Healthcare in Cyprus

Does the Cypriot healthcare system differ from the NHS?

The system offers state-funded hospitals in all of Cyprus's major cities – Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos, and Limassol - and around 75 private hospitals across the island.

The Cypriot state healthcare is funded by taxes but is not completely free at the point of delivery. As with the systems of other European countries, there are small co-payments to be made. So there are small fees to visit A&E (€10), a GP (€3) or a specialist, (€6) and for prescriptions (€1).

The public healthcare system provides free services to all Cypriot citizens and European Union residents with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Many non-EU citizens living in Cyprus opt to take out private healthcare insurance.

How can I access the Cypriot healthcare system? 

UK nationals can access the Cypriot healthcare system for free in a number of ways:

• If you are working and paying social security contributions
• If you have a permanent resident's medical card
• If they have an EHIC or (new) GHIC card for temporary stays
• Or by registering an S1 form (if in receipt of a UK state pension). Find out more at gov.uk.

If you’re working in Cyprus, you must also register with the Cyprus Social Insurance Services and pay healthcare contributions. Once you’re a resident, you can register with a Cypriot doctor through the General Healthcare System (GHS). You must be registered with both the GHS and a doctor to access state healthcare in Cyprus.

If you have an S1 you can apply for a medical card, which means your co-payments will be lower or free when you access state healthcare services.

There is sometimes a waiting list for the public healthcare, so many expats take out private healthcare cover. THis could be a policy provided by an international healthcare provider, or a local private medical insurer, where premiums might be lower.