Greece offers both public and private health insurance options, catering to the diverse needs of its residents, including citizens, legal residents, and expatriates. While both systems aim to provide access to medical care, they differ significantly in structure, funding, and scope of services, though they also share key similarities.
Public Health Insurance: Structure and Access
Greece’s public healthcare system operates under the National Health System (ESY) and is primarily managed by the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY). EOPYY consolidates several former sectoral funds, including IKA (for private sector employees), OAEE (self-employed), OGA (farmers), and TSMEDE (engineers and contractors). Access to public health insurance is granted to Greek citizens and legal residents based on their contribution history or social welfare eligibility.
Public insurance covers a wide range of services: primary and secondary healthcare, emergency treatment, hospitalizations, maternity care, and prescriptions. These services are delivered through public hospitals and clinics or contracted private providers. Funding is sourced through mandatory employer and employee contributions, along with state subsidies.
However, public healthcare faces challenges such as long wait times, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and limited resources, prompting many to seek supplementary coverage through private insurers.
Private Health Insurance: Flexibility and Supplementary Care
Private health insurance in Greece complements the public system, offering quicker access, greater choice, and often higher-quality services. Leading private providers include Ethniki, Allianz Hellas, AXA, ERGO, and NN Hellenic Life Insurance. These companies offer flexible health plans covering inpatient and outpatient care, specialist consultations, surgeries, maternity, diagnostics, and preventive services.
Plans are customizable, often with high annual coverage limits, options for hospital choice (including abroad), and family discounts. International insurers like Cigna, Bupa, and NOW Health are particularly favored by expatriates for their global networks and English-language support.
However, private insurance comes at a cost. Premiums vary by age, health condition, and coverage level, and in 2025, rates have reportedly risen by up to 14%, impacting affordability for many households.
Key Similarities and Differences
Similarities between public and private insurance include:
- Coverage Scope: Both provide essential healthcare services including hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and doctor visits.
- Legality: Both operate under Greek health regulations and oversight to ensure quality and fairness.
- Provider Access: Both systems use a mix of public and private facilities, especially in rural areas.
Differences are more pronounced:
- Funding: Public insurance is tax-funded and contribution-based; private insurance requires out-of-pocket premium payments.
- Access and Speed: Public services often involve long waits, while private care offers expedited services.
- Flexibility and Choice: Private plans provide broader options in providers and hospitals, including international coverage.
- Customization: Private insurance allows tailored plans, whereas public insurance offers standardized benefits.
Top Public Health Insurances in Greece
Greece offers a primarily public healthcare system, with the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY) serving as the central public health insurance entity. Unlike many countries with multiple competing public health insurance providers, Greece’s public health insurance structure is unified under EOPYY. As a result, this section will focus exclusively on EOPYY and relevant associated bodies that support public healthcare coverage in the country.
1. EOPYY – National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (Official website: https://www.eopyy.gov.gr)
Cost:
EOPYY is funded primarily through employer and employee contributions, as well as government subsidies. Employees contribute around 7.10% of their gross income (split between employer and employee), while self-employed individuals pay contributions based on their income bracket. For pensioners, contributions are deducted from pensions.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
EOPYY provides comprehensive healthcare coverage including:
- General practitioner and specialist visits
- Hospitalization in public hospitals
- Diagnostic tests and imaging
- Maternity care
- Emergency care
- Prescription drugs (with partial copayments)
- Chronic disease management
Certain services, such as dental care and prosthetics, may have limited coverage or longer waiting times.
Open for All or Limited:
EOPYY coverage is available to:
- All employed individuals (including public and private sectors)
- Pensioners
- Unemployed persons (with coverage via unemployment benefits or special arrangements)
- Registered refugees and asylum seekers
- Children and dependents of insured individuals
Uninsured individuals may access healthcare through a separate government-funded “Uninsured Persons Access Scheme,” but with limited service access.
Core Financial Features:
- Contributions are mandatory and income-based
- Prescription drugs may require copayments (typically 25%, lower for chronic or serious illnesses)
- Free hospitalization in public hospitals for covered individuals
- Cost-sharing is minimized for essential services but may apply to private clinics and branded medications
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Consumer satisfaction with EOPYY is mixed but improving. According to recent surveys by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) and Euro Health Consumer Index reports:
- Overall satisfaction: ~65%
- Positive marks for wide geographic access to public facilities
- Criticism includes bureaucracy, appointment delays, and service quality inconsistencies
- Higher satisfaction in urban areas compared to rural regions
2. EFKA – Unified Social Security Fund (linked to EOPYY)
While not a standalone health insurer, EFKA collects contributions for EOPYY and ensures coverage continuity across different employment sectors.
Cost:
Contributions to EFKA are part of the payroll deductions that also go toward pensions and EOPYY coverage.
Available Services:
EFKA itself doesn’t provide direct healthcare but facilitates access to EOPYY services by managing the insurance eligibility.
Open for All or Limited:
All employed individuals in Greece are automatically enrolled through EFKA.
Core Financial Features:
EFKA simplifies social security management under one umbrella, streamlining contributions for pensions, health, and maternity benefits.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Satisfaction varies; EFKA is generally seen as improving administrative efficiency compared to previous fragmented systems.
Top Private Health Insurances in Greece
Private health insurance in Greece complements the public healthcare system, offering faster access to services, broader hospital networks, and enhanced comfort in treatment settings. Although public healthcare covers most essential needs, many Greek citizens and expatriates choose private insurance for shorter wait times and higher service standards. Below are the top private health insurance providers in Greece based on market share, reputation, and consumer satisfaction.
1. INTERAMERICAN (Official website: https://www.interamerican.gr)
Cost:
Premiums vary based on age, health status, and coverage level, typically starting from €40–€70/month for young adults and increasing with age or added benefits.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Access to private hospitals and clinics across Greece and Europe
- Diagnostic tests and specialist visits
- Maternity care, emergency transportation
- Optional dental and vision packages
Open for All or Limited:
Available to all Greek residents and expatriates who meet medical underwriting criteria.
Core Financial Features:
- Offers flexible deductibles to lower premiums
- Direct billing with partner clinics and hospitals
- Reimbursement options for non-network providers
- Family packages available with discounted premiums
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated highly (around 80–85%) for customer service, claim processing speed, and network quality. INTERAMERICAN is one of the most trusted private insurers in Greece.
2. EUROLIFE FFH (Official website: https://www.eurolife.gr)
Cost:
Average monthly premiums range from €50–€100 depending on plan level and age of the insured.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Full hospitalization coverage
- Preventive screenings and diagnostic tests
- Specialist visits and surgery
- Worldwide coverage options available
- Telemedicine services
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and families, with eligibility depending on health screening.
Core Financial Features:
- Customizable coverage and deductibles
- Optional co-insurance levels to reduce premium
- No-claim bonuses available
- Easy online access to claims and plan management
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Very good (75–80%), with customers praising comprehensive coverage and easy digital tools. Slightly lower marks on claim reimbursement time in non-partner facilities.
3. ETHNIKI Hellenic General Insurance (part of National Bank of Greece) (Official website: https://www.ethniki-asfalistiki.gr)
Cost:
Premiums begin at approximately €45/month and increase with age or advanced coverage. Special discounts available for bank clients.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Hospitalization in private clinics
- Preventive exams and pediatric care
- Specialized treatment for chronic conditions
- Second medical opinion and international support
Open for All or Limited:
Open to residents of Greece, subject to underwriting approval.
Core Financial Features:
- Discounted rates for families and bank customers
- Co-pay options and deductible tiers
- Direct settlement with many hospitals
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Moderately high (~75%), with strong brand trust and good value for money. Some complaints about complexity in plan options and documentation.
4. GENERALI Hellas (Official website: https://www.generali.gr)
Cost:
Plans start at around €50–€80 per month, depending on age and desired benefits.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Private hospitalization and surgeries
- Diagnostic and laboratory testing
- Home care and rehabilitation services
- Coverage for serious illnesses and second opinion
Open for All or Limited:
Generally available to all residents, subject to medical underwriting.
Core Financial Features:
- Premium discounts for long-term contracts
- Tiered plans to accommodate various budgets
- Strong customer support infrastructure
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
High (~80%), with users highlighting excellent hospital access and responsive service. Some plan limitations for pre-existing conditions noted.
5. AXA Insurance Greece (Official website: https://www.axa.gr)
Cost:
Premiums typically range from €60–€120/month based on age, plan level, and add-ons.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Mental health services and wellness programs
- Emergency coverage abroad
- Dental and maternity care options
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and families, with age and health considered during enrollment.
Core Financial Features:
- High annual maximum limits
- Optional international coverage
- Discounts for no-claims and family coverage
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Very good (~80–85%). Customers appreciate the global coverage options and AXA’s multilingual support, though higher-tier plans are more expensive.
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