How does healthcare work in Cyprus, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Cyprus?

• Cyprus is not a bad place to live if you want to live healthy. The country has one of the healthiest populations in Europe. Since 2019, there has been a universal health care system for citizens and residents called the General Healthcare System (GESY).
• Health care in Cyprus is of good quality and consists of both public and private institutions. Health care is also generally quite cheap! However, the quality of care in the Greek, southern part of the island may be better than in the Turkish, northern part.
• Hospitals, both public and private, can be found in every city.
• Pharmacies are spread throughout the country and are generally open in the morning until lunch, then closed for a few hours, and then open again from about 3 PM to 6 or 7 PM. There are also a number of evening pharmacies that are open later in the evening.
• In case of emergency, you can call 112 (general EU emergency number) or 199 (local emergency number).

How does the public healthcare system work in Cyprus?

• Public health care is provided by the Ministry of Health. Anyone who has lived in Cyprus for more than three months can register for the national health care system.
• All legal residents are entitled to GESY. If you work in Cyprus, you must contribute to the social insurance system anyway. After 90 days, you can apply for registration as a resident. You can then register with the General Healthcare System (GHS) and a general practitioner. You will then be classified in 1 of 3 categories, depending on your income. After this, you can use public health care. Dependents such as partners/family can be covered under the main applicant.
• Under the public system, there are five regional hospitals, a children's/gynaecological hospital, a number of rural hospitals and several health centres and sub-centres.
• The GESY health care system works in such a way that you pay a co-payment. The state pays the rest. The co-payment is generally very low.
• Costs that are (partly) covered include visits to the GP, specialists, hospital services, medicines, tests and an annual dental check-up and treatment by the dental hygienist.
• GESY can be reached via the number 17000.

How does the private healthcare system work in Cyprus?

• There are more private hospitals than public hospitals in Cyprus, and there are also many health centres. Private healthcare therefore gives you more options and often shorter waiting times.
• The quality of care is very good and comparable to Western Europe, but without insurance the costs can be quite high. If you do not qualify for GESY, or if you want to be seen sooner, then (international) private insurance is a good option.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Cyprus?

• As soon as you are a resident, you can register for a GP via GESY, and visit them free of charge.
• The GP is the point of contact for primary care and refers you to a specialist where necessary.
• Waiting times can be long at popular GPs. You can visit a private doctor without a waiting period, but you have to pay per consultation.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Cyprus?

• Dental care is of good quality in Cyprus. Once you have found a dentist, you must register with the dentist. The Cyprus Dental Association (CDA) can help you find a dentist. It may also be wise to ask other expats for advice.
• Dental care is covered to a very limited extent by public insurance. You are entitled to 1 check-up and dental hygienist treatment per year.
• Public dental care is also only available in some government clinics.
• The vast majority of dental care takes place in private clinics. The prices here are reasonable compared to Western Europe.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Cyprus?

• Under the public health system, you are covered for maternity - and pregnancy care in public institutions. In general, the care is good, although it varies per institution.
• The GP will confirm your pregnancy and refer you to a midwife or obstetrician. You will have your first appointment at 8 to 12 weeks, and then another 7-10 until the birth.
• In public hospitals, you usually have to stay for 3-5 days after the birth.
• Caesareans are increasingly performed, without necessity. Make sure you discuss your wishes with your doctor.
• Home births are rare. Midwives are also not qualified to perform births at home.
• Private clinics offer better and more personalized care. Talk to other expats about their advice regarding local clinics.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Cyprus?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Cyprus?

• Cyprus is a safe country for expatriates.
• The weather can be extremely hot in summer, which can also cause travel disruptions. Check warnings from the Cyprus Department of Meteorology.
• There are often wildfires in summer in Cyprus due to dry and hot weather. Keep a close eye on the situation.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Cyprus?

• There are few health risks in Cyprus, except perhaps the extreme sun in summer and the sea urchins and jellyfish that are common in coastal areas.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink in the cities, but it can be different in de countryside. 

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Cyprus?

• Driving in Cyprus can take some getting used to, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left! Also, local drivers can sometimes drive unexpectedly, for example by not indicating or ignoring a red light.
• The highways in Cyprus are good, but the back roads are a lot less.
• Cycling is not particularly popular in Cyprus.
• Buses are the main form of public transport. Public transport is also quite limited outside the major cities.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Cyprus?

• Is the trip to Cyprus and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Cyprus
• Insurance for studying in Cyprus
• Insurance for internships in Cyprus
• Insurance for volunteering in Cyprus
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Cyprus

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Cyprus?

• Everyone who moves to Cyprus is required to have private health insurance, until they qualify for local health insurance.
• International health insurance for Cyprus
• International travel insurance for Cyprus
• International life insurance for Cyprus
• International income protection insurance for Cyprus