Moving to a new country comes with many changes, especially when it comes to healthcare. As a new resident in Cyprus, it’s important to understand how the healthcare system works, your coverage options, costs, and how to access care. This guide provides an overview of healthcare in Cyprus and advice for accessing medical services as a foreigner or someone who has recently moved to Cyprus from the UK.
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Overview of Cyprus’ Healthcare System
Cyprus has a two-tier healthcare system consisting of both public and private options. The public system is administered by the Ministry of Health and funded through general taxation. All citizens and legal residents are entitled to low-cost healthcare through the public system.
The private system complements the public option with private hospitals, clinics and health insurance plans. Costs in the private system are generally higher, but there is greater choice in providers and access to specialty services. Many Cypriots have private insurance to bypass long waiting times in the public system.
How Do I Access Public Healthcare in Cyprus?
As a UK citizen living or staying in Cyprus, you have several options to access medical treatment:
- If you are working in Cyprus, you can register for care under the national health system by getting a medical card from your local hospital. This covers doctor visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, and more at low cost.
- With permanent resident status in Cyprus, apply for a medical card to receive the same public health benefits as citizens.
- For temporary stays as a student, detached worker, or tourist, use your EHIC or GHIC from the UK to receive urgent or immediate care at reduced costs. This covers doctor visits, hospital treatment, and prescriptions.
- If you receive a UK pension or specific benefits, you can register an S1 form to have Cyprus healthcare paid for by the UK. This comprehensive coverage includes appointments, hospital stays, surgery, medications and more at no upfront cost to you.
Consult the NHS website and Cypriot Ministry of Health for current details on eligibility and using your UK health entitlements in Cyprus as a British national.
If you are a legal resident of Cyprus, you are eligible for public healthcare coverage. Here are the requirements to access the public healthcare system:
- Have valid Cyprus immigration papers like a residence permit or work visa.
- Be employed in Cyprus or have long-term residency status.
- Register and get a Healthcare Card from your local hospital or health center.
Documents you’ll need for registration include your passport, immigration permit, employment contract and proof of address. The registration process involves submitting your paperwork, getting a healthcare card and being assigned a general practitioner (GP).
Public healthcare covers a wide range of services including:
- Doctor visits and consults
- Hospital care and surgery
- Maternity and newborn care
- Preventative services like cancer screenings
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Mental healthcare
- Emergency services
How Much Does Public Healthcare Cost in Cyprus?
There are minimal fees to see physicians and specialists in the public system. Hospital stays, tests and procedures will incur low co-payments or fees capped at a percentage of your income. Prescription drugs have a small fee per medication.
For more information, see the gov.uk guide on healthcare in Cyprus for UK nationals.
What Are The Private Healthcare Options in Cyprus?
Private healthcare in Cyprus provides greater choice in providers and facilities. Hospitals like Apollonion Private Hospital in Nicosia offer advanced medical technology and 5-star amenities. There are also numerous private clinics and specialty centers providing services like:
- Dentistry and cosmetic treatments
- Reproductive services like IVF
- Orthopedics and sports medicine
- Diagnostic testing like MRI, CT scans, bloodwork
- Day surgeries and outpatient procedures
How Much Does Public Healthcare Cost in Cyprus?
Private care is paid for out-of-pocket or through private medical insurance plans. Typical costs include:
- €50-€150 for doctor visit
- €150-€300 for specialist visit
- €1000-€5000 per day for hospital stay
- €300-€800 for diagnostic tests
- €2000-€5000 for common surgeries
Prices can be significantly higher for complex treatments and procedures.
What Are My Options When it Comes to Health Insurance in Cyprus?
As a resident of Cyprus, you have several options when it comes to health insurance:
Public Health Insurance
All citizens and legal residents are entitled to the national healthcare system. There are no monthly premiums, but you’ll pay small copays for services.
Private Insurance
Full coverage private health insurance will provide access to private hospitals and clinics for faster specialist care. Monthly premiums are around €150-€300 per adult.
International Health Insurance
Expat insurance plans like Cigna and Bupa let you access healthcare globally. This offers flexibility if you travel frequently. Premiums range from €2000-€5000 per year for full coverage.
The right insurance plan depends on your health needs and budget. Many residents opt to use public healthcare and get private coverage for faster access to certain services.
Finding Doctors and Hospitals in Cyprus
Registering with a general practitioner (GP) is required to access specialists in the public system. You can search for an English-speaking GP near you on the Ministry of Health website and call to schedule a visit. Referrals are needed from a GP to see public specialists and hospitals.
In the private system, you can directly contact hospitals and clinics to schedule appointments with doctors. Search online listings or ask locals for recommendations to find reputable specialists. Some of the best private hospitals include Apollonion and Aretaeio.
List of All Private & Public Hospitals in Cyprus
See the below table for a full list of all public and private hospitals in Cyprus, including address, contact info and speciality:
| Name of medical facility | Telephone | Address | English speaking staff | Main specialisation | Public/Private facility | Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arch Makarios III Childrens Hospital | info@shso.org.cy | +357 22405000 | 6 Korytsas Street, Acropolis, Nicosia 2012 | Yes | Paediatrics and child health | Public | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Athalassa Psychiatric Hospital | info@shso.org.cy | +357 22402100 | Limassol Old Road, Strovolos, Nicosia 2029 | Yes | Psychiatry | Public | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Famagusta/Paralimni General Hospital | info@shso.org.cy | +357 23200000 | 25 Christou Ketis Street, Paralimni, 5310 | Yes | All specialisations | Public | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Larnaca General Hospital | info@shso.org.cy | +357 24800500 | United States of America Street, Larnaca 6043 | Yes | All specialisations | Public | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Limassol General Hospital | info@shso.org.cy | +357 25801100 | Nikaias Street, Kato Polemidia, Limassol 3304 | Yes | All specialisations | Public | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Nicosia General Hospital | info@shso.org.cy | +357 22603000 | 215 Limassol Old Road, Strovolos, Nicosia 2029 | Yes | All specialisations | Public | Ministry of health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Paphos General Hospital | info@shso.org.cy | +357 26803100 | Anavargos Street , Anavargos, Paphos 8026 | Yes | All specialisations | Public | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| American Medical Centre/American Heart Institute | info@amc.com | +357 22476777 | 215 Spyrou Kyprianou Ave, Strovolos, Nicosia 2047 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation |
| Apollonion Private Hospital | info@apollonion.com.cy | +357 22469000 | 20 Lefkotheou Avenue, Strovolos, Nicosia 2054 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Aretaeio Private Hospital | info@aretaeio.com | +357 22200300 | 55-57 Andrea Avraamidi Street, Strovolos, Nicosia 2024 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Blue Cross Medical Centre | info@bluecross.com.cy | +357 26221111 | 51 Demokratias Ave, Paphos 8062 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Elpis Medical Centre | info@elpismedicalcentre.com | +357 26953000 | 68 Agapinoros Street, Kato Paphos 8135 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Evangelismos Private Hospital | info@evangelismos.com.cy | +357 26848000 | 87 Vasileos Constantinou, Paphos 8062 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Hippocrateon Private Hospital | info@hippocrateon.com | +357 22502000 | 6-12 Psaron Street, Engomi, Nicosia 2408 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation |
| Holy Cross Clinic | cycross@cytanet.com.cy | +357 24631666 | 17 Rafael Santi Street, Larnaca 6052 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Iasis Private Hospital | info@iasishospital.com | +357 26848484 | 8 Voriou Ipiriou Street, Paphos 8069 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Lito Private Hospital | lito.polyclinic@cytanet.com.cy | +357 23811111 | 8 Sotiras Avenue, Paralimni 5312 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus | info@medihospital.com.cy | +357 25200000 | 9 Stygos Street, Limassol 3117 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Napa Olympic Private Hospital | napaolympic@cytanet.com.cy | +357 23723222 | 24 Havares Street, Agia Napa | Yes | ICU, A&E, General Surgery, Medical Laboratory, X Ray, Ultrasound, CT Scan, Endoscopy | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Nicosia Polyclinic | http://nicosiapolyclinic.com/ | +357 22780780 | 22 Achaion Street, Nicosia 1101 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Polis Medical Centre | platovska@inbox.lv | +357 26323100 | 13 Efessou Street, Polis Chrysochous, Paphos 8820 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Royal Artemis Private Hospital | info@RoyalHospital.eu | +357 26961600 | 2 Pavlou Crineou Street, Paphos 8035 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| Santa Marina Polyclinic | info@santa-marina.com.cy | +357 23811999 | 5 Takis Sofocleous Street, Paralimni 5385 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| St George Hospital | st.george.hos@cytanet.com.cy | +357 26947000 | 29 Eleftherios Venizelos Avenue, Paphos 8028 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
| St Raphael Private Hospital | saintraphael@cytanet.com.cy | +357 24840840 | 25 Gordiou Desmou Street, Larnaca 6045 | Yes | Other – see website | Private | Ministry of Health, State Health Services Organisation, GESY |
For immediate medical care in an emergency, go to the 24/7 accident and emergency (A&E) department of your nearest public hospital. You can also call 112 for an ambulance.
How Do I Get My Prescription in Cyprus?
Doctors will write prescriptions detailing the medications you need to take. Take this to any pharmacy, known locally as φαρμακείο (pronounced farmakeío). There are pharmacies located all across Cyprus, typically open from 8:30am to 9pm on weekdays.
You’ll need to pay a small fee for each prescription medication – usually a few euros. Be sure to present your national healthcare card to get drugs at the reduced rate. Generic drugs are available at lower costs than name brands.
Quality of Healthcare in Cyprus
Cyprus has a well-developed healthcare system and some of the best health outcomes in the EU region. The World Health Organisation ranks Cyprus among the top medical services in worldwide rankings (Number 24 worldwide). Physicians must complete 6 years of training after medical school to practice in Cyprus. Specialists undergo additional training in their field.
Healthcare is regulated by the Ministry of Health, with hospitals and clinics needing accreditation to operate. Standards are comparable to other European nations, though private facilities tend to offer more advanced technology and comfortable amenities. In studies & surveys, most Cypriot residents report good satisfaction with the healthcare they receive.
Health Tips for New Residents
- Get a checkup with a GP soon after arriving to establish care and voice any health concerns.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, including boosters for tetanus, diphtheria, measles and hepatitis A/B.
- Request to have your medical records transferred from your home country.
- It may help to know some key Greek or Turkish medical terms for appointments, though most doctors speak English.
Overall, the healthcare system in Cyprus provides good quality medical services for residents and getting access to good quality healthcare as a new resident who has just moved to Cyprus, whether private or public, should not be a problem.
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