Is Healthcare Free in Greece? Here’s What You Really Need to Know
Greece is well-known for its strong public healthcare system, but whether healthcare is actually free depends on your legal status in the country. While Greek citizens and legal residents enjoy broad access to affordable care, visitors and non-residents have different rules to follow. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the system works and who qualifies for what.
How the Greek Healthcare System Works
Greece has a universal healthcare system called ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias). It’s funded through a combination of:
Social insurance contributions
Government funding
Public hospitals and clinics
Because the system is publicly supported, the cost of care is significantly lower than in countries like the United States.
Is Healthcare Free for Greek Citizens?
Yes — most basic services are free or extremely low-cost for Greek citizens. This includes:
Primary care visits
Emergency care
Hospitalization
Standard diagnostic tests
Certain medications with small co-pays
Citizens also have access to both public hospitals and contracted private providers.
Is Healthcare Free for Residents?
Legal residents, including Americans who obtain Greek residency, receive the same access as Greek citizens once they have:
An AFM (tax number), and
An AMKA or PAAYPA (social security health number)
Once registered, residents can use public healthcare at minimal cost.
Is Healthcare Free for Tourists?
No.
Visitors — including U.S. tourists — must pay for care. Emergency treatment is available, but it is not free and can add up quickly.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
How Much Does Healthcare Cost Without Residency?
Costs are still far lower than in the U.S.:
Standard doctor visit: €30–€50
Specialist: €60–€100
Emergency hospital visit: €150–€300+
Private hospital: higher, depending on services
Private Healthcare in Greece
Many residents choose private care because:
Shorter wait times
More English-speaking doctors
Modern facilities
Private insurance (local or international) helps cover these costs. Premiums in Greece are far lower than U.S. rates.
Bottom Line
Healthcare in Greece is free or extremely low-cost for citizens and legal residents. For visitors, care is affordable but not free. Once you become a resident — whether through ancestry, residency visas, or long-term stay — you gain access to the same public system as Greeks.
Use CitizenGR to streamline your application.
Download the CitizenGR app for residency guidance, eligibility checks, and expert support.
