Healthcare in Cyprus

The public healthcare system

Healthcare in Cyprus, as in many other countries, is divided into two spheres - public and private. The public healthcare system is well developed. It includes nine major hospitals and around forty medical centers. They are located so as to cover not just large cities but small towns as well.

The largest hospital in Cyprus is located in the capital, Nicosia. It has cardiac surgery, oncology, and other specialized departments that treat patients from across the island.

Many doctors speak English. Some also speak Russian, which makes healthcare in Cyprus more accessible for Russian speakers.

You can book an appointment with a general practitioner or a specialist online, through the form on the State Health Services Organisation website at https://shso.org.cy/en/. An ambulance can also be called through the same site.

However, be prepared for a fairly long wait for an appointment. This happens even when urgent medical attention is needed. An appointment with a specialist may be scheduled a week, two weeks, or even a month after the request.

Childhood vaccinations

The child vaccination program in Cyprus is similar to those used in Russia. But the vaccination schedule follows the one used in the US and Europe.

At 2 months, a child is vaccinated against pneumococcal infection. Several booster doses follow after that. The following vaccinations are also given:

• DTaP (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae) and hepatitis B - at three, five and eight months of age;
• rotavirus - given twice, between 6 weeks and 6 months;
• meningococcal C - at 12 months;
• chickenpox - at 12-17 months;
• measles, rubella and mumps - by 15 months;
• hepatitis A - at 15-17 months;
• tetanus and diphtheria - at 14-15 years.

The General Healthcare System (GESY)

GESY began operating in 2019. Under it, local citizens can rely on diagnosis and treatment in Cyprus. It also covers some foreigners who permanently reside on the island. This category includes:

• EU citizens who hold a Yellow Slip registration certificate, along with their family members;
• citizens of other countries and their family members - provided they hold residency status;
• officially registered refugees.

GESY does not cover those living in Cyprus on a residence permit. Nor can tourists use its services.

How does GESY work?

You need to register in the system and choose a personal doctor you will see. This can be done in different ways:

• tell the doctor about your decision during a visit to a general practitioner and fill in a form;
• online, at https://www.gesy.org.cy/launchpad.html.

You can change your personal doctor, but only once every six months. Your personal doctor:

• issues prescriptions for medicines;
• issues referrals for tests;
• refers patients to specialists.

A general practitioner consultation and inpatient treatment in Cyprus under GESY are free of charge. The system also allows you, for a minimal price, to:

• obtain medicines;
• undergo examinations;
• call for ambulance services;
• get medical assistance for injuries, accidents and emergencies;
• use the services of caregivers, midwives and psychologists;
• see a dentist for preventive services.

The cost of paid services is capped and cannot exceed 150 euros per year. For pensioners, children under 18, and low-income individuals, the cap is 75 euros. Once this cap is reached, the necessary services are provided free of charge.

The system is funded by social contributions, which are paid by everyone who has a source of income on the island. Even those who earn income in Cyprus but do not live there are required to pay them. For most categories of the population, the contribution rate is 2.65%.

Private healthcare

Private medicine in Cyprus is regulated by the Ministry of Health, but is financially self-sufficient. The Ministry issues licenses to clinics, pharmacies, diagnostic centers and individual specialists. A prior inspection is carried out to confirm they meet the established requirements.

Private medical services are primarily intended for those who, for whatever reason, cannot use the public healthcare system. Private medicine also provides a higher level of comfort. Those who pay for a doctor's visit do not need to stand in queues. The island also has treatment resorts that allow people to improve their health and recover after an injury, surgery, or serious illness.

Approximate prices:

• specialist consultation - 50 euros;
• blood test - 15-20 euros per item;
• X-ray - 50-70 euros;
• ultrasound - 50-100 euros.

Health insurance in Cyprus

A social insurance system applies to everyone working in Cyprus. It grants the right to medical care within the public healthcare system. Standard health insurance in Cyprus generally covers the cost of visiting a general practitioner, inpatient treatment for major illnesses, and commonly needed medicines. You can also take out extended insurance that covers the cost of ophthalmology or dental services, or treatment of chronic illnesses.

Companies operating on the island are:

• registered in Cyprus and operating only within the country - policies from these companies cannot be used for treatment outside the island;
• international - their services cost more, but diagnosis and treatment are available not only in Cyprus but in other countries too, not only in Europe.

How does the insurance company reimburse treatment costs?

When a patient is in hospital, the clinic bills the insurance company directly. The insurer pays for the treatment in Cyprus by transferring funds to the hospital or medical center's account.

If you visit a doctor and pay for their services yourself, or pay for diagnostics and medicines, you need to keep the receipts and other documents confirming payment. You then need to submit a claim to the insurance company. The receipts need to be attached to it. The insurance company will carry out a review and reimburse the costs.

Giving birth in Cyprus

You can give birth in either a public or private clinic. If you choose the second option, be prepared to pay around 3,000-5,000 euros. Part of the cost can be reimbursed if you take out insurance in advance.

However, insurance companies prefer not to sign contracts with women who are already pregnant. So the optimal solution is to take out a policy at the family-planning stage. It is advisable for the policy to be valid for at least 12 months, as this increases the size of the payout.

Compensation typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 euros, meaning you can recover from 20% to 100% of the cost of giving birth in a private clinic. The payout can be received right after the birth.

Health insurance for immigration purposes

If you are applying for a residence permit or a student visa, you need to take out a standard policy. It costs 175 euros a year and only covers emergencies.

Many people prefer to take out standard insurance through the offices of international companies. It costs more, but may include basic dental or ophthalmology care.

If you have obtained Cyprus residency, you can register with the public healthcare system, GESY. To do this, you must be entered into the register of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.