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Country-by-country guide

Accessing healthcare in Greece

You will be treated on the same basis as a resident of Greece. Remember, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK.

It is important that you ensure that you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative.

Non-EEA nationals are covered Greece.

 

Where to get information while in Greece

The Greek social security institute (IKA-ETAM) will be able to provide information.

IKA-ETAM
Odos Agiou Konstantinou 8
Athens
Greece

Telephone: 0030 21 5200 555 -64 or -184

Information is also available online from IKA-ETAM’s website. Here you can find contact details of IKA-ETAM’s local offices that cover all Greek regions.

 

Emergency numbers

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Greece, dial 166. You might want to save the number in your phone.

 

Treatment, coverage and costs

Doctors and dentists

You should try to consult an IKA –ETAM doctor or dentist in order to receive treatment for free or at a reduced cost. However, ensure you present your EHIC on the day.

You may also consult a private doctor or dentist but you will have to present your EHIC and pay all charges up front. You can then claim back the charges later from the Greek authorities. Remember to keep all your receipts.

A patient charge of 25% of national tariff provision is due if you should require the provision for prosthesis, major appliances or other expensive treatments. This is non-refundable in Greece but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Hospital treatment

If you have been referred to a public hospital or clinic by an IKA-ETAM doctor, you must ask for a ‘ticket‘, which is your proof of entitlement to healthcare within the scheme. However, if you do not have a ‘ticket’, you should show your EHIC on admission and ask the hospital administration to contact the IKA office.

Prescriptions

Medicines prescribed by an IKA-ETAM doctor are dispensable by any pharmacy. You will be charged a 25% patient charge. Charges may vary depending on the prescription. This is non-refundable in Greece but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Ambulance

Emergency ambulance services are generally free, however, you might be asked to pay a small contribution for routine transport. This is non-refundable in Greece but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Air ambulance

In an emergency an air ambulance can be provided free of charge through EKAV (the National Centre of Immediate Assistance) helicopters.

Making healthcare arrangements in advance

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Oxygen therapy

Contact the IKA-ETAM office in the relevant Greek region to make the necessary arrangements before leaving the UK.

Dialysis

You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Greece nearest to where you will be staying. The provision of dialysis  will be subject to availability in Greece.

 

Leisure or business - using your EHIC in Greece

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

Keep the self-adhesive labels from the medicines packages that belong to your prescription. Refunds need to be claimed through the IKA-ETAM office that covers the region your are staying during your visit. You must apply for any refund within the time limit specified by your IKE-ETAM doctor.

If you have had to pay for the cost of your care and have been unable to claim a refund during your stay in Greece you should contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) on 0191 218 1999 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) on your return to the UK. However, this process will take longer than claiming for a refund in Greece.

 

Living in Greece

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the Greek health authorities.

However, if you move to Greece to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.

For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the  'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

In both cases, you will need to contact your local IKA office that will register your E121/E106. Once the registration is completed, they will issue you an IKA health booklet, which is your entitlement to healthcare in Greece.

How to register with a GP

No information available

 

Working in Greece

This section applies if you have been issued with an E106.

How to register your E106

You will need to contact your local IKA office that will register your E106. Once the registration is completed, they will issue you an IKA health booklet, which is your entitlement to healthcare in Greece.

How to register with a GP

No information available

 

Am I still eligible for treatment under the NHS?

UK citizens registered in another EEA country and using an E106 or E121 are not automatically eligible for free treatment in the UK.

You should also visit the 'Planned treatment abroad' section for detailed information.

 

Last reviewed: 23/06/2011

Next review due: 23/06/2013

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