Healthcare in Cyprus
Like most expat destinations, the Cyprus healthcare system is divided into public and private options. Public healthcare is inexpensive and, in some cases, free (for EU citizens), and even private healthcare costs are kept to a minimum.
State funded hospitals are located in all the major cities in Cyprus, and smaller clinics are situated in towns and villages
across the country. Private hospitals and clinics can also be found in all the major cities.The quality of healthcare facilities in the South of Cyprus is generally considered better than healthcare facilities in the North (The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). Medical professionals in both the public and private sector are often trained overseas, many of them in Britain’s NHS.
Most, if not all of the medical professionals speak an acceptable level of English; however, some may have minor difficulty with defining certain treatments or care options. Expats should remember to be succinct and clear when explaining their health issue, should bring a note pad in case it’s necessary to write down the doctor’s response for translation later, and should not be afraid to ask questions or to have them restate what they said.
Citizens and expats in Cyprus have free access to emergency medical treatment, but in- and out-patient care will incur a small fee. Citizens from EU member states in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are eligible for free health insurance at state hospitals in Cyprus (this only applies to the South). All expats living in the North of Cyprus will need private insurance.
Furthermore, many visa applications for non-EU nationals demand some form of private health insurance.
Public healthcare in Cyprus
Expats who are EU citizens and permanent residents in Cyprus are eligible for free state healthcare in Cyprus, but they must register for a medical card to take advantage of this care.
Unmarried EU citizens with a yearly income amounting to less than 9,000 CY£ and families without kids, earning less than 18,000 CY£ (for families with children add an extra 1,000 CY£ per child), will be issued with Medical Card A.
Medical Card A entitles families to free health insurance. Medical Card B is issued to residents in a higher income bracket (9,000 to 12,000 CY£ for individuals without dependents and 18,000 to 22,000 CY£ for families with three children) and holders are required to make partial contributions for medicines and medical treatment.
EU citizens who fall into a higher income bracket are required to pay seven pounds (CY£) for a consultation with a doctor or dentist and 50 CY£ daily for in-patient care at a state hospital.
Private healthcare in Cyprus
Those non-EU residents who can’t take advantage of the state health insurance schemes, or those expats who’d prefer to take out private health insurance should pay careful attention to which healthcare plan they sign up for.
With such a great public healthcare system it is difficult to see why anyone would want private healthcare, but many expats choose to take out private healthcare policies to have access to a larger range of hospitals and healthcare facilities, and thus skip the sometimes long waiting lists in the public healthcare sector.
There are an assortment of private healthcare options and schemes available to expats moving to Cyprus, each tailor made to suit the individual. The two main private health insurance options available to expats in Cyprus are international private medical insurance or local private medical insurance. Local insurance premiums are considerably cheaper than those of international providers.
As with most schemes, you pay for treatment up-front and then get reimbursed within the month. It’s not necessary to notify your insurance before you receive treatment, though, most companies do offer a 24-hour toll free number if you need to get in contact.
It’s recommended expats keep a list of local hospitals in their area, such as St. Georges, Blue Cross and the General Hospital in Paphos.
Parking is often at a premium near the hospitals, even at private facilities, so park away from the main entry point.
Finding a Doctor
Asking neighbours, friends and locals about recommendations for medical professionals is always a good start when seeking care. When in doubt, or if you are just unable to find enough information, ask your insurance provider for a list of preferable pre-vetted doctors/surgeons/dentists.
Prescriptions in Cyprus
If you require any prescription that is considered a controlled substance, bring the original over with you. If the pharmacist refuses to accept (which is often unlikely) the prescription, book an appointment with a local doctor. Most doctors will not charge for writing minor prescriptions, such as birth control, but major drugs may require one or more visits. The policy is set by the doctor, so don't be afraid to ask.
If you are on a very specific drug, make sure you’re aware of its generic name. Pharmaceutical brands that you are familiar with may not always be present in Cyprus, but their generic parallel is most likely available.
There are a great number of pharmacies scattered throughout most of Cyprus, especially in high populated areas, such as Paphos, Larnaca and Lemosos. Each keeps hours unique to their store or chain, so it is often a good idea to call ahead or to visit in order to find out. Most will be closed between noon and 3pm in the afternoon, and may not open at all in the middle of the week.
Typically, they will be open from 9am until noon, then from 3pm to 6pm or 7pm.
Emergency Services in Cyprus
A recognised ambulance system is slowly being put into place; however, it is still quite basic, and it will take a few years before it is really available nationwide.
Some private hospitals do own their own ambulances, but they will obviously charge you for the ride. Expats will often rely on neighbours and friends to drive them in if the situation isn’t quite critical.
The numbers to call if in an accident or if injured are 112 or 199.
Health concerns in Cyprus
Between March and October there is high risk of sunburn in Cyprus, often after just a few minutes of exposure. Expats should apply sunscreen liberally, and should purchase some form of aftercare to treat burns. Both products are expensive, but necessary.
Additionally, wearing a shirt is a fantastic way to get the most out of your beach time, while keeping yourself sunburn-free. A hat is also very handy.
