Healthcare in Greece
Greece, renowned for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, also offers a world-class healthcare system. The country’s healthcare infrastructure, combining public and private hospitals, has been a point of focus for development and improvement. With both local and international recognition, Greece provides high-quality medical services, with access to modern medical technologies and specialized treatments.
Whether you’re a resident, an expat, or a tourist, understanding the healthcare system in Greece is crucial for receiving the best medical care when needed. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about hospitals in Greece, including public vs. private healthcare, top hospitals, healthcare costs, insurance options, medical tourism, and emergency services.
1. Healthcare System in Greece: Public vs Private Healthcare
Greece’s healthcare system is a combination of public healthcare, funded by the government, and private hospitals, which offer specialized care for those willing to pay a higher price for quicker services and personalized treatment.
Public Healthcare in Greece
The public healthcare system in Greece is primarily funded by the government and provides general medical care to the population. The National Health Insurance Scheme (EOPYY) plays a crucial role in financing these services, making healthcare more accessible.
Key Features:
- Universal Access: Public healthcare is available to all residents, including expats who are enrolled in the statutory health insurance (SHI) program.
- Affordable Services: Public healthcare services are subsidized by the government, making them cost-effective for most residents.
- General Care: Public hospitals offer primary care, emergency services, routine consultations, and maternity services.
- Longer Wait Times: Due to limited resources, public hospitals may have longer wait times for non-urgent care and specialized treatments.
Notable Public Hospitals:
- Evangelismos Hospital (Athens): One of the largest and most well-known public hospitals, offering a comprehensive range of medical services and specializations, including general surgery, cardiology, and pediatrics.
- Laiko General Hospital (Athens): A major public hospital in Athens providing advanced treatments in neurology, oncology, and cardiology.
Private Healthcare in Greece
Private healthcare offers a higher level of service and specialized care compared to the public system, with quicker access and personalized treatment plans. Many expats and tourists prefer private hospitals for more specialized care and shorter wait times.
Key Features:
- Specialized Care: Private hospitals offer advanced treatments in areas like orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery, cardiology, and dental care.
- Faster Service: Private healthcare provides shorter waiting times and personalized attention from doctors and medical staff.
- Higher Costs: Private hospitals are more expensive than public hospitals, but still offer affordable options compared to private healthcare in many Western countries.
Notable Private Hospitals:
- Hygeia Hospital (Athens): One of Greece’s most renowned private hospitals, offering advanced oncology, cardiac surgery, and cosmetic treatments.
- Metropolitan Hospital (Athens): Known for offering high-quality care in orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
2. Top Hospitals in Greece
Greece boasts numerous top-tier hospitals, especially in cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete. Here’s an overview of some of the most prominent hospitals in the country.
Athens: Leading Healthcare Providers in the Capital
Evangelismos Hospital
- Specialties: Cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, general surgery.
- Why Choose It: Evangelismos is Greece’s largest public hospital and offers a wide range of medical services. It’s known for its well-trained medical staff and cutting-edge treatments in general care and specialized fields.
Hygeia Hospital
- Specialties: Oncology, cardiology, cosmetic surgery, orthopedics.
- Why Choose It: Hygeia is a private hospital that provides a higher level of specialized care, known for its advanced treatments and state-of-the-art facilities. It attracts both residents and medical tourists seeking advanced treatments.
Thessaloniki: Healthcare Excellence in Northern Greece
AHEPA University Hospital
- Specialties: Cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology.
- Why Choose It: As one of Greece’s top university hospitals, AHEPA offers specialized care and research-driven treatments, with advanced medical equipment and highly skilled professionals.
3. Healthcare Costs in Greece
Healthcare costs in Greece vary significantly depending on whether you are accessing services through public or private hospitals. Public hospitals tend to be more affordable, while private hospitals offer specialized services at higher rates.
| Service | Public Hospital (Approx.) | Private Hospital (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| General Consultation | €20 – €50 | €80 – €150 |
| Diagnostic Test (X-ray, Labs) | €30 – €100 | €150 – €300 |
| Minor Surgery | €300 – €1,000 | €2,000 – €5,000 |
| Maternity Delivery | €500 – €1,500 | €2,500 – €7,000 |
| Inpatient Stay (Per Night) | €100 – €200 | €400 – €1,000 |
| Emergency Room Visit | €40 – €80 | €150 – €350 |
Tip: Private hospitals offer specialized care and shorter wait times, but public hospitals provide affordable care for general medical needs.
4. Health Insurance in Greece
Health insurance is a crucial aspect of accessing healthcare in Greece. Both public and private health insurance options are available to residents and expats.
Public Health Insurance (EOPYY):
- The National Health Insurance Scheme (EOPYY) provides coverage for most residents and citizens of Greece, covering general medical care, emergency services, and hospital stays at public hospitals.
Private Health Insurance:
- Expats and those who prefer private healthcare often choose private health insurance, which gives access to private hospitals and specialized treatments.
Tip: Ensure your health insurance covers both public and private hospital visits, particularly if you require specialized care.
5. Medical Tourism in Greece
Greece has become an attractive destination for medical tourism due to its high-quality medical services and affordable pricing. International patients often travel to Greece for cosmetic surgeries, orthopedic procedures, and dental care.
Popular Treatments for Medical Tourists:
- Cosmetic Surgery: Facelifts, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tucks.
- Dental Care: Dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening, full restorations.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Knee replacements, joint repairs, spinal surgeries.
Tip: When planning medical tourism, make sure to verify the quality of care and ensure post-treatment options are available.
6. Emergency Medical Services in Greece
Greece offers 24/7 emergency medical services, with hospitals providing emergency care for both locals and tourists. The emergency number for medical assistance is 112.
Emergency Services:
- Public and private hospitals offer emergency care for trauma, heart attacks, accidents, and other urgent health conditions. Private hospitals tend to offer quicker services and better facilities for urgent cases.
Tip: Keep the emergency numbers and hospital contact details readily accessible, especially when traveling.
Conclusion: Accessing Healthcare in Greece
Greece’s healthcare system offers a comprehensive range of medical services, from affordable public healthcare to specialized private healthcare. Whether you’re a resident, expat, or tourist, understanding the healthcare system in Greece will help you navigate your options and ensure you receive the best care possible.
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