Greece Medical Insurance News
Greece, deemed the birthplace of western civilization, gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. It was then occupied by Axis forces during World War 2. Prior to World War 2 Greece became a founding member NATO and was at the forefront of the cold war, where a civil war between communist guerillas and supporters of the king. In 1967 a military dictatorship took over the country and banished the king and royal family, which lasted seven years, until eventually in 1974 the dictatorship fell and this saw the forming of Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic. Greece joined the European Commission, now the European Union, in 1981 and has since become a major partner of the European Union. During its second half of the 19th century and into the 20th century it acquired numerous islands in the Mediterranean Sea off the Ottoman Empire, now known as Turkey, these islands now largely contribute to Greece’s large tourist industry. There are not many expatriates who actually relocate to Greece; nearly all foreigners in the country are tourists. Round about 14.01 million tourists a year visit Greece, compared to its approximately 10 million Greek citizens. Because of the large tourist industry Greece has infrastructure in regard to health to cater for these large numbers.
The Greek Health Care System can be characterized as a mixed health system: being made up of both private health insurance and the National Health System of Greece (ESY). The Health System of Greece, which was established in 1983. It guarantees free health care for all Greek residents and citizens. The National healthcare system covers the entire Greek population, without any special entitlement condition, regardless of profession or region of occupancy. Health care services are also provided to EU and non-EU citizens on the basis of multilateral or bilateral agreements. Furthermore in Greece if you are a foreigner, expatriate, and pay your taxes to the Greek government you are entitled to the national healthcare plan just as much as Greek citizens.
Greece spends approximately 10.1% of its GDP on healthcare. This is well above comparisons with other developed nations, the U.K, The U.S and Australia who all spend an average of 7.5-8% of their GDP on their health. This large amount of spending by the Greek government is mainly to cover all of its numerous islands, many of which are home to large tourist resorts which are very busy continuously throughout the year. These islands usually have a small government run health clinic or small hospital.
Although Greece can offer wide coverage on medical facilities, these facilities are not present on every Greek island. Furthermore Greek islands which do have medical facilities on them are usually fairly limited in what resources they have. If you plan to spend your time in Greece in any of the Greek islands and happen to require any major surgeries, you would most likely have to be flown or taken by boat to the nearest main hospital on the mainland.
If you plan to enter Greece under the as an EU citizen and plan to be covered by the Greek national healthcare plan, you forego your right to choice of hospital or medical facilities. This in the summer or winter may be particularly disturbing as some facilities do not have air-conditioning or heating, meaning you are most likely to be uncomfortable on top of being ill or injured in a foreign country. In addition to this many public hospital workers can speak little or no English or any other language used frequented by tourists. It is there for advised that comprehensive medical insurance is taken out so that this situation can be avoided.
Overall Greece has a well rounded healthcare service. As is true with any country in the world, there are some problems inherent in the system; however most people are able to receive the care that they need when they need it, except of course if you happen to be on an outlying island. The only way to avoid the issues and concerns of any healthcare system in the world is through a quality international health insurance plan. These plans give you the flexibility to go to the doctor or hospital of your choice, meaning that no matter where in the world you may be located, from Afghanistan to the United States of America, you will always be able to receive the highest standard of care available.
For more information about the Greek healthcare system, insurance in Greece, or to receive a free comprehensive international health insurance quote, please contact one of our dedicated advisers today.
For more information about Greece, the international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.