Greece has long drawn British residents to Athens, the Ionian and the islands, but its public health system works very differently once you become a resident rather than a holidaymaker.
Public hospitals can be excellent in the cities yet stretched elsewhere, and many Britons pair state cover with a private policy so they can reach the private clinics of Athens and Thessaloniki without waiting.
Healthcare in Greece: how the system works
Public system: Ethniko Systima Ygeias (ESY) / EOPYY.
Greece runs a national health system, the ESY, with care funded and reimbursed through the national insurance body EOPYY. Access is tied to Greek social-security contributions paid via the unified fund EFKA. Public hospitals and health centres provide low-cost care, though staffing pressures and rural gaps have historically pushed many patients towards the private sector.
If you work in Greece and pay EFKA contributions, you and your dependants can register with EOPYY for state healthcare. UK State Pensioners can instead use the S1 form to access the ESY at the UK's expense. A UK GHIC only covers tourists and short visits, so it is not resident cover, and a domestic UK policy such as Bupa By You or AXA Health is built for UK residents and will not cover you living in Greece.
Why British expats take out private cover
Public waiting times and uneven services outside the big cities are the main reason Britons in Greece take out international private medical insurance (IPMI). A policy gives you fast access to private hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki, English-speaking doctors, and, importantly for a country of islands, cover for transfer to the mainland or repatriation to the UK if you need specialist treatment.
What expat health insurance costs in Greece
Private treatment in Greece is far cheaper than in the UK private sector or the US, and local Greek policies can be inexpensive. However, cheaper local plans often exclude pre-existing conditions and cap payouts. International cover costs more but travels with you, includes evacuation and suits anyone who splits time between Greece and the UK.
Good to know before you move
- A UK GHIC is for tourists and short stays only — it will not cover you as a resident of Greece.
- State access runs through EFKA contributions or, for pensioners, the S1 form.
- Care on the islands can be limited, so cover for transfer to Athens or the UK matters.
- Private clinics in Athens and Thessaloniki are the fastest route to specialists and scans.
Private hospitals and where Britons settle
An estimated tens of thousands of British nationals live in Greece, concentrated in Athens and on islands such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes.
Well-known private hospitals include Hygeia, Metropolitan Hospital, Iaso and Athens Medical Center, most clustered in Athens.
Popular with British expats: Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion (Crete), Corfu, Rhodes.
How a UK broker helps expats in Greece
International private medical insurance is a specialist market, and the right policy depends on your visa, your age, your medical history and how much time you spend outside Greece. A UK-based specialist broker can compare the international insurers available through its service, check that a policy meets any local or visa requirement, and explain what is — and is not — covered before you commit.
A broker can compare only the insurers and policies available through its service, and may receive commission or charge a fee. Ask for the insurer panel, the remuneration disclosure and the total price. Requesting a quote is free and puts you under no obligation to buy.
Expat health insurance in Greece: FAQs
Can British expats use the Greek public health system (ESY)?
Yes, if you qualify. Working residents who pay EFKA social-security contributions can register with EOPYY, and UK State Pensioners can use the S1 form. Without one of these routes you would need private cover to be treated outside the emergency system.
Does my UK health insurance work in Greece?
A standard UK domestic policy is designed for UK residents and generally will not cover you once you live in Greece. You would need international private medical insurance or a local Greek policy instead. Always check the geographical scope before you move.
Is a GHIC enough if I move to Greece?
No. The UK GHIC only covers medically necessary treatment during temporary stays, such as holidays. Once you become resident it no longer applies, and you must access the ESY through contributions or the S1, or take out private insurance.
What is the S1 form for pensioners in Greece?
The S1 lets UK State Pensioners access Greek state healthcare (the ESY) at the UK's expense. You register the S1 with the Greek authorities and EOPYY after moving. Many pensioners still add private cover for faster access to private clinics.
How much does expat health insurance in Greece cost?
Premiums depend on your age, medical history and how wide you want your cover area to be. Local Greek plans can be cheap but may exclude pre-existing conditions, while international policies cost more and include evacuation and repatriation. A tailored quote is the only way to get an accurate figure.
Other expat destinations
Visa, residency and insurance rules change and vary by individual circumstances. This guide is general information, not personal or regulated advice — always confirm the current requirements for your situation before you rely on them. Health Insurance UK is an information and lead-generation service, not an insurer or broker.