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6 years September 6, 2017
An Overview of the Healthcare System in Cyprus
The quality of healthcare in Cyprus is high and life expectancy statistics compare favorably with those of other western countries. Many doctors are trained in the UK, and people living in many Middle Eastern countries choose to visit Cyprus for medical treatment.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) ranks Cyprus as one of the healthiest countries in the Mediterranean, due to the diet and lifestyle of many residents on island, while meat and alcohol are often accompaniments to any meal, fresh fruit, vegetables and fish are also even more common, with the clean island air and lack of pollution also helps keep health issues down.
Every town in Cyprus contains a Government hospital, which charge low fees for medical care. Additionally there are numerous private clinics offering skilled specialist physicians in every field. According to Government statistics there is one doctor for every 370 persons, a dentist for every 1,100 persons and a nurse for every 215 persons.
Visiting a doctor can cost from €20 to €50 and X-rays will cost approximately €50.
Health Insurance
It’s impossible to give reliable price information, as premiums and conditions are constantly changing in this highly competitive market but generally speaking private medical insurance can be purchased relatively inexpensively and for Cypriot residents (whether they are Cypriot or not) private medical insurance starts at €300 per annum. Standard options cover only public sector hospitals and clinics. More comprehensive options (approximately €1500 a year) include expenses incurred at private medical hospitals and clinics. The primary difference between these options is with the maximum coverage they provide. Different plans will cover up to €2M per year, up to €100K per year or up to €40K per year. E.U. citizens (since 2004) are now considered as locals in government hospitals. This means that foreigners can now enjoy the same benefits in health care as locals; for retired or low income people health care is virtually free.
Social Insurance
The Social Insurance Scheme under the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance (MLSI) provides monetary compensation amounts each month for anyone in retirement, with illness, disability, couples getting married, going on maternity leave, unemployment, death and employment injury.
Cyprus citizens and anyone legally employed in Cyprus are eligible to claim social insurance, small payments that assist with . EU citizens who are pensioners/retirees are also eligible.