If you are thinking of moving to Cyprus, then understanding how the healthcare system works, and if you are entitled to healthcare, is crucial. The healthcare system in Cyprus underwent a complete overhaul in 2013 to be more in line with EU standards and has improved drastically since then. However, many people still prefer private healthcare especially expats.
Are you entitled to healthcare?
To be entitled to healthcare in Cyprus you need to either a) be a Cypriot citizen b) be an EU national or c) have a residence permit.
As Cyprus is a full member of the EU, all EU nationals are entitled to healthcare on the same terms with Cypriot citizens. To access public healthcare as an EU national, you need to have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you, at all times. Be aware that you may need to present a valid passport or ID, or other travel documents when using your card.
Good to know:
For now, post-Brexit UK citizens have the same rights as EU nationals when it comes to healthcare in Cyprus.
If you are a third-country national who's staying in Cyprus long-term, then you've probably already acquired, or plan on acquiring, a residence permit. Once your permit is approved, you can then apply for a Cypriot medical card which gives you access to public healthcare in the same terms as Cypriot citizens.
Important:
If you plan on travelling on the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus, you should be aware that neither your European Health Insurance Card nor your Cypriot medical card or any certificates of entitlement will be valid. Instead, it is imperative that you have private health insurance to cover any emergency health issues while on that part of the island. You should also be aware that the healthcare quality in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus is considered to be significantly worse than in the rest of the island.
How the healthcare system works
The healthcare system in Cyprus is divided into public and private. There are public and private hospitals, and most doctors work in both the public and the private sector.
Public healthcare in Cyprus, as in some other EU countries, is not entirely free. Some fees apply for doctor visits and prescribed medication, but these are very low compared to the regular prices you would pay for healthcare services without a medical card. As a point of reference, a visit to general practitioner costs around â¬15 for non-medical card holders but only â¬3 for medical card holders. You should be aware that waiting times for appointments can be substantial.
Good to know:
Without a medical card, you should also expect to pay around â¬10 for emergency treatment in case of an accident, or if you go to the emergency ward of a state hospital. However, this fee is waived for pensioners ' whether your pension comes from Cyprus or any other EU/EFTA country.
Private health insurance in Cyprus
If you are not eligible to public healthcare in Cyprus, you can always opt for private health insurance, which will allow you to bypass the waiting lists and get treated sooner, in a plethora of Cypriot hospitals.
There are many insurance companies to choose from in Cyprus, according to your needs and budget. Some of the leading health insurance providers are:
Consider having a look at their offers according to your needs and get a free quote on ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ's Health Insurance for expatriates in Cyprus page.
You should study your healthcare plan carefully before signing and decide whether you'd instead opt for cheaper premiums by signing with a local company, or for the certainty and stability a major international health insurance company could provide. In most cases, you will have to pay for your treatment yourself and then get reimbursed within the month.
Useful link:
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