Cyprus has become a favorite destination for many expats, digital nomads, and families seeking a sunny, peaceful life by the Mediterranean Sea. While enjoying the stunning landscapes and rich culture of the island, it’s important to know how to access reliable healthcare. This guide will walk you through how the Healthcare for Expats in Cyprus works, how to access medical services, and how to make sure you’re covered.
Cyprus offers a solid healthcare system that blends public and private services to meet the needs of everyone living on the island, including expats. The backbone of the healthcare system is GeSY (General Healthcare System), which was fully rolled out in 2020. This system makes healthcare more affordable by covering a significant portion of medical costs, even for people who are not permanent residents.
GeSY is designed to ensure that all residents, including expats, have access to medical care through a network of doctors, specialists, and public hospitals. It’s pretty straightforward to use, but it’s good to understand how it works and what services are available to you.
If you’re planning to live in Cyprus for more than three months, you’ll need to sign up for GeSY. Here’s what you need to do:
Get Your Social Insurance Number: Head to the Ministry of Health to register and get your social insurance number, which you’ll need to access medical services. You can start the registration process here.
Make Your Contributions: If you’re working in Cyprus, you’ll pay into GeSY automatically through your salary. If you’re not employed, you can still contribute voluntarily so you’re covered. You’ll find all the details about contributions on the GeSY Fees page.
Receive Your GeSY Card: Once you’ve registered, you’ll get a GeSY card. This card lets you access healthcare services across Cyprus, including GP visits, hospital stays, specialist consultations, and some medications.
Cyprus offers both public and private healthcare, and knowing the differences will help you decide which path works best for you.
The public healthcare system in Cyprus is solid, and expats can use GeSY to access a wide range of services at public hospitals and clinics. Here’s what’s available:
GP Visits: Your first stop for most health concerns. You can book an appointment with a general practitioner in your area using GeSY, and the cost is covered by the system.
Specialist Referrals: If you need to see a specialist, you’ll first need a referral from your GP. Specialists are available for many health issues, from cardiology to dermatology.
Emergency Services: Cyprus has a great emergency medical service. If you have an urgent health issue, you can call 112 (or 199 for ambulances), and help will arrive quickly.
While the public system is good, many expats prefer the flexibility and convenience of private healthcare. In fact, private healthcare is widely available in Cyprus and offers:
Faster Appointments: Private clinics tend to offer quicker access to doctors and specialists, with fewer waiting times.
More Comfort: If you prefer a more comfortable stay, private hospitals provide single rooms and higher levels of care.
Direct Access to Specialists: Unlike the public system, where you need a referral from a GP, you can book directly with a specialist in a private clinic.
Although private healthcare tends to be more expensive than public services, it’s often seen as a better option for expats who have medical insurance in Cyprus or are willing to pay out-of-pocket for speed and convenience.
Even though GeSY covers a large chunk of your healthcare costs, you may want additional coverage, especially if you need to go private. Medical insurance in Cyprus can give you extra peace of mind, especially when it comes to services not covered under GeSY, like elective surgeries, dental care, and eye treatments.
Here’s a bit more about the different options:
Private Health Insurance Plans: Many international insurance companies offer policies designed for expats. These plans can cover treatments in Cyprus and also provide emergency medical evacuation if needed. Companies like Bupa Global have plans tailored for expats, so you can shop around and find one that suits your needs.
Supplemental Insurance: Some people in Cyprus choose to get supplemental insurance to cover the gaps in public healthcare, particularly for things like private hospital stays, dental work, or optometry services.
Cost of Health Insurance: Health insurance costs vary depending on the coverage, your age, and your provider. Pacific Prime can help you compare different plans and find the best deal.
Getting prescriptions in Cyprus is easy, and GeSY covers most essential medications. But if you’re looking for something not covered by GeSY, you may need to pay out-of-pocket or use private health insurance.
Public Pharmacies: These pharmacies are common around Cyprus and usually offer medications at a lower cost than private pharmacies. The good news? They’re pretty easy to find.
Private Pharmacies: If you need something special or are looking for convenience, private pharmacies are available. These may carry medications that GeSY doesn’t cover, but they’re usually a bit pricier.
Prescription Costs: For most medications under GeSY, you’ll only pay a small co-payment. Non-essential drugs, however, will typically fall outside of GeSY coverage, so private insurance might come in handy here.
Dental and eye care aren’t typically covered by GeSY unless they’re considered medically necessary, so many expats choose to pay privately or use their health insurance for these services.
Dental Care: Cyprus has many highly qualified dentists who offer a full range of services, from cleanings and fillings to cosmetic dentistry.
Eye Care: Opticians are also easy to find, and many private clinics offer eye tests, glasses, and contact lenses. Some health insurance plans cover eye care, but it’s always good to check with your insurer.
Finding a doctor or specialist in Cyprus is easy. Once you’ve registered with GeSY, you can search for doctors on the system’s online portal or app. Plus, asking fellow expats or checking reviews online can help you make an informed decision.
If you prefer private care, most private hospitals and clinics let you book appointments directly with specialists.
Cyprus has an excellent emergency medical system. If you face an emergency, dial 112 or 199, and you’ll get quick access to medical help. Ambulances are stationed all around the island, and public hospitals are well-equipped for emergencies.
Cyprus offers a fantastic healthcare system, from public services under GeSY to private options for those who prefer extra comfort and convenience. By understanding the system, registering for GeSY, and considering private medical insurance in Cyprus, you can navigate the healthcare landscape with ease.
Yes, expats who plan to live in Cyprus for more than three months must register for the General Healthcare System (GeSY) to access public healthcare services.
Healthcare in Cyprus is not completely free for expats. However, GeSY covers a significant portion of healthcare costs, and expats must contribute to the system either through their salary or voluntary contributions.
GeSY covers a range of services, including general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, hospital stays, some medications, and emergency services.
Yes, private healthcare is available for expats in Cyprus. Many expats choose private care for faster appointments, specialist access, and comfort.
You can find a doctor through the GeSY portal, ask for recommendations from locals or expats, or search for private healthcare providers online.
Private health insurance is not mandatory but is recommended for expats who want additional coverage, faster access to care, or services not covered by GeSY, such as dental or eye care.
Dental and eye care are generally not covered by GeSY unless deemed medically necessary. Expats usually pay privately or use supplemental health insurance for these services.
You need to register at the Ministry of Health, provide necessary documents, and obtain a social insurance number. Registration can be done through the GeSY system.
In an emergency, call 112 or 199 for ambulance services. Cyprus has well-equipped hospitals and emergency teams to handle urgent medical situations.
Yes, prescriptions from public and private doctors are accepted at pharmacies in Cyprus. Some medications may require a small co-payment, and others may not be covered by GeSY, depending on the medication.
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