Greece

Introduction

Greece has a well-developed public health insurance system managed by the e-EFKA (Electronic National Social Security Fund), which was established to unify different social security programs.

The system is funded through mandatory contributions from employees, employers, and the self-employed.

Public health insurance provides comprehensive coverage, including hospital care, dental services, rehabilitation, medication, and emergency transport.

Medical emergencies while travelling in Greece

The Greek national health system provides healthcare benefits through a vast network of providers contracted by the National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY) (ΕΝΙΑΊΟΣ ΟΡΓΑΝΙΣΜΌΣ ΠΑΡΟΧΏΝ ΥΠΗΡΕΣΙΏΝ ΥΓΕΊΑΣ – ΕΟΠΥΥ).

In medical emergencies, you can go directly to a public hospital on-call duty or an EOPYY-contracted hospital. 

Present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and your ID or passport upon arrival on admissions. Hospital treatment is free in public ESY-hospitals.

If you choose to be treated in an EOPYY-contracted private clinic, then you will be expected to pay co-payment for part of the hospitalization cost (10-30%) and other potential additional charges.

If you choose to receive hospital treatment in a private clinic without an EOPYY-contract, you will not be covered with your EHIC and you will have to pay privately for all costs. These costs can usually be covered by private travel insurance.

Healthcare services when living in Greece

1. Employed Individuals

Employees working in Greece, whether EU or non-EU citizens, are entitled to social security benefits. To be covered by EFKA, employees must obtain a social security number (AMKA).

Employers handle social security contributions, which entitle employees to public healthcare benefits.

To qualify for illness insurance benefits, employees must have contributed for at least 50 days within the preceding year. Contributions cover both public healthcare services and social security entitlements.

2. Self-Employed and Freelancers

Self-employed individuals and freelancers must register with EFKA and pay monthly contributions, which vary based on selected insurance categories.

The minimum contribution is approximately €155 per month, while the highest tier reaches €500 per month.

Freelancers and self-employed workers must:

• Register their business with the local tax office.
• Choose an insurance category that determines their benefits.
• Pay monthly contributions by the last working day of the month.

Those who fail to select a category are automatically placed in the lowest tier. Contributions are calculated based on reported net taxable income.

3. Pensioners

Pensioners receiving a Greek pension contribute 6% of their pension to healthcare. If they receive a pension from another EU country, they may qualify for healthcare in Greece by obtaining an S1 form.

For non-EU pensioners, access to public health insurance depends on bilateral agreements between Greece and their home country. Otherwise, they may need private health insurance or enroll in voluntary EFKA contributions.

4. Students

EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive state-funded medical care.

Non-EU students must obtain health insurance to qualify for a student visa. Universities often assist non-EU students in enrolling in public health insurance, but private insurance is an alternative.

Students working in Greece are covered under the EFKA system. Those on temporary exchanges remain insured by their home country but should apply for an S1 form or EHIC before departure.

5. Family Members (Dependents)

Dependents of insured individuals receive healthcare coverage, including:

• Spouses who do not work.
• Unmarried children under 18, or up to 24 if unemployed.
• Students up to age 26 or two years after completing studies.
• Disabled children (≥67% disability), regardless of employment status.
• Parents (under certain conditions).

6. Posted Workers

EU citizens temporarily posted to Greece can remain insured in their home country by obtaining an A1 form, which proves they are still contributing to their home country’s social security system.

For healthcare access, they must apply for an S1 form, allowing them to receive the same medical benefits as Greek residents.

Non-EU posted workers may need to enroll in Greece’s public health system or check for reciprocal agreements with their home country.

7. Remote Workers

Greece does not automatically provide public health insurance to remote workers.

• EU remote workers can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary medical care but may need private insurance for additional coverage.
• Non-EU remote workers typically rely on private health insurance.
• Those wishing to access public healthcare may enroll in e-EFKA as self-employed individuals.