Healthcare in Greece for Travellers and Tourists: How to Get Medical Care & Prescriptions
Your Complete Guide to Doctors, Pharmacies, and Medical Costs in Greece
Greece has a good healthcare system with both public and private options. Whether you’re a tourist, digital nomad, or expat, knowing how to get healthcare in Greece will make your trip easier. Public healthcare is available, but many visitors choose private healthcare because it’s faster and has English-speaking doctors. You can also use telemedicine (online doctor visits) for quick help. If you have a prescription from another country, you might be able to use it in Greece, but some medicines need approval from a local doctor.
Pharmacies (Φαρμακεία) are easy to find and sell both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Medical costs in Greece are usually lower than in many Western European countries, but checking your insurance coverage is still smart. This guide explains everything you need to know about healthcare in Greece and how to get medical help as a visitor.
Public vs. Private Healthcare in Greece
Greece has two types of healthcare: public and private. Both are good, but they work differently. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best option.
Public Healthcare in Greece (ESY)
Greece’s public healthcare system is called ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias). It’s free for Greek residents and people from the European Union (EU) who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
If you’re a tourist or not from the EU, you can still use public hospitals, but you might have to pay first and then ask your travel insurance to pay you back. Public hospitals are cheaper than private ones, but you might have to wait longer to see a doctor.
Here’s a simple table to explain:
|
Question |
Answer |
|
Can tourists use public hospitals? |
Yes, but you might need to pay first and get your money back later. |
|
Are public hospitals cheaper? |
Yes, but you might wait longer. |
|
Will insurance cover public care? |
Most travel insurance covers public healthcare. Check your plan to be sure. |
For more information, visit EOPYY, the official Greek healthcare website.
Private Healthcare for Travellers and Tourists
Many visitors choose private healthcare in Greece because it’s faster and more convenient. Private clinics have shorter wait times, English-speaking doctors, and quick access to specialists. This is great if you need help right away.
However, private healthcare isn’t free. You’ll need to pay for each visit or treatment. Here’s a table with estimated costs:
|
Healthcare Service |
Estimated Cost (€) |
|
Private doctor visit |
€50 - €120 |
|
Specialist consultation |
€80 - €200 |
|
Emergency treatment at a private clinic |
€250 - €600 |
Always ask about costs before getting treatment. For more details, visit the Hellenic Medical Association.
Which Should You Choose?
Public healthcare is a good choice if you want cheaper care and don’t mind waiting. But if you want faster service and English-speaking doctors, private healthcare is better. No matter what, check your travel insurance to make sure it covers medical costs. This way, you won’t have to worry about paying a lot of money if you get sick or hurt during your trip.
Finding a Doctor in Major Cities
Finding a doctor in Greece is easy, especially in big cities. You can find English-speaking doctors in private clinics or hospitals. Public hospitals are also an option, but private ones are faster and more convenient. Pharmacies (Φαρμακεία) are everywhere and can help with small health problems or tell you where to find a doctor.
Travellers and tourists searching for “Urgent Care Near Me” can use Mobi Doctor’s urgent care locations to find doctors in specific locations like:
You’ll have no trouble finding the medical help you need in these cities!
How to Find a Doctor in Greece
Whether you live or visit, finding a doctor in Greece is easy. Greece has a good healthcare system with both public and private options. Here’s a simple guide to help you get the care you need.
Option 1: Public Healthcare
Greece’s public healthcare system is called ESY (Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας). It’s free or cheap for Greek residents and EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
- Find a Doctor: Go to the official healthcare website, EOPYY, for doctors or clinics near you.
- Language Help: Some doctors in public hospitals speak English, but not all do. Check before you go.
- Appointments: You’ll usually need to see a general doctor before a specialist.
If you’re a tourist from outside the EU, you can still use public healthcare, but you might need to pay first and ask your travel insurance to pay you back.
Option 2: Emergency Rooms & Hospitals
If you have an emergency, Greece has good services to help you. Here’s what to do:
Emergency Numbers:
- 112: Use this for any emergency (police, fire, or medical) in Europe.
- 166: This is Greece’s number for medical emergencies and ambulances.
Public Hospitals:
Public hospitals give free emergency care, even for tourists. But for non-urgent cases, you might wait a long time.
Private Hospitals:
Private hospitals are faster but can be expensive. Check if your insurance covers private healthcare.
Option 3: Online Doctor Visits (Telemedicine)
You can talk to a doctor online using services like Mobi Doctor if you don’t want to visit a clinic. This is called telemedicine, and it’s great for small health problems or follow-up appointments.
Why Use Telemedicine?
- Fast: No waiting in long lines.
- Easy: You can talk to a doctor from your home or hotel.
- English-Speaking Doctors: Many online doctors in Greece speak English.
- Prescriptions: The doctor can send the prescription to your phone if you need medicine.
Whether you choose public healthcare, private clinics, or online doctors, Greece’s healthcare system is easy to use. Keep emergency numbers handy and check your insurance to stay prepared. For more info, visit EOPYY.
Getting a Prescription in Greece as a Traveller or Tourist
If you’re travelling to Greece and need to use a prescription from your home country, there are some rules you should know. Greece has specific rules about medicines, especially for travellers. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how to get the necessary medication.
Using Prescriptions from EU Countries
If you’re from an EU country, you can use your prescription in Greece if it follows EU rules. This means the prescription must have your name, the medicine details, and the doctor’s information. Most Greek pharmacies (called Φαρμακεία) will accept EU prescriptions without any problems. But it’s always a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription and any medical documents, just in case.
Using Prescriptions from Non-EU Countries
If you’re from a non-EU country, the rules are stricter. Some medicines may be accepted, but stronger or controlled medicines will need approval from a Greek doctor. You’ll need to visit a local doctor to get a new prescription for these medicines. Bring your original prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining why you need the medicine.
Controlled Substances
Controlled substances, like strong painkillers or anxiety medicines, cannot be given in Greece without a prescription from a Greek doctor. You’ll have to see a local doctor to get a new prescription if you need these medicines. Bring your medical records to help explain your situation.
Pharmacy Services in Greece
Pharmacies (Φαρμακεία) in Greece are easy to find and sell both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. They are usually open during normal business hours, but some offer emergency services. For more information, visit EOPYY.
Here’s a simple table to help you understand the rules:
|
Situation |
Can You Use Prescription? |
|
From an EU country |
Yes, if it follows EU rules. |
|
From a non-EU country |
Maybe, but strong medicines need a Greek doctor’s approval. |
|
Controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers) |
No, you need a new prescription from a Greek doctor. |
By knowing these rules, you can ensure you get the medicines you need in Greece. Always carry your prescription and medical documents, and be ready to see a local doctor if necessary. This will help you stay healthy and enjoy your trip without any problems!
Cost of Medical Care In Greece
Medical care in Greece is known for being high-quality and easy to access. The country has both public and private healthcare options. Public healthcare is affordable for residents, while private care is faster but more expensive. Below is a table showing the estimated costs for common medical services in Greece:
|
Service |
Estimated Cost |
|
General doctor visit |
€50 - €120 |
|
Emergency room visit |
€200 - €400 |
|
Specialist consultation |
€80 - €200 |
|
Hospital overnight stay |
€500 - €1,500 |
|
Prescription medications |
€5 - €50 |
For more details, visit IKA.gr, the official website for Greece’s social security system.
Emergency Contacts & 24/7 Pharmacies in Greece
In Greece, help is always available in case of an emergency. If you need an ambulance, police, or fire services, call 112. This number works for any big emergency. If you have a small health problem and need advice, you can call 166 for help.
Pharmacies in Greece usually close in the evening and on weekends, but there’s always at least one 24/7 pharmacy (Φαρμακείο Εφημερίας) open in each area. To find the nearest one, visit EOF.gr, the official website for pharmacies. This way, you can get medicine or basic help at night or on holidays.
Keep these numbers handy, especially if you’re travelling, so you know where to go or who to call in case of an emergency or health problem!
FAQ
How much does a doctor’s visit cost in Greece for tourists?
A visit to a private doctor in Greece usually costs between €50 and €120. It can cost €80 to €200 if you need to see a specialist. Emergency visits and hospital stays can be more expensive, so check if your travel insurance covers these costs.
Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Greece?
Yes, if you’re from the EU or EEA, you can use your EHIC or GHIC to get public healthcare in Greece. This card lets you pay the same as Greek residents for medical care. But it doesn’t cover private healthcare or costs like flying back home, so extra travel insurance is a good idea.
How can a tourist get medical care in Greece?
Tourists can visit public hospitals, private clinics, or pharmacies for medical care. For small health problems, visit a private doctor or clinic. Public hospitals give free care in emergencies, but private hospitals may charge you. Always carry your insurance details and passport.
Are there tourist hospitals in Athens?
Yes, Athens has private hospitals and clinics that help tourists. Some well-known ones are Hygeia Hospital and Metropolitan Hospital. These places often have doctors who speak English and can help you quickly.
Do Greek pharmacies sell antibiotics without a prescription?
No, you need a prescription from a doctor to buy antibiotics in Greece. You can visit a local doctor or use an online service to get a prescription. Greek pharmacies (farmakeio) are easy to find and can help with small health problems or over-the-counter medicines.
How to find an English-speaking doctor in Greece?
You can find English-speaking doctors in private clinics, especially in big cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. You can also use apps like Mobi Doctor to talk to English-speaking doctors online. Check the official Greek healthcare website (IKA.gr) for more info.
Conclusion
Greece has a good healthcare system that works for both residents and visitors. You can choose between public healthcare, private clinics, or online doctors (telemedicine). Public healthcare is cheap and available to everyone, while private healthcare is faster and has English-speaking doctors. Pharmacies are easy to find and can help with medicines.
If you’re a traveller, know the rules about using prescriptions from your home country, especially if you’re from outside the EU. Always carry your medical documents and be ready to see a local doctor if needed. In an emergency, call 112 or 166 for help.
Understanding how healthcare works in Greece allows you to stay safe and enjoy your trip without worries. Whether visiting ancient ruins or relaxing on the beaches, knowing where to find medical help will improve your trip. Have fun in Greece!
