Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Greece
- Health insurance is REQUIRED for Greek visas including the Digital Nomad Visa—minimum €30,000 coverage with hospitalization and repatriation.
- The public healthcare system (EOPYY) has struggled since the debt crisis—private insurance is strongly recommended for quality care.
- Private healthcare in Greece is surprisingly affordable—consultations €40-80, international plans €80-200/month.
- Living on Greek islands? Medical evacuation coverage is essential—serious cases require helicopter or ferry transfer to Athens.
- The Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of €3,500/month income and valid health insurance for the full stay duration.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Greece?
Greece requires health insurance for non-EU visa applicants, including the Digital Nomad Visa and D-type residence visas. Minimum requirements: €30,000 coverage including hospitalization and medical repatriation. EU citizens can use EHIC for temporary stays but need private insurance for residence permits. Insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and issued by a company operating in Greece or the EU.
Insurance is required for:
- All non-EU visa applicants—insurance is mandatory with specific minimum coverage amounts
- Digital nomads applying for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa (€3,500/month income + insurance required)
- Anyone living on Greek islands where medical facilities are limited
- Retirees and those with chronic conditions—EOPYY public care has significant limitations
- EU citizens planning long-term residence (EHIC covers temporary stays only)
Public vs Private Healthcare in Greece
Public Healthcare
EOPYY (National Organization for the Provision of Health Services)
- Access: Greek citizens, legal residents with AMKA number, EU citizens with EHIC (temporary only)
- Cost: Contributions: ~€50-100/month for self-employed. Most care is free at point of service but with significant waits.
The Greek healthcare system was hit hard by the 2010 debt crisis and has not fully recovered. Public hospitals, especially outside Athens, may be understaffed and have equipment shortages. English is limited outside major cities. Most expats rely on private healthcare for anything beyond emergencies.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local private: €50-120/month. International plans: €80-200/month.
Private healthcare in Greece is affordable by European standards. Athens has modern private hospitals (Hygeia, Mediterraneo, Athens Medical Center). Private care is significantly better than public for non-emergency treatment. On islands, private options are limited—you may need evacuation to Athens for serious care.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Greece. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Medical evacuation from Greek islands to Athens and worldwide travel coverage
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats—Greek private healthcare is affordable without premium plans
Allianz Care
Best for: Digital Nomad Visa applicants (EU-based, meets Greek visa requirements)
Not ideal for: Those planning to stay on mainland Athens only—local plans are cheaper
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and comprehensive mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Healthy digital nomads—more coverage than typically needed for Greece
IMG Global
Best for: Budget Digital Nomad Visa coverage meeting €30,000 minimum requirement
Not ideal for: Island residents needing robust evacuation guarantees
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Greece
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Medical evacuation from Greek | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Digital Nomad Visa applicants | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and comprehensive | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget Digital Nomad Visa | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Greece
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Digital Nomad Visa requires €30,000 minimum coverage including hospitalization AND medical repatriation—verify your policy includes both.
- Greek islands have limited medical facilities. Santorini, Mykonos, and smaller islands may only have basic clinics—serious cases require evacuation to Athens.
- EOPYY public healthcare varies dramatically by location. Athens hospitals are better staffed than rural areas and islands.
- EU citizens: EHIC covers emergency care during temporary stays but does NOT satisfy residence visa requirements.
- Your insurance must be from a company operating in Greece or the EU. Some US-based insurers may not be accepted for visa applications.
- Age limits: The Digital Nomad Visa has no upper age limit, but some insurers restrict new applicants over 65-70.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do I need for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa requires health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage including hospitalization and medical repatriation. The insurance must be valid for your entire stay and issued by a company operating in Greece or the EU. You also need proof of €3,500/month income (or €42,000/year in savings).
How does Greek public healthcare compare to private?
Greek public healthcare (EOPYY) has struggled since the 2010 debt crisis. Public hospitals are often underfunded and understaffed, especially outside Athens. Wait times can be long. Private healthcare offers faster, higher-quality care at reasonable prices (€40-80 per consultation). Most expats use private.
Do I need special coverage for living on Greek islands?
Yes. Islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and smaller islands have limited medical facilities—often just basic clinics. Serious medical issues require evacuation to Athens by helicopter or ferry. Make sure your policy includes medical evacuation. Some plans exclude remote/island evacuations.
Can EU citizens use EHIC in Greece?
EU citizens can use EHIC for necessary care during temporary stays. However, EHIC does NOT satisfy visa requirements for long-term residence. If you are establishing residence in Greece (not just visiting), you will need private insurance that meets Greek residence permit requirements.
How much does private health insurance cost in Greece?
Greece is one of the more affordable European countries for private healthcare. Local private insurance costs €50-120/month. International plans with worldwide coverage cost €80-200/month. These rates are roughly 30-50% less than equivalent coverage in Germany or France.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.