Healthcare in Cyprus
Cyprus operates a universal healthcare system called GESY (General Healthcare System), launched in 2019. Both public and private healthcare providers participate, offering residents comprehensive care at affordable costs.
GESY (National Health System)
Who's Eligible:
- Cypriot citizens
- EU/EEA citizens registered as residents
- Non-EU with long-term residence permits (work permit, PR)
- Dependents of eligible persons
Contribution Rates:
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Employees | 2.65% of salary |
| Employers | 2.90% |
| Self-employed | 4.00% |
| Pensioners | 2.65% |
| State | 4.70% |
Maximum monthly contribution: ~€180 for higher earners.
GESY Co-payments
Healthcare under GESY is not free but has minimal co-pays:
- GP visit: Free (limited visits per year based on age), then €15
- Specialist with GP referral: €6
- Specialist without referral: €25
- Prescription medication: €1 per item
- Emergency services: Free
Services Covered
GESY covers:
- General practitioner visits
- Specialist consultations
- Hospital services
- Pharmaceuticals
- Laboratory tests
- Mental health services
- Palliative and rehabilitation
- Limited dental (one checkup/cleaning per year)
Not fully covered: Extensive dental work, cosmetic procedures, some elective surgeries
Private Healthcare
Many expats supplement GESY with private insurance or use it exclusively:
Advantages:
- Shorter wait times for specialists
- Choice of specific doctors
- Private hospital rooms
- Comprehensive dental coverage
Costs:
- Private insurance: €150-300/month per adult
- GP visit: €40-60
- Specialist: €60-100
- Private hospital stay: €200-500/day
For Expats
Digital Nomad Visa holders: Must have private health insurance as a visa requirement
Golden Visa/PR holders: Private insurance required initially; can join GESY once registered
UK nationals with S1: Can access GESY on same basis as Cypriot citizens
Finding Healthcare
- Register with GESY: www.gesy.org.cy
- Find English-speaking doctors: Most doctors in urban areas speak English
- Major hospitals: Nicosia General, Limassol General, private Aretaeio Hospital
Pro Tips
- •Register for GESY immediately if eligible - it's excellent value
- •Private insurance is required for Digital Nomad Visa regardless of GESY
- •Most doctors in Limassol, Paphos, and Nicosia speak good English
- •GESY dental is very limited - consider private dental insurance
- •UK nationals: bring your S1 form for GESY access without contributions
Have questions about healthcare in Cyprus?