To make the most of the Greek healthcare system as an expatriate, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

• Public System Registration: If you work legally in Greece, register with EOPYY (the national health insurance organization) to benefit from basic coverage.
• Supplementary Insurance: Consider purchasing private health insurance to complement public coverage and access private clinics more easily.
• Choosing a Doctor: In Greece, you can consult a specialist directly without going through a general practitioner. Ask the expatriate community for recommendations of practitioners who speak your language.
• Pharmacies: Greek pharmacies are numerous and well-stocked. Some medications available over-the-counter in your home country may require a prescription in Greece.
• Emergencies: The European emergency number 112 works in Greece. In major cities, public hospitals handle emergencies on a rotating basis.

It’s also important to note that care quality can vary between urban and rural areas. If you live in an isolated region or on a small island, it may be wise to inquire about medical evacuation options in case of serious emergencies.

Finally, don’t forget that prevention is essential. Greece offers an environment conducive to a healthy lifestyle, with its renowned Mediterranean diet and numerous opportunities for outdoor physical activities. Take advantage of this to take care of your health daily!

Conclusion: Greece, a Reassuring Destination for Expatriate Health

In conclusion, expatriates can be reassured about the quality of healthcare available in Greece. The country offers a high-performing healthcare system, combining an accessible public service and a high-quality private sector. The costs, generally lower than in many Western countries, make care affordable, especially with good insurance coverage.

Major Greek cities, particularly Athens and Thessaloniki, have modern medical infrastructure and renowned private clinics capable of handling a wide range of medical conditions. Even in more remote areas, basic care is typically provided, with the possibility of transfer to larger centers if necessary.

For expatriates, the key to a positive experience with the Greek healthcare system lies in good preparation. This involves registering with the public system, considering appropriate supplementary insurance, and familiarizing yourself with the local healthcare operation.

Greece, with its favorable climate, healthy diet, and numerous active lifestyle opportunities, provides a framework conducive to expatriates’ overall well-being. By combining these natural assets with an effective healthcare system, the country positions itself as an attractive destination for health-conscious foreigners.