Healthcare in Cyprus for Foreigners: Insurance and Systems
When planning a move to a new country, few things are more important than understanding the healthcare system. For expats considering Cyprus, the news is excellent. The island boasts a very high standard of healthcare, with modern facilities, highly trained medical professionals (many of whom trained in the UK, US, and Europe), and a dual system that provides both public and private options to residents. This ensures that everyone has access to quality medical care.
Navigating a new system can be confusing, however. What is GESY? Do you need private insurance? How do you find a doctor? This comprehensive guide for 2025 will walk you through the Cypriot healthcare landscape, explaining the public and private systems, and providing the practical information foreigners need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being on the island. This is a vital part of our overall comprehensive guide for expats.
The Public Healthcare System: GESY (GHS)
The cornerstone of healthcare in Cyprus is the General Healthcare System, known locally as GESY (or GHS in English). Launched in 2019, this modern, universal system is designed to provide comprehensive, high-quality medical care to all permanent residents of Cyprus, regardless of their income or social status.
Who is Eligible for GESY?
GESY is open to all citizens and permanent residents of the Republic of Cyprus. This includes:
- Cypriot citizens.
- EU/EEA citizens who are employed or registered as residents.
- Non-EU citizens who hold a long-term residence permit (e.g., a work permit or permanent residency).
- Dependents (spouses and children) of the above categories.
Eligibility is a key part of the process when considering your Cyprus residency options.
What Does GESY Cover?
The system is designed to be comprehensive. It covers a wide range of services, including:
- Visits to a registered General Practitioner (GP).
- Consultations with specialists (upon referral from a GP).
- In-patient hospital care (both public and some private hospitals are contracted with GESY).
- Prescription medications (with a small co-payment).
- Laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs).
- Emergency room services.
Patients are required to make small co-payments for services like specialist visits and prescriptions, but the costs are very low (e.g., €1 per prescription item, €6 for a specialist visit).
The Private Health Insurance Sector
Alongside the public system, Cyprus has a robust and high-quality private healthcare sector. Many expats and locals choose to supplement their GESY coverage with private health insurance, or in some cases, rely on it entirely.
Why Choose Private Insurance?
There are several key reasons why people opt for private coverage:
- Faster Access: While GESY is efficient, there can be waiting times for non-urgent specialist appointments and elective surgeries. Private insurance allows you to bypass these queues.
- Choice of Doctor and Hospital: Private insurance gives you the freedom to choose any doctor, specialist, or hospital on the island, including those not contracted with GESY.
- Enhanced Comfort: Private hospitals often offer more comfortable facilities, such as private rooms.
- Mandatory for Some Visas: For many non-EU citizens applying for temporary residence permits (like the Digital Nomad Visa), proof of comprehensive private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the application.
There are many excellent insurance companies in Cyprus offering a wide range of plans to suit different needs and budgets.
Practical Steps for Foreigners
Getting set up with healthcare is a key part of the relocation process.
Registering for GESY
Once you have your social security number and are officially a resident, you can register for GESY online or in person. The first step is to register on the system, and the second is to choose and register with a GP from the list of available doctors. Your GP will be your first point of contact for all non-emergency medical issues.
Choosing a Private Plan
If you need or want private insurance, it's wise to get quotes from several providers. Carefully compare the coverage levels, especially the limits for in-patient and out-patient care, and check for any exclusions. This is an important part of your overall finance and investment planning. For assistance with the residency paperwork that requires insurance, you can consult with professional corporate services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the standard of healthcare in Cyprus high?
Yes, the standard of healthcare in both the public (GESY) and private sectors is very high. Many doctors are trained internationally (often in the UK, US, or Germany), and hospitals are equipped with modern technology.
2. Do I need private insurance if I am registered with GESY?
It is not mandatory, but many residents choose to have both. They use GESY for routine care and prescriptions, and their private insurance for faster access to specialists or for treatment in private hospitals not covered by GESY.
3. Are prescriptions expensive in Cyprus?
Under GESY, prescriptions are very affordable. There is a co-payment of just €1 per medication item on your prescription, up to a maximum of €15 per prescription.
4. How do I find a doctor in Cyprus?
Once you are registered with GESY, you can choose your GP from the official online list. For private care, you can find doctors through your insurance company's network or through online directories. Personal recommendations from other expats are also very valuable.
5. What is the emergency number in Cyprus?
The pan-European emergency number is 112 for an ambulance, police, or fire service. For medical emergencies, you can go to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) department of the nearest state hospital.
6. Is dental care covered by GESY?
GESY provides very limited dental care, typically covering only one check-up and cleaning per year. Most dental treatments, such as fillings, crowns, and orthodontics, must be paid for privately. Many private health insurance plans offer dental coverage as an add-on.
7. Is mental health care covered?
Yes, GESY provides access to mental health services, including consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, upon referral from a GP.
8. Can tourists use the healthcare system?
Tourists from EU countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive state-provided healthcare at the same cost as a Cypriot resident. Tourists from non-EU countries must have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.
9. What documents do I need to register for GESY?
You will typically need your residency permit (e.g., Yellow Slip for EU citizens), proof of address, and your social security number. The process is a key part of the moving to Cyprus checklist.
10. Are pre-existing conditions covered by private insurance in Cyprus?
This depends on the policy and the provider. Some plans may exclude pre-existing conditions, while others may cover them after a certain waiting period or for a higher premium. It is crucial to declare all conditions honestly when applying.
