Greece operates on a mixed public-private healthcare model. Public services are delivered through ESY hospitals, health centers, local health units, and rural surgeries. Behind the scenes, EOPYY handles much of the public funding and reimbursement structure, while also contracting with select private providers.
In the real world, expats almost always use a blend of both systems: they rely on public hospitals and prescriptions when eligible, but turn to private doctors when they need speed, English-language support, or a specific specialist.
Step 1: Arrange Insurance for the Visa and Arrival Stage
Before packing your bags, verify the specific insurance requirements for your visa or residency route. Non-EU nationals generally must show proof of adequate medical cover to pass immigration. Even EU citizens may need "bridge" coverage if they aren't yet linked to Greek social security or another EU entitlement route.
Keep your private insurance active for your first few months. Greek bureaucracy takes time, and you will likely need to wait for your residence documents, proof of address, tax registration, and employment contract before your public healthcare route opens up.
If you are still planning the move itself, this relocation checklist for moving to Greece for work is a useful next step before you start gathering healthcare paperwork.
Step 2: Get Your AFM and Proof of Residence
Your AFM is your Greek tax number. While it isn't a healthcare number, it is the crucial first domino in the administrative chain. You need it for housing, jobs in Greece, and banking.
Alongside your AFM, start gathering documents that prove you actually live in Greece. This can be a rental agreement, proof of tax residence, an employment contract, or a hiring certificate. For third-country nationals trying to activate their AMKA, the Greek administrative process specifically requires proof of actual residence and work-related documents.
Step 3: Get or Activate Your AMKA
The AMKA is your golden ticket. It is the social security registry number used for employment, insurance, prescriptions, and accessing public healthcare. For many third-country nationals, this is an in-person process, though applications can sometimes be routed through e-EFKA or a local KEP (Citizen Service Center).
Always bring more documents than the minimum required. The exact requirements can vary depending on the clerk and your specific status. Generally, you should bring:
- Passport or National ID
- Residence permit or proof of legal stay
- Your AFM document
- Proof of an address in Greece
- Employment contract or evidence of self-employment
- Existing insurance or social security documents
- Translated marriage/birth certificates for dependants (if applicable)
Step 4: Confirm Your Public Healthcare Eligibility
Having an AMKA is a massive step, but you still need to know what it actually entitles you to. Your eligibility hinges on your status: employed, self-employed, an EU citizen using an S1 route, a dependant, or a pensioner.
For insured residents, EOPYY’s health benefits are delivered through primary care networks, ESY hospitals, and contracted private providers. Generally, there are no patient co-payments for the EOPYY benefits package at public facilities, though small co-pays may apply at contracted private clinics.
A note for EU citizens: The Greek National Contact Point states that if you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or an S-form, you can access the public system on the same terms as locals. However, EHIC is meant for temporary stays and necessary care. It is not a substitute for proper registration if you are moving permanently.
Step 5: Use Public Care Where It Works Best
Once active, the Greek public system covers primary care, diagnostics, specialist outpatient care, medicines, hospital treatments, and maternity care.
The public system shines when it comes to hospital treatments, emergencies, chronic disease management, and affordable prescriptions. Where it struggles is speed. Waiting for a specialist can take time, and finding English-speaking staff is much easier in Athens, Thessaloniki, or private clinics than in rural towns or on the islands. If you are moving to a smaller island, research local clinic access before signing a long-term lease!
Step 6: Keep Private Care as a Supplement
Many expats in Greece choose to maintain private health insurance or simply pay out-of-pocket for routine private appointments. This isn't because the public system is broken; it’s because private care offers convenience. Expats use it for:
- Faster specialist appointments
- Guaranteed English-speaking doctors
- Direct access to modern private clinics
- Shorter waiting times for diagnostics
- Seeking a second opinion
Emergency Care in Greece
For medical emergencies, dial 112 (the general EU emergency number) or 166 (the direct line for the EKAV ambulance service). The 112 service is free, and operators can answer in Greek, English, and French to connect you with the appropriate emergency responders.
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