Healthcare in Greece for Expats – Complete Guide

Medical and professional disclaimer: This page provides general administrative information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment recommendations, insurance advice, legal advice, or tax advice. For medical concerns, contact a qualified doctor or emergency service. Insurance terms must be confirmed with the insurer. Legal and residence questions are handled by a qualified Greek lawyer; tax and social-security coordination is handled by a qualified Greek accountant. Our paid healthcare-administration support: Chalkidiki Real Estate offers paid practical assistance in cooperation with a Greek lawyer and accountant. Depending on the agreed scope, we coordinate eligibility review, AFM preparation, AMKA or e-EFKA administration, S1-related documentation, residence and work-right questions, translations, powers of attorney, public-service appointments, private-insurance introductions, and finding suitable healthcare providers. We cannot issue AMKA, approve public coverage, guarantee insurance, select medical treatment, or influence a doctor, hospital, authority, e-EFKA, EOPYY, or insurer.

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Overview of Healthcare in Greece

The Greek healthcare system contains public and private elements. The National Health System, known as ESY, provides emergency, primary, outpatient, and inpatient care through local health units, health centers, rural surgeries, and public hospitals. EOPYY organizes statutory health benefits and contracts with private healthcare providers.

Insured people can access a unified package that includes primary care, diagnostic services, specialist outpatient care, and hospital treatment under applicable rules. Access, referral, availability, co-payments, and provider participation vary by service.

Private healthcare operates alongside the public system. Patients may use private doctors, diagnostic centers, clinics, and hospitals and pay directly or through private insurance. Many residents combine public entitlement with private coverage or self-funded appointments.

The system should not be judged from a single holiday visit. Emergency access, routine primary care, chronic medication, specialist appointments, dental treatment, and long-term insurance follow different paths. A relocation plan should identify the responsible coverage route before the move.

Public and Private Healthcare in Greece

Public healthcare provides a broad national foundation, while private providers can offer additional choice, speed, language support, accommodation, or access to particular specialists. The correct balance depends on entitlement, medical needs, location, budget, and insurance.

A public hospital may provide emergency or complex treatment, while routine specialist consultations or diagnostic tests may be arranged privately. Some private providers have EOPYY contracts and operate within statutory reimbursement conditions; others are entirely private.

Patients should ask whether a doctor or facility is public, EOPYY-contracted, or fully private before treatment. The same physician may work in more than one setting, but appointment terms and charges can differ.

Private insurance does not necessarily replace public registration. A policy can contain exclusions, waiting periods, networks, deductibles, co-insurance, annual limits, and preauthorization. Public entitlement and private coverage should be planned separately.

The Greek National Health System – ESY

ESY is the National Health System of Greece. It is financed through public revenues and social-insurance funding and operates hospitals, health centers, local health units, rural practices, and emergency services.

Public hospitals provide emergency and inpatient care and participate in duty schedules. Patients may be directed to the hospital currently on duty for the relevant specialty or region. This is especially important in large urban areas.

Primary-care units and health centers provide services closer to communities. Availability differs between Athens, Thessaloniki, regional towns, islands, and rural areas. Chalkidiki has local services, while highly specialized treatment may require travel to Thessaloniki.

Public entitlement does not guarantee immediate access to every specialist or test. Waiting time, referral, location, and capacity matter. Residents with complex conditions should map both public and private options.

EOPYY and Contracted Healthcare Providers

EOPYY is the National Organization for the Provision of Health Services and acts as the principal purchaser of statutory healthcare services. It manages the unified health-benefits framework and contracts with private doctors, laboratories, diagnostic centers, clinics, pharmacies, and other providers.

An EOPYY-contracted provider is not the same as a fully public facility. Contract availability, monthly appointment capacity, referral requirements, reimbursement, and patient co-payment can affect access.

Before booking, ask whether the appointment is available under EOPYY and what documents, referrals, or payments are required. A provider listed online may have changed contract status or exhausted contracted appointments.

EOPYY also provides the national contact point for cross-border healthcare, including information for EU-insured people moving to or receiving treatment in Greece.

e-EFKA and Greek Social Insurance

e-EFKA is the Greek electronic National Social Security Fund. Employees, self-employed people, and other insured categories interact with it for contributions, insurance records, pensions, and social-security status.

Paying social-security contributions can establish or maintain entitlement, but the timing and conditions for active health capacity must be checked. Registration, contribution payment, and healthcare activation are related but not identical administrative steps.

Employees are generally registered through employment and payroll processes. Freelancers and sole proprietors are connected with e-EFKA after business commencement. Company managers or partners can have specific obligations depending on legal role.

The Greek accountant is essential for employment, self-employment, contribution, and e-EFKA coordination. A lawyer should review work and residence rights for international clients.

What Is AMKA?

AMKA is the Greek Social Security Registration Number. The Ministry of Labour describes it as mandatory for people who work, are insured, or intend to work in Greece. It replaced older registration numbers from the former social-insurance funds.

AMKA is used across employment, social security, healthcare, electronic prescriptions, examinations, hospital records, and benefit administration. It is different from the AFM tax number.

Having an AMKA does not automatically mean that every healthcare cost is covered. Active insurance capacity, contributions, residence, category, and the applicable benefit rules determine entitlement.

Names, birth details, nationality, and identification must be correct. Errors can affect prescriptions, employment, vaccinations, and e-EFKA records. International residents should keep the issuance evidence securely.

Who Can Obtain an AMKA?

Eligibility depends on current law, residence, work, insurance, and applicant category. Greek citizens, eligible EU citizens, legally resident third-country nationals, employees, self-employed people, pensioners, and certain dependants may qualify through different evidence.

EU citizenship alone does not answer every question. The applicant may need to demonstrate Greek residence, employment, self-employment, insurance, or another qualifying basis. A temporary visitor using an EHIC is not in the same position as a resident worker.

Non-EU citizens generally need suitable residence documentation. Asylum applicants may first receive PAAYPA and later transition to AMKA when status changes under applicable rules.

The lawyer and accountant should review eligibility before scheduling an appointment. We do not recommend relying on an old checklist from another person because requirements can vary by category.

Documents Commonly Required for AMKA Registration

The competent KEP or e-EFKA office can request different or additional documents. Official translations, apostilles, or registry corrections may be needed.

How to Apply for an AMKA

The Ministry of Labour states that AMKA can be issued through Citizens’ Service Centers, known as KEP, or e-EFKA branches upon presentation of the required supporting documents. The correct office and appointment practice should be confirmed before attendance.

The applicant normally presents original identity and qualifying evidence. An authorized representative may be possible for selected actions, but personal attendance can be required. The lawyer determines whether a power of attorney is suitable.

After issuance, verify spelling, birth date, and other details. An AMKA with inconsistent identity information can cause errors in employment, prescriptions, and health records.

Our paid service coordinates the checklist and appointment with the accountant and lawyer. The public authority alone verifies eligibility and issues the number.

What Is PAAYPA?

PAAYPA is the Temporary Insurance and Healthcare Number for Foreigners used in the asylum framework. It is not a general temporary AMKA for every foreign resident or property buyer.

Gov.gr provides a service to find an existing PAAYPA using identification details. People receiving refugee status may need to convert from PAAYPA to AMKA under the applicable procedure and deadline.

Immigration status and healthcare registration should be handled with the lawyer or competent migration service. Applicants should not request PAAYPA merely because an AMKA application is difficult.

This guide focuses mainly on ordinary EU, residence-permit, employment, self-employment, pension, family, and private-insurance routes.

Why the Greek AFM Is Relevant to Healthcare Administration

The AFM identifies the person in the tax system and is often needed before employment, business, bank, lease, and social-security registrations can be organized. It may therefore form part of the healthcare setup sequence.

AFM and AMKA have different purposes. The AFM does not provide health coverage and the AMKA does not determine tax residence. Both records should contain consistent identity data.

Our Greek Tax Number AFM guide explains the application in detail. We offer paid AFM assistance in collaboration with a Greek accountant.

Applicants should avoid obtaining registrations under a false address or status. Correct initial data helps prevent later employment, insurance, banking, and prescription problems.

Healthcare in Greece for EU Citizens

EU citizens are not all covered in the same way. Social-security coordination generally depends on employment status and country of insurance rather than nationality. A tourist, pensioner, posted worker, cross-border worker, employee, and self-employed resident each follows a different route.

For a temporary stay, an EHIC can provide access to medically necessary state-provided care under local conditions. For permanent residence where another EU country remains responsible for healthcare, an S1 may establish access after registration.

A person employed or self-employed in Greece may enter the Greek social-security system. Family-member rights depend on the applicable coordination rules and registration.

Before relocating, ask the home-country health insurer in writing which state will remain competent, whether an S1 is issued, when EHIC validity changes, and what happens to dependants.

European Health Insurance Card – EHIC

The EHIC is designed for medically necessary state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another participating European country. It provides treatment under the same conditions and at the same cost as people insured in the country visited.

The card does not replace travel insurance, does not cover private healthcare, and does not normally cover planned treatment. It is not a long-term substitute for resident health coverage after moving permanently.

A provider may require payment under Greek conditions or because the provider is private and outside the EHIC framework. Keep receipts and contact the home insurer regarding reimbursement.

Bring the physical or officially accepted digital evidence, identity document, and insurer contact information. Check expiry before travel.

The S1 Form and Healthcare Registration in Greece

The S1 is a certificate of entitlement to healthcare when a person lives in a country other than the country responsible for their insurance. It is relevant to certain pensioners, posted workers, cross-border workers, civil servants, and dependants.

The competent institution in the responsible country issues the S1. It must then be registered with the appropriate Greek health-insurance institution. Simply carrying an unregistered form may not complete local access.

Pensioners receiving no pension from Greece may be able to obtain an S1 from the country paying their pension, subject to EU coordination rules. People receiving pensions from several countries require an individual determination.

Our lawyer and accountant can coordinate Greek administrative steps, but the foreign institution decides whether to issue the S1 and EOPYY/e-EFKA decides Greek registration.

Healthcare for Employees Working in Greece

An employee working lawfully in Greece is generally registered through the employer’s payroll and social-security process. The employer and payroll accountant report employment and contributions.

Healthcare activation can require current insurance capacity and correct AMKA records. New employees should confirm that their details appear correctly rather than assuming the signed contract completed every step.

International employees need the right to work and appropriate residence documentation. An AFM, AMKA, bank account, and employment registration may be interdependent.

Dependants may have derivative rights under applicable rules but need their own registrations and family documents. The employer’s accountant does not necessarily manage the entire family process.

Healthcare for Freelancers and Sole Proprietors

A freelancer commencing business in Greece generally enters the e-EFKA framework for non-salaried workers, subject to current law and cross-border exceptions. Contributions are part of the monthly operating budget.

The accountant coordinates business commencement, KAD codes, tax, VAT, e-EFKA, and insurance records. The lawyer confirms that the person’s residence status permits self-employment.

Foreign social-security coverage may continue in specific EU posting or multi-state situations, but only with the appropriate determination and certificate. It should not be assumed because clients or income are abroad.

See our Starting a Business in Greece guide for detailed sole-proprietorship and IKE information.

Posted Workers and Cross-Border Employment

An employee or self-employed person temporarily posted from another EU country may remain covered by the sending country under coordination rules. A1 documentation addresses applicable social-security legislation, while S1 registration can support healthcare in the country of residence.

The conditions include genuine posting, time limits, employer activity, work pattern, and documentation. Remote work chosen by the employee is not automatically a formal posting.

People working in more than one country require a determination based on residence and substantial activity. The responsible institution, not the individual, decides coverage.

Obtain advice before moving. Retroactive corrections can affect employer contributions, healthcare, tax, and labor compliance.

Healthcare for Pensioners Retiring in Greece

Healthcare is one of the most important parts of retirement planning. EU pensioners may use an S1 where the pension-paying country remains responsible. The form should be obtained before or during the move and registered in Greece.

If Greece pays a pension that establishes healthcare entitlement, Greece may become responsible. Multiple pensions require individual assessment under EU rules.

Retirees should also consider private insurance, dental, optical, hearing, physiotherapy, medication, home care, rehabilitation, and travel for specialist treatment. Public coverage does not mean every service is free or immediately available.

Our Retiring in Greece guide connects healthcare with residence, property, tax, location, and long-term support.

Healthcare for Non-EU Citizens

Non-EU applicants need a healthcare plan that fits their visa or residence-permit category. Many routes require comprehensive insurance evidence at application or renewal. The exact wording, coverage, duration, and insurer acceptance matter.

After lawful employment or self-employment begins, a person may enter Greek social insurance. The timing between private coverage, residence approval, AMKA, contributions, and public entitlement should be planned to avoid gaps.

A foreign policy may not satisfy Greek residence requirements or may exclude long-term residence abroad. Obtain written confirmation and have the lawyer review immigration suitability.

Property ownership alone does not automatically create public healthcare entitlement. A Golden Visa and a healthcare insurance arrangement remain separate from an AFM or property deed.

Healthcare for Golden Visa Holders

The Golden Visa grants residence rights to qualifying non-EU investors and family members but does not automatically place them in Greek employment-based social insurance.

Applicants generally need appropriate healthcare coverage for the residence process and continuing stay. The lawyer confirms the current requirements, and an insurer confirms policy acceptance and benefits.

Golden Visa holders spending substantial time in Greece should establish access to doctors, prescriptions, emergency care, and private facilities rather than viewing insurance only as a permit document.

See our Golden Visa Greece guide for investment, residence, property, renewal, and family considerations.

Healthcare for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

Remote workers can be insured through Greece, another country, or private coverage depending on employment, posting, residence, and social-security coordination. Receiving salary from abroad does not determine the result by itself.

Non-EU digital-nomad residence routes may require private health insurance. EU remote workers may need an A1 or other determination when working across countries.

Remote professionals should budget for routine appointments, prescriptions, mental health, physiotherapy, and travel to specialists. Reliable internet does not replace local emergency planning.

The lawyer and accountant should jointly review residence, tax, employment, and social security before long-term remote work begins.

Healthcare for Spouses, Children and Dependants

Family coverage depends on the insured person’s status, relationship, residence, age, and applicable rules. Each family member may need their own AMKA or other identifier and registration.

Marriage and birth certificates from abroad can require official translation and legalization. Names must match passports and Greek registry records.

Families should identify a pediatrician, pharmacy, vaccination process, emergency route, dentist, and nearest hospital. School enrollment can require health or vaccination documents.

Private family policies should be checked for maternity, newborns, congenital conditions, pediatric care, deductibles, and network access. Adding a child after birth may have strict deadlines.

Your local contact in Chalkidiki

Get in Touch with Hans-Jürgen Bahner

Are you moving, retiring, working or buying property in Greece and need practical coordination for healthcare administration and local professional contacts? Contact me directly by phone, WhatsApp or email.

• Mobile: +30 693 470 9163
• WhatsApp: +30 693 470 9163
• Email: hb@chalkidikirealestate.com
• Location: Chalkidiki Real Estate
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Personal relocation, healthcare-administration and property support for international clients in Chalkidiki and throughout Greece.

Private Health Insurance in Greece

Private insurance can complement public coverage or provide the main coverage for applicants who are not yet eligible for Greek statutory healthcare. Policies can be Greek, international, inpatient-only, comprehensive, or tailored to residence requirements.

Pricing depends on age, medical history, benefit limits, geographic coverage, deductible, co-insurance, room category, network, and outpatient benefits. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded, loaded, limited, or declined.

A low premium can hide a high deductible or narrow hospital network. International coverage can be valuable for people who travel, but may require advance authorization and exclude routine Greek care.

We can introduce clients to insurance professionals and coordinate documents. Only a licensed insurer or intermediary can advise on and issue coverage, and the client should read the complete policy.

How to Compare Private Health Insurance

Compare written policy terms, not sales summaries. Disclose medical history accurately because nondisclosure can invalidate claims.

Primary Care and Family Doctors

Primary care is the first point for routine illness, preventive medicine, referrals, prescriptions, monitoring, and coordination. It can be accessed through public units, health centers, personal-doctor arrangements, EOPYY-contracted doctors, or private doctors.

Availability and appointment systems differ by area. In seasonal destinations, summer population increases demand. A resident should identify year-round services before an urgent need.

A family doctor who knows the patient’s history can reduce fragmented care. Bring translated summaries of major diagnoses, medication, allergies, operations, and vaccinations.

For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, do not wait for an ordinary appointment. Contact emergency services or the appropriate hospital.

Specialists, Diagnostics and Referrals

Greece has a broad private specialist and diagnostic sector, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Public and contracted routes can require referrals or electronic prescriptions.

Before a test, confirm whether the provider accepts EOPYY, whether the referral is valid, what co-payment applies, and whether preparation is required. Private rates can differ.

For complex treatment, patients may seek second opinions or care at university hospitals. Medical records and imaging should be available in a usable format.

Our support can help identify administrative contact information and arrange language assistance, but we do not choose specialists or evaluate clinical quality.

Public and Private Hospitals in Greece

Public hospitals provide emergency, specialist, surgical, and inpatient services. Duty schedules determine which hospital receives particular emergencies in major cities. Regional hospitals serve wider geographic areas.

Private hospitals and clinics offer paid or insured treatment. Admission can require insurance authorization, guarantee, deposit, or direct payment. Confirm coverage before planned treatment.

Hospital language support varies. A Greek-speaking family member or professional interpreter can help with administration, but medical consent must be understood accurately.

Keep identity, AMKA or insurance evidence, medication list, allergies, emergency contacts, and policy documents accessible. In an emergency, treatment should not be delayed while searching for every document.

Emergency Healthcare and Ambulance Numbers

For emergencies in Greece, call the European emergency number 112. The national ambulance and emergency medical service can also be reached through 166. Official EOPYY information lists both for emergency hospital care.

Provide exact location, phone number, symptoms, hazards, access instructions, and language needs. Rural villas may lack clear street numbering, so save a map pin and written directions.

Do not drive a person with possible stroke, severe chest pain, major trauma, breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness unless emergency professionals instruct you. Follow dispatcher directions.

Property managers should keep access gates, key arrangements, and address information ready. Guests should know the emergency numbers and property location.

Pharmacies and Prescription Medicines

Pharmacies are widely available and provide prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and professional guidance within their scope. Night and weekend duty schedules identify pharmacies open outside ordinary hours.

Greek electronic prescriptions are commonly connected with AMKA and patient records. Costs and reimbursement depend on medication, indication, coverage, and co-payment rules.

An EU cross-border prescription can be valid if it contains the required information, but the patient may need to pay upfront and seek reimbursement from the home insurer. Availability and product names can differ.

Before moving, obtain a medical summary and sufficient lawful medication for transition. Do not stop or substitute prescribed treatment without a doctor.

Dental and Optical Care

Dental and optical services are often delivered privately, although limited statutory or specific benefits may apply. Routine examinations, fillings, crowns, implants, orthodontics, glasses, and contact lenses should be budgeted separately.

Private insurance may exclude routine dental care or offer only a limited network. Ask for a written treatment plan and cost estimate for major work.

Check professional registration and hygiene standards. Keep imaging and treatment records when changing providers.

For dental trauma, severe infection, sudden vision loss, or eye injury, seek urgent professional care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Mental Healthcare and Psychological Support

Mental healthcare can be accessed through public, community, nonprofit, and private services. Availability, language, and waiting times vary. Private psychologists and psychiatrists are more concentrated in larger cities.

People relocating can experience isolation, culture shock, anxiety, depression, relationship pressure, or stress from administration. Planning support before a crisis is valuable.

Private insurance may limit psychotherapy sessions or require specific diagnoses and providers. Confirm confidentiality, language, fees, cancellation terms, and emergency arrangements.

For immediate risk of self-harm or harm to others, contact emergency services. Online therapy can supplement local support but must comply with professional and jurisdictional rules.

Pregnancy, Maternity and Children’s Healthcare

Maternity care is available through public and private systems. Expectant parents should choose an obstetrician and hospital, confirm insurance coverage, understand prenatal tests, and plan birth registration and newborn insurance.

Private maternity policies often have waiting periods. A policy purchased after pregnancy begins may not cover delivery. Obtain written confirmation.

Children need pediatric care, vaccinations, developmental monitoring, dental care, and school health documentation. Bring translated vaccination records.

Family documents, AMKA, residence status, and insurance enrollment should be organized promptly after birth. The lawyer and accountant coordinate administration; doctors manage clinical care.

Chronic Conditions and Ongoing Medication

People with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory illness, autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, neurological conditions, or other chronic needs should plan continuity before moving.

Obtain a concise medical summary, diagnoses, medication by generic name, allergies, recent tests, imaging, treatment history, devices, and specialist contacts. Translate essential information into Greek or English as appropriate.

Confirm whether medicines are available in Greece, require specialist prescriptions, or have different brand names. Arrange a safe transition supply within legal limits.

Identify the nearest appropriate hospital and specialist. A beautiful remote property may create substantial travel for repeated treatment. Healthcare access should influence property selection.

Healthcare Costs, Co-Payments and Budgeting

Public entitlement does not mean every service has no charge. Co-payments can apply to medicines, diagnostics, contracted providers, medical devices, or other benefits. Fully private care is charged under the provider’s rates or insurance contract.

Healthcare budgets should include insurance premiums, deductible, co-insurance, medicines, dental, optical, physiotherapy, travel, accommodation near specialist hospitals, and emergency reserves.

Prices change by provider and treatment. Obtain written estimates for planned private care and insurer preauthorization where required. Do not rely on an online average for surgery or chronic treatment.

See our Cost of Living in Greece guide for broader household budgeting.

Healthcare in Chalkidiki

Chalkidiki has pharmacies, private doctors, diagnostic providers, health centers, local services, and the General Hospital in Polygyros. Availability differs between year-round towns and seasonal resorts.

Polygyros is the regional administrative and hospital center. Nea Moudania, Kassandria, Nikiti, Ierissos, and other established towns provide practical local services. Remote parts of Kassandra, Sithonia, and eastern Chalkidiki can involve longer journeys.

Summer traffic can affect ambulance and hospital travel time. Winter reduces some seasonal services. Prospective residents should test routes throughout the year.

Do not choose a property based only on straight-line distance. Road quality, peninsula geography, mountain access, parking, and duty arrangements matter.

Healthcare in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is northern Greece’s main center for university hospitals, specialists, private clinics, advanced diagnostics, and complex treatment. Chalkidiki residents often travel there for services unavailable locally.

Appointments, parking, traffic, and potential overnight stays should be included in planning. A person needing frequent treatment may prefer western or northern Chalkidiki locations with easier city access.

Hospital duty schedules and specialty availability should be checked through official channels. Private insurer networks may include selected Thessaloniki facilities.

For international residents, English-speaking professionals are often easier to find in the city, but language capability should be confirmed when booking.

Healthcare Access When Choosing Property

Healthcare is a property-selection criterion, especially for retirees, families, and people with chronic conditions. Map the nearest pharmacy, health center, diagnostics, dentist, ambulance route, regional hospital, and Thessaloniki specialist journey.

Consider stairs, steep roads, winter access, parking, lift reliability, bathroom design, bedroom location, and space for future assistance. A sea-view villa may become impractical without mobility planning.

Reliable mobile and internet coverage supports appointments and telemedicine but cannot replace emergency access. Save the exact property location.

Chalkidiki Real Estate can compare homes by healthcare access and coordinate renovations for accessibility, without providing medical recommendations.

Preparing Medical Records before Moving

• Current diagnoses and medical history.
• Medication list using generic names and dosage.
• Allergies and serious adverse reactions.
• Operations and hospital admissions.
• Vaccination records.
• Recent laboratory and imaging results.
• Implants, devices and model information.
• Contact details for current doctors.
• Insurance policy and authorization procedures.
• Advance-care or emergency documents where legally applicable.

Carry critical information securely and make it available to the treating professional. Avoid sending complete medical records through insecure ordinary email.

Healthcare Checklist for the First Month in Greece

1. Confirm which country or institution is responsible for coverage.
2. Maintain continuous insurance during transition.
3. Obtain or verify AFM where required.
4. Complete residence and work documentation.
5. Register S1 if applicable.
6. Apply for or correct AMKA through the competent service.
7. Confirm e-EFKA and insurance capacity where applicable.
8. Choose a primary-care doctor and pharmacy.
9. Identify emergency and hospital routes.
10. Transfer prescriptions and specialist follow-up.
11. Review private-insurance networks and preauthorization.
12. Store emergency contacts and documents securely.

Common Healthcare Planning Mistakes

The most common mistake is treating the EHIC as permanent resident insurance. It is designed for necessary care during temporary stays and does not cover private or planned care.

Another mistake is assuming that AMKA issuance automatically activates full benefits. Insurance capacity and qualifying status must be confirmed.

People also purchase policies based on price without reading exclusions, deductibles, waiting periods, networks, and renewal. A residence-compliant policy may still be unsuitable for actual health needs.

Other mistakes include choosing a remote home without hospital planning, failing to translate medication information, ignoring dental and optical costs, sharing sensitive medical data insecurely, and waiting until illness to begin registration.

Our Paid Healthcare Administration Support

Chalkidiki Real Estate offers paid practical support for international property buyers, residents, retirees, families, freelancers, and company founders arranging healthcare administration in Greece.

A qualified Greek lawyer reviews residence, work rights, family documentation, powers of attorney, and insurance evidence required for immigration procedures. A qualified Greek accountant handles AFM, business, employment, social-security, e-EFKA, and related tax administration within scope.

We coordinate the client journey: gathering information, preparing checklists, organizing documents, translations and appointments, communicating with professionals, introducing insurers, finding provider contact information, and integrating healthcare planning with relocation and property selection.

We do not provide medical or insurance advice, diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, hold ourselves out as EOPYY/e-EFKA representatives, or guarantee registration or coverage.

Our Step-by-Step Healthcare Administration Process

1. Initial Consultation

We identify nationality, residence, work, pension, family, current insurance, AFM, intended move date, healthcare needs, and location.

2. Lawyer and Accountant Review

The lawyer reviews residence and documentary eligibility. The accountant reviews AFM, employment, business, e-EFKA, and social-security administration.

3. Coverage Path

The responsible professional identifies whether the likely route involves Greek employment coverage, self-employment, S1, private insurance, dependant status, or another lawful basis.

4. Scope and Fee

We provide a written paid-service scope, included professional work, exclusions, client actions, and potential third-party costs.

5. Document Checklist

Identity, residence, AFM, family certificates, S1, employment, business, insurance, translations, and authorizations are organized.

6. Registration and Appointments

We coordinate KEP, e-EFKA, EOPYY, lawyer, accountant, insurer, or other appointments as appropriate. Authorities decide acceptance.

7. Insurance and Provider Coordination

Where requested, we introduce licensed insurance professionals and provide practical information for locating doctors, pharmacies, diagnostics, or hospitals.

8. Handover

The client receives a checklist of identifiers, contacts, coverage evidence, deadlines, and outstanding steps without sharing secret credentials.

Service Fees and Additional Costs

Our fee depends on the client profile, family size, current insurance, AMKA status, residence route, AFM, S1, translations, appointments, and requested support.

Potential separate costs include accountant, lawyer, insurance intermediary, policy premiums, translations, apostilles, certified signatures, courier, private medical appointments, tests, travel, and government fees.

The written proposal states which professional work is included. Ongoing accounting, residence renewal, insurance brokerage, or medical concierge services are separate unless expressly included.

Payment covers legitimate professional coordination and work, not guaranteed registration, insurance acceptance, or medical access.

Important Limitations and Responsibilities

• Doctors and healthcare providers alone make medical decisions.
• EOPYY, e-EFKA, KEP and other authorities decide registration and entitlement.
• Insurers decide underwriting, exclusions, premiums and claims.
• Legal advice is provided by a qualified Greek lawyer.
• Tax and social-security administration is handled by a qualified Greek accountant.
• Chalkidiki Real Estate provides paid coordination, not medical treatment.
• Our fee does not guarantee AMKA, public coverage, S1 registration, insurance or appointments.
• Requirements and benefits can change.
• Clients must provide complete and accurate health, residence, work and insurance information to the appropriate professional.
• In an emergency, call 112 or 166 instead of contacting our administrative service.

Official Healthcare Sources and Important Notice

Healthcare entitlement depends on the person’s insurance state, employment, pension, residence status, family situation and valid certificates. EHIC, S1, AMKA, EU-AMKA and private insurance serve different purposes. Confirm your individual position with the responsible insurer, EOPYY, e-EFKA or another competent authority before relocating or receiving planned treatment.

• EOPYY National Contact Point – Moving to Greece for EU Citizens
• EOPYY – Proving Your Right to Healthcare
• European Commission – Using the EHIC in Greece
• EOPYY – National Organization for the Provision of Health Services

Medical notice: This guide provides general administrative information and is not medical, insurance, legal or social-security advice. In an emergency in Greece, call 112 or 166. Only healthcare professionals can diagnose conditions or recommend treatment.