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Healthcare in Greece: cost & waiting times

Mixed public / private

Statutory insurance (EFKA) plus a public network (ESY) with primary-care centres. Private clinics and out-of-pocket spending are a large share of care, especially in the islands.

Emergency number: 112

How residents get care

  1. Get an AMKA (social security number) — Required to access insured care and register with a primary-care unit (TOMY / health centre).
  2. Book public appointments via 1135 or rdv.ehealthnet — The national e-appointment system for primary care.
  3. Private clinics are common — Especially for diagnostics and specialists; you pay and may claim partial EFKA reimbursement.

Official waiting-time source

Athens and Thessaloniki have good coverage; smaller islands may have only a rural doctor and rely on transfer for anything serious.

No reliable national register; access depends heavily on location ↗

MilestoneReference
Public specialist appointment (variable)30 days (~4w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

ItemTypical range
Private GP/specialist visit€40–€80
Private MRI€150–€300
Private clinic day rate€300–€700

Prescriptions

Standard co-payment is 25%, reduced to 10% or 0% for chronic conditions and low incomes.

Visiting Greece?

EHIC covers necessary care at ESY facilities and contracted doctors.

Emergencies Call 112 or 166 (EKAB ambulance). Island emergencies may involve a transfer to the mainland — an insurance issue.

Official links

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