Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 112 (general) or 166 (EKAB ambulance). On islands, identify the local health centre (Kendro Ygeias) immediately on arrival — they handle initial stabilisation before evacuation. Greek public hospitals operate an efimerevousa (duty rota) system — not all hospitals are open every night, so call 1434 or 14944 to find the on-duty hospital. Private hospitals in Athens (Hygeia, Athens Medical, Metropolitan General) have 24/7 English-speaking ER.
Response time: 10-20 minutes urban (Athens, Thessaloniki). 20-45+ minutes rural mainland. On small islands: may depend on local volunteer crews; helicopter MEDEVAC (EKAB) for serious cases — can take 1-3+ hours depending on weather and availability.
Cost: Public ER: free with EHIC/EOPYY insurance. Uninsured: €50-200. Private ER (Athens Medical, Hygeia, Metropolitan): €100-400. Ambulance (EKAB): free. Helicopter MEDEVAC: free via EKAB but limited availability. Private air ambulance: €5,000-20,000+.
Healthcare System
Greece's public healthcare system (ESY) was severely strained by the 2010-2018 economic crisis and has only partially recovered. Public hospitals are underfunded, waiting lists are long, and facilities outside major cities are basic. The private sector is widely used — even by Greeks — and offers good quality at affordable prices. Island healthcare is the biggest challenge: most islands have only a small Kendro Ygeias (health centre) or perifereiako iatreio (rural clinic), and serious cases require helicopter or ferry evacuation to Athens, Thessaloniki, or Crete. EOPYY (National Organization for Healthcare Provision) is the single public insurer. For visitors, private clinics in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete offer reliable, English-speaking care.
Designed for: Greek residents insured via EOPYY. EU/EEA visitors covered via EHIC for public care. Non-EU visitors need travel insurance.
GP Access & Costs
Public: Kendro Ygeias (health centres) and TOMY (Topikes Monades Ygeias — local primary care units, established post-2017 reform). Registration with AMKA (social security number) needed for full public access. Private: direct access to clinics and specialists without referral — no gatekeeper. Island health centres provide basic GP-equivalent care.
Typical wait: Public GP/TOMY: 1-5 days, but availability inconsistent outside major cities. Private: same-day to 1 day. Island health centres: same-day (but limited scope — may refer to mainland). Specialist (public): 2-8 weeks. Specialist (private): 1-5 days.
Availability: Athens and Thessaloniki: good private availability, strained public. Islands: very limited — small islands may have only one doctor or a visiting physician. Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu have small hospitals. Rural mainland: patchy. The post-crisis "brain drain" saw many doctors emigrate — shortages persist.
GP Visit
Public (with EHIC/EOPYY): free or minimal copay
Private GP
€40-80 per private GP consultation. Specialist: €50-120. Private hospital chains (Hygeia, Athens Medical, Metropolitan): €60-150 consultation. Private insurance (Interamerican, Ethniki, Eurolife): €50-150/month.
ER Without Insurance
Public ER: €50-200 (uninsured). Private ER: €100-400. Hospital stay (public): minimal fees for EHIC holders. Hospital stay (private): €200-600+/day. Helicopter MEDEVAC (EKAB): free when available. Private air ambulance from island: €5,000-20,000+.
Medication
Medications are affordable — many cheaper than Northern/Western Europe. Greek pharmacies are well-stocked and pharmacists knowledgeable. EOPYY covers most medications for insured patients (with copay). Visitors pay full pharmacy price. Generics increasingly available but branded products still commonly dispensed.
Health insurance is required for visa
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Complex rotation system: Mon/Wed 8am-2:30pm, Tue/Thu/Fri 8am-2pm & 5:30-8:30pm (varies by area). Efimereuon farmakeio (duty pharmacy) ensures 24/7 coverage on rotation — check the schedule posted on every pharmacy door, call 14944, or check efimeries.gr.
OTC: Greek pharmacists are accessible and helpful — many speak English. Can advise extensively and supply many common medications. Antibiotics sometimes available without strict prescription enforcement (though officially required). Pharmacies are often the first healthcare contact for Greeks themselves.
Controlled substances: Greece has strict drug laws — possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs carries severe penalties (including imprisonment). Carry controlled medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Schengen certificate required. Cannabis is illegal (medical cannabis programme exists but very restricted).
Practical Tips
- Get comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover if visiting islands — this is not optional, it's essential
- On arrival at any island, immediately locate the Kendro Ygeias (health centre) and note its hours
- Private clinics in Athens offer reliable, English-speaking care — Hygeia, Athens Medical, Metropolitan General
- Pharmacies are knowledgeable first stops for minor ailments — many pharmacists speak English
- Check duty pharmacy (efimereuon) schedules at efimeries.gr or call 14944
- Download offline maps and emergency numbers — mobile coverage can be patchy on remote islands
- Learn basic Greek medical phrases — "Χρειάζομαι γιατρό" (Hriazome yatro — I need a doctor), "Πονάει εδώ" (Ponaei edo — It hurts here)
What are the emergency numbers in Greece?
Ambulance (EKAB): 166, Police: 100, Fire: 199, Coast Guard: 108, EU-wide: 112. On smaller islands, ambulance response may be limited — local health centres (Kentro Ygeias) handle most emergencies.
Is healthcare free in Greece for tourists?
EU/EEA visitors with EHIC receive free public hospital treatment. Non-EU visitors need travel insurance. Public hospitals are free for emergencies but often overcrowded, especially in summer tourist season. Private clinics offer faster service at higher cost.
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Sources: Greek Ministry of Health, EOPYY (National Organisation for Healthcare Provision), EKAB (National Centre for Emergency Care), CDC Travelers Health 2025, WHO Greece Health Profile
Last reviewed: March 2026 by Gewardz Health
Further Reading
EHIC, GHIC & E111: Free Healthcare in Europe
How to use EHIC in Greece — public hospital access, island limitations, and what copays to expect.
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Many travellers combine Greece and Turkey — compare healthcare systems across the Aegean.
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Compare Greece with Italy — similar Mediterranean healthcare, different wait times.
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