Why Health Insurance Matters When Moving to Greece
Whether you're retiring in the Peloponnese, starting a business in Athens, or working remotely from a Cretan village, health insurance is one of the first things you need to sort out when relocating to Greece. It's not just a practical necessity — it's often a legal requirement.
- If you're applying for a Schengen visa, you must have travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage
- If you're applying for a Greek residence permit, you'll need proof of health insurance
- If you're a Greek citizen returning from abroad, you'll need to register for public healthcare or arrange private cover
- US Medicare does not cover you in Greece — not even for emergencies
The good news: Greece has excellent healthcare by global standards, and the cost of coverage — both public and private — is significantly lower than in the United States.
Option 1: Greek Public Healthcare (ESY / EOPYY)
How It Works
Greece has a universal public healthcare system called ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias), managed by EOPYY (National Organisation for Health Services Provision). It provides free or heavily subsidised care to all legal residents who are registered in the social insurance system.
Who's Eligible
- Greek citizens — automatically eligible once they have an AMKA number
- EU/EEA citizens — eligible with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays, or AMKA for permanent residents
- Non-EU residents — eligible after obtaining a valid residence permit and AMKA
- Uninsured residents — Greece introduced free healthcare access for uninsured residents in 2016, though coverage may be limited
What's Covered
- GP consultations at public health centres (free)
- Hospital admissions and surgeries at public hospitals (free)
- Emergency care (free)
- Prescription medications (subsidised — you typically pay 0–25% of the cost)
- Diagnostic tests and lab work (free at public facilities, often long waits)
- Maternity care (free)
- Mental health services (limited availability)
What Public Healthcare Costs
| Service | Cost (Public System) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GP visit | €0 | At public health centres (PEDY / IKA) |
| Specialist visit | €0 – €5 | Referral needed; wait times 2–8 weeks |
| Hospital stay | €0 | Shared wards; private rooms extra (€30–€60/night) |
| Emergency room | €0 | Public hospitals; can be very busy |
| Prescriptions | €0 – €25 | Subsidised; pensioners and low-income pay less |
| Dental care | Limited | Basic extractions covered; most dental is private |
The Pros and Cons
Pros: Free or near-free, covers everything essential, no pre-existing condition exclusions, accessible in all major cities.
Cons: Long waiting times (especially for specialists and non-urgent procedures), overcrowded hospitals, older facilities outside major cities, limited English-speaking staff in many locations, very limited dental and optical coverage.
Tip: The quality of public healthcare in Greece varies enormously by location. Athens and Thessaloniki have world-class public hospitals (Evangelismos, AHEPA). Smaller islands may only have basic health centres. If you're moving to a rural area or island, private insurance becomes much more important.
Option 2: Greek Private Health Insurance
Why Most Expats Choose Private
The majority of expats and returning Greek Americans opt for private health insurance, either as their primary coverage or as a supplement to the public system. Private insurance gives you:
- Access to Greece's modern private hospitals and clinics
- English-speaking doctors and international-standard facilities
- Short or no waiting times for specialists and procedures
- Private hospital rooms
- Better dental, optical, and maternity coverage
- Choice of doctor and hospital
Major Greek Private Insurance Providers
| Provider | Monthly Premium (Age 30–45) | Monthly Premium (Age 55–65) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethniki Insurance (National) | €80 – €150 | €180 – €350 | Greece's largest insurer; wide hospital network; basic and premium tiers |
| Interamerican | €100 – €200 | €200 – €400 | Comprehensive family plans; direct billing at private hospitals; strong reputation |
| Generali Greece | €90 – €180 | €190 – €380 | International backing; mid-range pricing; good specialist coverage |
| Eurolife FFH | €85 – €170 | €175 – €360 | Part of Fairfax group; competitive pricing; strong in Athens/Thessaloniki |
| NN Hellas | €90 – €190 | €185 – €390 | Dutch parent company; cancer and critical illness riders available |
| MetLife Greece | €95 – €180 | €195 – €370 | Familiar to US expats; hospital cash and outpatient plans |
What Private Insurance Typically Covers
- Inpatient care: Hospital stays, surgeries, ICU, operating room fees
- Outpatient care: Doctor visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (varies by plan)
- Maternity: Pregnancy, delivery, neonatal care (usually with waiting period)
- Dental: Basic dental on some plans; major dental usually add-on
- Optical: Eye exams and glasses/contacts on premium plans
- Prescription drugs: Covered with co-pay on most plans
Average Private Healthcare Costs (Without Insurance)
If you're paying out of pocket at a private facility in Greece, here's what to expect:
| Service | Average Cost (Private) |
|---|---|
| GP consultation | €40 – €80 |
| Specialist consultation | €60 – €120 |
| Blood test panel | €30 – €80 |
| MRI scan | €200 – €400 |
| CT scan | €150 – €300 |
| Hospital room (per night) | €150 – €500 |
| Minor surgery (outpatient) | €500 – €2,000 |
| Major surgery | €3,000 – €15,000+ |
| Dental cleaning | €50 – €80 |
| Dental crown | €200 – €500 |
| Childbirth (vaginal, private hospital) | €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Childbirth (C-section, private hospital) | €3,000 – €6,000 |
Tip: Even without insurance, private healthcare in Greece is dramatically cheaper than in the US. An MRI that costs $1,500–$3,000 in the US runs €200–€400 in Greece. Many US expats find that paying out of pocket for minor things while carrying insurance for major events is the most cost-effective approach.
Option 3: International / Expat Health Insurance
When to Choose International Plans
International health insurance makes sense if you:
- Travel frequently between Greece, the US, and other countries
- Want the flexibility to be treated anywhere in the world
- Need coverage that includes the US (Greek plans generally don't)
- Want medical evacuation coverage
- Prefer dealing with an English-speaking insurer
Top International Providers for Greece
| Provider | Monthly Premium (Age 30–45) | Monthly Premium (Age 55–65) | US Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | €250 – €450 | €450 – €800 | ✓ Optional | Top-tier global network; 24/7 support; direct billing |
| Allianz Care | €200 – €400 | €400 – €700 | ✓ Optional | Flexible deductibles; strong European network; good app |
| Aetna International | €300 – €550 | €550 – €950 | ✓ Included | Best for US citizens; US network included; CVS integration |
| BUPA Global | €280 – €500 | €500 – €850 | ✓ Optional | Comprehensive cancer cover; mental health included |
| SafetyWing | €70 – €180 | €180 – €350 | Limited | Budget-friendly; great for digital nomads; monthly billing |
| World Nomads | €80 – €200 | Age limits apply | Emergency only | Adventure/travel focused; short-term coverage; easy to buy |
Important for US citizens: If you want health insurance that covers treatment in the US and Greece, Aetna International is typically the strongest choice. Most Greek and European plans explicitly exclude the United States from coverage. Adding US coverage to a Cigna or Allianz plan increases premiums by 40–60%.
How to Get Your AMKA (Greek Social Security Number)
The AMKA is your gateway to Greece's public healthcare system and is also required for employment, banking, and many administrative tasks.
For Greek Citizens
- Visit any KEP (Citizens' Service Centre) in Greece
- Bring your Greek ID card or passport, and proof of address
- The AMKA is usually issued on the spot or within a few days
For Non-EU Residents
- You must first have a valid residence permit
- Visit a KEP with your passport, residence permit, and proof of address
- Processing may take 1–2 weeks
Temporary AMKA (PAAYPA)
Greece introduced PAAYPA (Temporary AMKA for Foreigners) for non-EU residents who need immediate access to the system. This temporary number allows you to access basic healthcare services while your permanent AMKA is being processed.
Special Situations
Retirees Moving from the US
If you're a US retiree moving to Greece, your healthcare planning needs special attention:
- US Medicare: Zero coverage abroad. You cannot use Medicare in Greece under any circumstances.
- Best strategy: Register for Greek public healthcare (via AMKA) as your baseline, and add a private Greek or international plan for faster access and better facilities.
- Prescription medications: Many US medications are available in Greece at a fraction of the cost, often without a prescription for common drugs. However, some brand-name US medications may not be available — consult a Greek pharmacist about equivalents.
- Greece's retiree tax incentive: If you qualify for the 7% flat tax on foreign pension income, factor your insurance costs into your budget — even premium private insurance in Greece is typically cheaper than US Medicare supplements + Medigap.
Digital Nomads
If you're on a Greek digital nomad visa:
- You'll need to show proof of health insurance when applying
- SafetyWing or World Nomads are popular budget options
- For longer stays (12+ months), consider switching to a Greek private plan — it's cheaper and offers better local coverage
Families with Children
- Children are covered under the public system once they have an AMKA
- Paediatric care in Greek public hospitals is generally good, especially in Athens (Aghia Sofia Children's Hospital)
- Private insurance family plans from Interamerican or Generali offer comprehensive paediatric coverage starting from €40–€80/month per child
- Vaccinations: Greece follows the EU vaccination schedule; most are available free through public health centres
Our Recommendation: The Hybrid Approach
For most expats and Greek Americans relocating to Greece, we recommend a hybrid approach:
- Register for public healthcare (get your AMKA). This gives you free emergency care and a safety net that never expires.
- Take out a mid-range Greek private plan (€100–€200/month). This covers you for private hospitals, short wait times, and English-speaking doctors for day-to-day healthcare needs.
- Keep a basic international plan only if you travel frequently or need US coverage for visits back home.
This hybrid setup typically costs €100–€200/month (about €1,200–€2,400/year) and gives you comprehensive coverage that would cost $6,000–$15,000+ annually in the United States.
Bottom line: Healthcare in Greece is excellent, affordable, and accessible. Whether you choose public, private, or a combination, you'll have access to quality medical care at a fraction of US costs. The key is to plan ahead, get insured before you arrive, and make sure your coverage matches your lifestyle and family needs.
How ClearPath Greece Can Help
Navigating health insurance isn't technically a visa issue — but it's inseparable from the relocation process. Our advisory team helps you:
- Understand which insurance you need for your specific visa application
- Compare providers and plans based on your age, health status, and budget
- Get your AMKA registration started as part of the relocation process
- Ensure your coverage meets Greek residence permit requirements