Healthcare System and Insurance Choices for Expats in Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Europe. It is home not only to Aphrodite, but also to Haloumi cheese and many other attractions that will make your trip worth it! For more information about what you need when visiting this incredible country, consider reading our article.

The country of Cyprus has been ranked as one of the safest countries in all Europe. This ranking is due to its economic stability and high-quality life index score, in which Cyprus ranks 33^rd worldwide!

Cyprus is an affordable destination with high-quality healthcare services that can be accessed by visitors and expats alike. For those who are not familiar with it, the country’s CDC also has information about vaccinations to make sure your visit goes smoothly!

Healthcare in Cyprus

Healthcare in Cyprus has a high standard and is generally rather inexpensive. All major cities have government and private hospitals for their citizens who can afford it. The Medical Service Department monitors food safety very strictly, so there’s barely any chance you’ll contract an infectious disease when traveling around this beautiful island nation.

Cypriot public healthcare is mostly free of charge, but private medical care can be inexpensive also as compared to developed nation’s high-quality services. When it comes to medical care in Cyprus, the south is considered better than the north.

The healthcare system in Cyprus is divided into two sectors: public and private. All major cities have a hospital that falls under one or more of these categories, with the Ministry of Health responsible for funding it accordingly, free or low cost depending on your citizenship within Europe!

How works the Healthcare system for Expats?

The Cyprus Health Service offers free healthcare to all EU citizens. To qualify, you must register yourself as a resident and show that your employer is paying for social insurance or tax-based coverage in order to be eligible for services on the island nation’s National Healthcare service. So, if you don’t pay taxes or social insurance, then the government won’t give out medical cards.

Private insurance is also an option in this case. Cyprus is a popular destination for those who want affordable and high-quality healthcare. If you move there, it makes sense to take out insurance so that your medical costs are taken care of in case anything happens!

Public Healthcare

The Cyprus public healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. All working residents have access to social insurance, which covers them for any medical expenses that may arise from accidents or illnesses at work. In addition, there are other services like dental care; mental health clinics provide prescription medication as well general check-up’s etc…

The Cypriot public sector funds its operations through taxes, payroll deductions and employer contributions. There are three categories that determine eligibility for free treatment: income based on a person’s total assets; number of children under 18 and history of chronic illnesses. All EU citizens visiting this island can use their EHIC card without paying any fees at state hospitals & clinics!

Some of the most pressing problems in public sector are long waiting times, poor coordination between sectors and wasted resources.

Private healthcare

In Cyprus, the public healthcare system caters to more than 80% of its citizens. However, most expats opt for treatment at private centers because they offer access and shorter wait times.

The private sector has two main options for health insurance, international and local. Local coverage may be cheaper, but it only provides limited medical benefits while the other option offers more protection with its broader scope of treatment available through all over world-wide facilities.

To avoid being caught off guard by expensive medical bills, it is important to keep all documentation of your treatment. This includes insurance policies and any other related paperwork like receipts or invoices so that you can present them when claiming reimbursement from abroad.

Plenty of Pharmacies available on the island

In Cyprus, there are many pharmacies that operate from 9am to 6pm and some shut down for three hours during noon. To prescription drugs you will need an appointment with your doctor unless they’re minor or over-the counter medications which cost nothing at all!

If you take your prescription to any pharmacy within the healthcare system and present yourself with an EU Health Insurance Card, it will be partial to reimburse.  People over 65 years old, chronically ill or disability pensioners, will get 50% off, of what they charged.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, you can dial 199. There is a minimum charge for accidents and medical cases that will be paid at the hospital upon arrival. This is with some exceptions like EU citizens or Cypriot pensioners who are exempt from this cost due to their own healthcare system’s coverage in Cyprus.

Conclusion: the Best option is a private health insurance!

Private health insurance can provide faster access to medical services than public plans because patients choose their own providers and facilities. In contrast, with a government sponsored program you’re dependent on waiting lists that may be very long if available at all.

In some cases there might not even really exist any alternatives for treatment since the desired service isn’t covered by your National Health Service.

Expats living in Cyprus should consider buying private international health insurance policies that cover their medical expenses. There are many global insurers who offer a range of plans to suit every budget and preference, so make sure you do your research before signing up!