What kind of medical care in Cyprus: the nuances of state and private medicine
Table of contents
The medical industry in Cyprus meets all modern requirements and has the appropriate technology. The most complex diseases are treated in specialized medical institutions. Including operations. The industry consists of public and private clinics. There is always a shortage of doctors in state structures, so it is difficult to get an appointment. And in private often high prices. Therefore, an insurance system is provided for all citizens of Cyprus and non-residents.
Find the top 8 places to visit in Cyprus here.
State Medicine
Every big city in the country has a public hospital. There are also many private hospitals located here. There are also small "Health Centers". They receive on-duty therapists, but there are no separate doctors. There you can also take a blood test and get the necessary medicines in case of emergency.
In state institutions, patients are accepted by appointment. However, the patient rarely gets to the doctor on time. Usually, the delay is 2-3 hours. A visit to a doctor in a public hospital for Cypriot citizens and foreigners with a residence permit will be free. It makes sense for other categories of people to turn to private clinics for help.
Private medicine
There are modern medical centers in Cyprus, where specialists can solve almost any patient's problem. However, the problem lies in the very high prices. For example, the treatment of a domestic injury will cost approximately 3-5 thousand euros, and surgical intervention - 5-10 thousand euros, depending on the complexity of the operation. As a result, many citizens of Cyprus go to Eastern Europe, the Baltic States, and other countries for treatment.
GESY National Health System
In March 2019, the National GESY system was introduced into the healthcare industry of the Republic of Cyprus. It allows you to see a therapist for free. And hospital treatment is free. Other services and goods are paid, however, their prices are reduced compared to the market. However, only the following categories of the population can use this program:
- citizens of the European Union who permanently reside in Cyprus;
- other country nationals permanently residing in Cyprus, holders of LTRP residence permits and immigration permits;
- refugees, whose status has been officially confirmed.
The GESY system has a maximum price level that cannot be exceeded. For most users, it is 150 euros per year. For privileged categories of citizens, it is 75 euros per year. The system works by collecting a certain percentage of the salary of each resident to the state treasury. This makes it possible to create a fund, the funds of which are used to pay for the services of health workers and the purchase of drugs and medical equipment.
Medical insurance
To receive quality medical care, citizens of Cyprus and guests of the country are advised to buy insurance. This can be done on the spot for residents or before going abroad for visitors. There are several dozens of insurance companies in Cyprus. All of them offer various health insurance programs. The simplest of them cost 50 euros per month and more. For children, the price is usually half that. Insurance companies take the so-called excess. This is a single payment at the beginning of a new insurance year. This date usually falls on June 30th.
Such programs include a visit to a therapist and compensation for the most necessary drugs. Cheap insurance programs are suitable for foreigners who plan to spend a short time in Cyprus. However, for citizens and residents permanently residing in the country, more expensive insurance, which includes the services of medical specialists, is better suited.
For a foreigner planning to come to Cyprus, it is important to choose insurance with optimal options. First of all, you need to consider how long the trip is planned for. In the case of a short vacation or business trip, it makes sense to buy a cheap program. For residents of Cyprus or holders of a residence permit, it is better to fork out expensive insurance. If there are health problems especially. And you need to do this before leaving for Cyprus, that is, in your own country.
Recommended articles
3 min
Treatment3 min
Treatment4 min
Residence permit