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The Greek healthcare system consists of both public and private medical services. Individuals who contribute to the social security fund are entitled to free or low cost public healthcare service. The system covers the entire Greek population, without any special entitlement condition, regardless of professional category or region. In general, if a foreigner is working in Greece and pays social security contributions, he/she is allowed to receive a medical card and get medical treatment and free hospitalisation. Anyone who has paid regular social security contributions in another EU country for two full years prior to coming to Greece is also entitled to public health cover for a limited period from the date of their last contribution. Emergency treatment is free to all nationalities in public hospitals.
The benefits of the Greek public healthcare system include general and specialist care, hospitalisation, laboratory services, discounted drugs and medicines, basic dental care, maternity care, appliances and transportation (subsidised four-fifths of the cost).
Primary healthcare services are provided through health centres and provincial surgeries in rural areas, the outpatient departments of regional and district hospitals, the polyclinics of the social insurance institutions and specialist in urban areas. Secondary care is provided by public hospitals, private hospitals and clinics.
Private insurance is also available in Greece, it gives a wider range of coverage than public healthcare. In general, the higher the premium, the more choice an individual have regarding doctors, specialists and hospitals. If you are not entitled to public healthcare, you are advised to have a private health insurance plan. An individual must present a proof of insurance when applying for residence permit. One can also choose private insurance plan as a supplement to the public healthcare due to the inadequacy of public medical services and long waiting times in some areas.
Like in any system, there are always some issues. There is a shortage on the overall healthcare funding in Greece. The total healthcare expenditure as % of GDP in Greece is 9.9% which is much lower than 15.3% in the USA. The density of physicans to population is 5:1,000 which is above average within Europe. However, most doctors work in Athens or Thessaloniki, creating shortages in many provinces. Anesthetists, orthopedists, and psychiatrists are especially lacking outside urban centers. The availability of public hospitals tend to cluster in big cities and is very limited in rural areas.
Agnes B, from Brighton, had this to say about her experience with Greek healthcare. A few years back during my visit to Greece on a cruise trip, I accidentally slipped and broke my foot while visiting one of the Greek Islands. I had no travel insurance in place on that particular visit and was sent to the nearest hospital immediately. After over an hour waiting time, I was examined by the doctor. Entering the room, I was totally shocked, the equipment there was extremely basic and the leather chair for examination was broken and stuck together by cellotape. There was no sight of a nurse in the room, only a doctor. Given what was in front of my eyes, I was so worried especially when the doctor told me that he has to put a plaster on my foot and I had no other choice. When I went back to the UK, I quickly made an appointment with the hospital and the doctor took away the old plaster and put a new one on which looked much more professional. If I had a travel insurance put in place at the time, I would have an option to choose a better hospital for treatment. From then on, for my ease of mind, whenever I travel, I purchase a travel insurance plan.
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Globalsurance is a one-stop insurance brokerage service provider for you when travelling to Greece.
Expat health insurance will generally provide the most comprehensive coverage while traveling or working in Greece.
We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations and many others. Contact our professional advisers today to enjoy a full insurance protection such as Expat Health Insurance for yourself and your family.
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