Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Our Top Picks
Greek expats have established communities in Germany, the US, UK, Australia, and throughout Europe. EU citizenship provides healthcare coordination within Europe, but destinations outside the EU require independent coverage. Here's what we recommend:
- Cigna Global: Best overall for Greek expats. Strong global networks, reliable service, comprehensive coverage.
- Allianz Care: Excellent for European destinations. Strong EU networks, good value.
- Interamerican: Greek insurer with international products. Full Greek support, includes Greece coverage.
- AXA Global: Good global coverage with strong European presence.
- Ethniki Asfalistiki: Major Greek insurer offering some international options. Familiar brand.
EU Coordination Benefits
As an EU citizen, you have healthcare coordination rights within the EU. Working in another EU country enrolls you in that country's system. But for non-EU destinations like the US or Australia, you need proper international insurance.
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Leaving Greek Healthcare
Greece has the ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias) public healthcare system. Here's what happens when you leave:
ESY Coverage
ESY provides public healthcare to Greek citizens and residents. Coverage is tied to Greek residence and social security contributions (EFKA). When you move abroad, your active ESY coverage status changes based on where you're working and contributing.
EFKA Contributions
Your EFKA (social security) contributions determine healthcare access. Working in another EU country means contributing to that country's system instead. Non-EU destinations have no coordination—you need independent insurance.
Private Greek Insurance
Private health insurance from Greek companies (Interamerican, Ethniki, Eurolife) typically provides limited international coverage—usually emergency treatment abroad for a limited period. Long-term living overseas requires dedicated international coverage.
EOPYY (National Organization for Healthcare Services)
EOPYY manages healthcare provision for insured persons in Greece. Coverage through EOPYY is for Greece-based care. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides some EU coverage for temporary stays.
EU Coordination
Greek citizenship brings EU coordination benefits that significantly affect your insurance needs:
Working in Another EU Country
If you work in another EU country, you're generally covered by that country's social security system. Your employer enrolls you locally, and you contribute to the destination country's healthcare. Germany, the Netherlands, and other EU countries have this arrangement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Your Greek EHIC provides emergency and necessary healthcare during temporary stays in other EU/EEA countries. This is for visits, not residence. Once you establish residence elsewhere in the EU, you transition to that country's coverage.
S1 Form for Pensioners
Greek pensioners living in other EU countries may be entitled to healthcare coverage through the S1 system. Greece covers your healthcare costs in your country of residence. Check eligibility with EFKA.
Non-EU Destinations
For destinations outside the EU—the US, Australia, UK (post-Brexit for new residents), Canada—there's no coordination. You need fully independent international health insurance.
Germany Consideration
Germany has the largest Greek diaspora in Europe. Greek workers in Germany join the German healthcare system (GKV or PKV). EU coordination means your contributions count toward both systems. Understand German insurance rules before moving.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Greek Support | EU Network | Greece Coverage | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Limited | Strong | Add-on | €180/mo |
| Allianz Care | Limited | Excellent | Add-on | €175/mo |
| Interamerican | Full (Greek) | Good | Included | €150/mo |
| Ethniki Asfalistiki | Full (Greek) | Limited | Included | €140/mo |
| AXA Global | Limited | Strong | Add-on | €170/mo |
Detailed Reviews
Cigna Global
Cigna Global offers comprehensive international coverage ideal for Greek expats heading to non-EU destinations. Strong networks in the US (significant Greek-American community), Australia, and worldwide. Plans come in three tiers with coverage up to unlimited.
English service throughout. Greece coverage can be added for visits home.
Best for: Greek expats in non-EU destinations who want reliable global coverage.
Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers excellent European coverage—useful for Greek expats moving within the EU who want private coverage beyond the public system. Strong networks throughout Europe, competitive pricing.
Good value for comprehensive EU coverage. Greece coverage can be added.
Best for: Greek expats in EU countries who want private coverage supplementing public systems.
Interamerican
Interamerican is one of Greece's largest insurers (Achmea Group) and offers international products. Full Greek-language support, familiar processes, Greece coverage included. Good option for those who want Greek service.
International networks are adequate, strongest in Europe.
Best for: Greek expats who prefer Greek-language service and seamless Greece coverage.
AXA Global
AXA Global offers good coverage with strong European networks. Suitable for Greek expats in EU countries or other global destinations. Good service quality, comprehensive benefits.
Best for: Greek expats seeking reliable global coverage with strong EU networks.
Ethniki Asfalistiki
Ethniki Asfalistiki is Greece's largest insurer (National Bank of Greece group) and offers some international options. Full Greek service, familiar brand. International coverage is more limited than dedicated international insurers.
Best for: Greek expats who prefer familiar Greek service and primarily need Greece coverage.
Compare Greek and International Options
Greek insurers offer familiar service; international insurers have broader global networks. For EU destinations, consider whether you need private coverage beyond public systems.
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Returning to Greece
Returning to Greek healthcare involves re-establishing your coverage status:
EFKA Registration
Register with EFKA (social security) based on your status—employed, self-employed, or pensioner. Employment enrolls you through your employer. Self-employed individuals register directly.
AMKA (Social Security Number)
If you already have an AMKA, it remains valid. If you need one, register at a KEP (Citizen Service Center) with your identity documents.
EU Coordination Benefits
If returning from another EU country, your social security contributions there may count toward Greek entitlements. Bring documentation of your contributions abroad.
Transition Coverage
Keep your international insurance active until Greek coverage is confirmed. The process is usually straightforward for returning citizens, but overlap prevents gaps.
Common Questions
Does ESY cover me abroad?
No. ESY only covers care in Greece. Your EHIC provides limited EU coverage for temporary stays. Living abroad requires proper international insurance.
Do I need insurance if working in Germany?
You'll join the German healthcare system (GKV or PKV). This provides comprehensive coverage in Germany. Additional private coverage is optional for enhanced access.
What about the US?
No EU coordination applies. US healthcare is extremely expensive. Comprehensive international insurance is essential—don't rely on any Greek coverage.
Can I get Greek-language support abroad?
Greek insurers (Interamerican, Ethniki) offer Greek service. International insurers typically offer English but may have limited Greek capability.
What about my Greek pension?
EU coordination protects pension rights. Contributions in other EU countries count toward your Greek pension. Non-EU countries may have bilateral agreements—check specifics.
Is Interamerican or Cigna better?
Interamerican offers Greek service and includes Greece coverage. Cigna has stronger global networks. Choose based on destination and language preference.
Final Verdict
Greek expats' insurance needs depend heavily on destination. Within the EU, coordination rules provide base coverage through local systems. Allianz Care or AXA Global can supplement this with private coverage.
For non-EU destinations, comprehensive international insurance is essential. Cigna Global is our top recommendation for reliable worldwide coverage. Interamerican suits those who prefer Greek-language service.
Understand whether EU coordination applies to your situation. Working in another EU country enrolls you in that system—but retirement, study, or non-work situations may have different rules. Clarify before you move.
