Greece
Capital Athens
The people who know this process cold
Facilitators, cross-border advisors, and community groups.
Not yet sourced
What the signals say about care
The normalized healthcare index, plus which programs grant local-system access.
How the system works
The ESY public system is funded by taxes and insurance and covers about 99% of the population, with private clinics running parallel for speed. EU profiles note high hospital-bed density (~4.2 per 1,000).
What you will use
You register at a local EFKA office after residency for a public card; emergencies are free at public hospitals. Visits cost €0–10 in co-pays; private consults run €50–100. Many expats buy insurance (e.g. Allianz from ~€40/mo).
Quality and access
Outcomes are strong (life expectancy ~82) and urban Athens has top facilities. Rural islands face doctor shortages and specialist waits of 1–3 months. The COVID response expanded capacity.
The private market
You opt for private hospitals like Hygeia (~€80 consult, ~€200 ER); dental runs €50–100 a filling and vision ~€100 an exam. Annual family plans are €600–1,200, and English-speaking doctors are common in cities.
Could Greece be your next move?
Open your personalized country view to review a city estimate and compare it with your saved monthly spending.
Build your mobility plan