General information
You will be treated on the same basis as a resident of Cyprus. 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 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. Any costs incurred for private healthcare are non-refundable.
The public heath sector system consists of eight hospitals and a number of primary health care centres around the country. The hospitals offer services for primary, secondary and tertiary care. One of the hospitals in capital of Cyprus Nicosia, is specialised in services for mother and child, whereas the other hospital in Nicosia is being used as a referral hospital for very serious healthcare problem.
Neither your EHIC, E106 or E121 form is valid in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic does not exercise effective control (the northern part of Cyprus). You are strongly advised to take out private health insurance before travelling to this part of the country.
Non EEA nationals are covered for Emergency treatment only and you will have to pay for in patient treatment.
Where to get information while in Cyprus
The Ministry of Health will be able to provide information.
Ministry of Health
Medical & Public Health Services
10 Markou Drakou
Palloriotissa
1448 Nicosia
Telephone: 00 357 22 605601
Website: www.moh.gov.cy
Emergency numbers
In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Cyprus, dial 199. You might want to save the number in your phone.
Treatment, coverage and costs
Doctors
You can get treatment from doctors practising in state healthcare centres. You will be charged 2 Euros per visit. This is non-refundable in Cyprus but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.
Dentists
You can get treatment from dentists practising in state healthcare centres. You will be charged 2 Euros per visit and 76.89 Euros for each denture. This is non-refundable in Cyprus but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.
Hospital treatment
You can only get inpatient treatment if a state doctor refers you to a hospital or if you are admitted through the accident and emergency department of a state hospital.
Prescriptions
Prescriptions issued by a state doctor are free. However, they must be presented to a state pharmacy or you will be charged.
Ambulance
Ambulance travel is free if you show your EHIC or your Cypriot medical card.
Air ambulance
You will not be covered for air ambulance transport. Therefore, you will have to pay and these charges not refundable.
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 Ministry of Health to make the necessary arrangements before leaving the UK.
Ministry of Health
Medical & Public Health Services
10 Markou Drakou
Palloriotissa
1448 Nicosia
Telephone: 00 357 22 605601
E-mail: an.agrotou@cytanet.com.cy
Website: www.moh.gov.cy
Dialysis
You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Cyprus nearest to where you will be staying. The provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in Cyprus.
Routine diabetic care, such as blood tests
The doctor will consider what treatment is being sought and the length you are planning to stay abroad in order to decide if any treatment is necessary.
Leisure or business - using your EHIC in Cyprus
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
There are no reimbursements. You will only be charged your share of the costs. If you do not have an EHIC you should contact the Overseas Healthcare team (Newcastle) on 0044 191 218 1999 to ask for a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
Living in Cyprus
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 health authorities in Cyprus.
However, if you move to Cyprus 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 one of the state hospitals or the Ministry of Health and give it a copy of the original E121/ E106 plus a completed application form for a Cypriot Medical Card. The form is downloadable from its website or can be obtained from the Ministry of Health.
You should also contact the Civil Registry and Migration Department to register as an EU citizen.
You can obtain state healthcare while you are waiting for issue of Medical Card by showing a copy of your E121 or E106.
Your eligibility for healthcare cover will start from the date of registration and not the date of application.
How to register with a GP
No information available
Working in Cyprus
This section applies if you have been issued with an E106.
How to register your E106
You will need to contact one of the state hospitals or the Ministry of Health and give it a copy of the original E121/ E106 plus a completed application form for a Cypriot Medical Card. The form is downloadable from its website or can be obtained from the Ministry of Health.
You should also contact the Civil Registry and Migration Department to register as an EU citizen.
You can obtain state healthcare while you are waiting for issue of Medical Card by showing a copy of your E106.
Your eligibility for healthcare cover will start from the date of registration and not the date of application.
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: 30/04/2009
Next review due: 29/04/2011
