Healthcare in Greece is a mix of a public National Health System and a large private sector. Public hospitals and health centres treat insured people at low cost, while many patients also pay for private doctors and clinics. The quality of care can be very good but access, waiting times and costs depend a lot on where you live and which route you choose.
This article explains how the system is organized and how to get care in Greece. It covers insurance, the personal doctor reform, costs, emergencies and the main problems that fill the news. It also gives practical tips for newcomers and tourists. The information is educational and not medical or legal advice. Rules change often, so confirm details with official sources.
Table of Contents
What Is Healthcare in Greece
Quick answer. Healthcare in Greece is delivered through the National Health System known as ESY alongside private doctors and clinics. A national insurer called EOPYY buys many services for insured people and a social security number called AMKA gives access to the public system.
The ESY was created in 1983 to give universal access to care. Over the years it has been shaped by budget crises and reforms. Today it combines public hospitals and health centres with contracted private doctors and a strong private market.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Public system | National Health System or ESY |
| Main insurer and purchaser | EOPYY, the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services |
| Access number | AMKA, the social security number |
| Private sector | Large and important, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki |
| Emergency numbers | 112 for general emergencies and 166 for an ambulance |
| Key issue | High out of pocket spending and staff shortages |
How the System Developed
Greece built its public system in the early 1980s and tried to cover everyone through public hospitals and health centres. A deep economic crisis later forced large cuts in spending and staff. The system has been recovering but still shows the marks of those years.
Reforms since then have focused on primary care and digital services and shorter waits.
A Two Speed System
Many observers describe Greece as a two speed system. The public service offers low cost care but can be slow and stretched. The private sector is faster and more comfortable but patients usually pay directly or through private insurance.
Who Runs the System
The Ministry of Health sets national policy and oversees public hospitals. EOPYY pays for many services and contracts with doctors and labs. Local health authorities manage regional services.
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Health | National policy and oversight of public hospitals |
| ESY | Public hospitals, health centres and ambulance services |
| EOPYY | Purchases services and runs the electronic appointment system |
| EFKA | Social security body that issues the AMKA in many cases |
| National Centre for Emergency Care | Runs ambulance and emergency transport |
| Private clinics and insurers | Provide and fund private care |
The Ministry and Current Leadership
The Minister of Health, Adonis Georgiadis, leads the current reform push. The government says its reforms make the National Health System more modern and effective. Unions and opposition parties disagree and point to staff shortages and crowded hospitals.
Regional Differences
Care in Athens and Thessaloniki is far more developed than on small islands and in remote villages. Rural health centres and local clinics handle basic needs. Serious cases on the islands are often transferred to the mainland.
Public and Private Care Compared
A person in Greece can often choose between public and private routes. The table below shows the main differences.
| Feature | Public route | Private route |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | State and insurance funds with small co-payments | Patient or private insurer |
| Waiting times | Can be long for appointments and surgery | Usually shorter |
| Comfort | Varies by hospital | Often higher |
| Doctor choice | Limited in the public system | Wider |
| Cost to patient | Low | Often much higher |
| Best for | Basic care and serious illness at low cost | Speed, comfort and choice |
When People Choose Private Care
Many Greeks use private doctors for quick appointments and tests. Private insurance and direct payment are common. This is one reason why out of pocket spending is high in Greece compared with many European countries.
When the Public System Works Well
Public hospitals often have experienced doctors and offer serious treatment at very low cost. Emergency care is open to everyone. Patients who can wait or who need major surgery often rely on the public system.
Insurance and the AMKA Number
Most residents get access to public care through the social security number called AMKA. Employees and self employed people pay social security contributions. People who are uninsured can also reach public health services in many cases.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Tax number | Get a Greek tax number known as AFM |
| AMKA | Apply through the social security body or a citizen service centre |
| Register | Choose a personal doctor and register for services |
| Use | Present the AMKA when you visit public services |
Getting an AMKA
Residents with legal status can apply for an AMKA. The process needs identity documents and a tax number. A citizen service centre can help with the application.
The AMKA also links to electronic prescriptions so any pharmacy in the country can see your prescription.
Insurance for Non Residents
Visitors from the European Union can use the European Health Insurance Card for medically necessary care. Other visitors should carry travel health insurance. Long stay foreigners often combine public access with private cover.
The Personal Doctor System
A major reform is the personal doctor system. The idea is that each adult has a first point of contact who guides them through the system and gives referrals. A doctor can register up to about 2,000 patients.
Registration became mandatory for adults and people who did not register voluntarily by mid 2025 were to be enrolled automatically. A personal paediatrician is optional for children under 16. Progress has been slower than planned because there are not enough general doctors.
The European Observatory on Health Systems explains the law in more detail.
How It Is Supposed to Work
You choose a personal doctor and see them first for most problems. They can issue referrals and electronic prescriptions. The system aims to reduce the pressure on hospital emergency departments.
Private Personal Doctors
The law also allows people to choose a private doctor who is not contracted with EOPYY. In that case the patient pays out of pocket. Contracted doctors can also see a limited number of private patients.
What Patients Pay
Costs depend on the route you choose. Public hospital care is largely free for insured people with the AMKA and small fees apply to some services. Prescription medicines usually carry a co-payment which is often 25 percent and lower for chronic illness or low income.
| Service | Typical patient cost |
|---|---|
| Public hospital treatment with AMKA | Largely free |
| Public outpatient visit | Small fee or none |
| Prescription medicines | Often 25 percent with lower rates for some groups |
| Private doctor visit | Paid directly and prices vary widely |
| Private hospital | Paid by the patient or by insurance |
Out of Pocket Spending
Greeks pay some of the highest out of pocket health costs in the European Union. Opposition leaders cite Eurostat data and say about 12 percent of people cannot access needed treatment because of cost or structural barriers. The government says reforms are cutting waits and costs.
Private Insurance
Private insurance can cover private hospitals and doctors. Policies vary in price and exclusions. Compare plans and read the terms carefully, especially for pre existing conditions.
Emergencies and Hospitals
In an emergency call 112 for general emergencies or 166 for an ambulance. Hospital emergency departments treat everyone who needs urgent care regardless of insurance. Waiting times can be long in busy hospitals in Athens.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Life threatening emergency | Call 112 or 166 |
| Urgent but not life threatening | Go to a health centre or a hospital emergency department |
| Minor illness | See a personal doctor or a pharmacist |
| Island or remote area | Ask the local health centre about transfer options |
Emergency Department Reform
The ministry has introduced an electronic patient tracking system sometimes called the bracelet in several large hospitals. It records where patients are and how long they wait. Officials report shorter emergency waiting times in hospitals using it.
Health Centres and Duty Schedules
Health centres have also been added to emergency duty schedules to reduce the load on hospitals. The aim is to treat less serious cases closer to home.
Healthcare for Visitors and Expats
Tourists should carry travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation. European Union visitors can use the European Health Insurance Card for necessary public care. Private clinics in tourist areas often treat visitors quickly but charge directly.
| Group | Usual route |
|---|---|
| Residents | AMKA and a personal doctor plus optional private cover |
| Employees | Social security through the employer |
| EU visitors | European Health Insurance Card for necessary care |
| Other visitors | Travel health insurance |
| Retirees and long stay expats | Often a mix of public access and private insurance |
Tips for Newcomers
Apply for the tax number and AMKA early. Register with a personal doctor and keep your documents handy. Learn the location of your nearest health centre and hospital.
If you are unsure whom to see first, this overview of health care providers explains the different professionals who can help.
If you live on an island ask how serious cases are transferred to the mainland.
Language and Communication
Many doctors in cities speak English. In smaller places you may need help from a translator. Write down your medicines and allergies before you visit.
Latest Update on Healthcare in Greece
Greece is pushing several reforms at once. The ministry has launched an electronic appointment system so insured people can book public appointments online. It says waiting times for some appointments have dropped sharply.
To see how online booking and electronic records fit into wider care, read our overview of digital health.
Surgical waiting lists are a major focus. A programme of evening surgeries in public hospitals began in 2024 and later offered free operations for patients who had waited the longest. Officials said it was meant to help bring waiting times down.
| Development | What it means |
|---|---|
| Electronic appointment portal | Online booking of public appointments with the AMKA |
| Evening surgeries | More operations in the afternoon and evening in public hospitals |
| Personal doctor system | Mandatory registration for adults and a first point of care |
| Emergency tracking bracelet | Digital tracking of patients to cut waiting times |
| Strike in March 2026 | Hospital doctors and employees protest pay and staffing |
Staff Shortages and Strikes
Hospital doctors and workers held a two day strike in March 2026 over pay and staffing. Unions say thousands of staff have left public hospitals and that many posts are unfilled. They also say public health spending is below the European average.
Prevention and Infrastructure
The government has also announced free preventive screening programmes and funding to upgrade hospitals and health centres. New hospitals are planned. Progress varies and critics say staffing remains the biggest gap.
Why Healthcare in Greece Is Trending
Interest rises with news about strikes and crowded hospitals and reforms. People also search because Greece is a popular place for retirement and work and holidays. They want to know how to get care and what it costs.
Social media posts about hospital problems or good experiences spread quickly. This makes it hard for outsiders to know what is typical.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Greek healthcare has real strengths and well known problems. The table below sums up common views.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Low cost public hospital care | Staff shortages in public hospitals |
| Well trained doctors | High out of pocket costs |
| Strong private sector in cities | Big gaps between cities and islands |
| Digital prescriptions and online booking | Long waits for some appointments and surgery |
| Ongoing reforms | Slow progress on the personal doctor system |
Comparing With Other Countries
Many European countries spend more on public health as a share of national income. Greece spends less and relies more on private payment. This explains why patients feel cost pressure even though public care is cheap at the point of use.
What to Expect as a Patient
Expect good clinical care but variable convenience. Public hospitals can be busy and facilities differ. Private clinics are more comfortable and quicker but cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is healthcare in Greece like?
It is a mix of a public National Health System and a large private sector. Public care is low cost but stretched while private care is faster and costs more.
Is healthcare free in Greece?
Public hospital care is largely free for insured people with an AMKA. Patients pay co-payments for many medicines and pay directly for private doctors.
What is the AMKA?
It is the Greek social security number. It gives access to the public health system and links to electronic prescriptions.
Can tourists get medical care in Greece?
Yes. EU visitors can use the European Health Insurance Card for necessary public care. Other visitors should have travel health insurance.
What is the personal doctor system?
It is a reform in which each adult registers with a doctor who acts as the first point of contact. The doctor guides patients and can issue referrals.
What number do I call for an emergency in Greece?
Call 112 for general emergencies or 166 for an ambulance.
Is private health insurance worth it in Greece?
Many people buy it for faster access and more comfort. Whether it is worth the price depends on your health needs and budget.
Are there waiting lists in Greek hospitals?
Yes. Waiting times can be long for some surgery and appointments. The government has launched evening surgeries and online booking to reduce them.
Final Thoughts
Healthcare in Greece offers strong clinical skills and very low public costs but it also faces staff shortages and uneven access. Understanding the AMKA, the personal doctor system and the private option makes it much easier to use.
Reforms are under way but results will take time. Follow official announcements from the Ministry of Health and EOPYY for changes in rules and services. If you live in or visit Greece, carry the right documents and know your emergency numbers.
