How to combine Greek public health insurance, private mutuelles, and international family plans for full protection
International students moving to Greece with their families often expect one simple, bundled “family student insurance” plan.
But Greece doesn’t really offer that.
Instead, family healthcare for students is built from a combination of public coverage, private policies, and international plans.
This layered approach may seem complex at first.
Yet once you understand the system, it becomes both predictable and manageable.
The real challenge isn’t finding options.
It’s understanding which options fit your family’s visa status, residency plans, and length of stay.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how the Greek health system works, lay out the statutory pathways that might apply to your family, and present a realistic Top 10 list of insurance solutions commonly used by international student families living in Greece.
Let’s start with the basics: how Greece structures healthcare for international students.
How the Greek Health System Works for International Students
Healthcare access for student families in Greece depends almost entirely on nationality and visa type.
EU students and non-EU students face two very different realities.
For EU students, the process is simple.
Students can arrive with their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which grants immediate access to the Greek public healthcare system. This covers essential and urgent care but doesn’t pay for everything. Non-emergency services often require partial payment unless supplemented with private insurance.
For non-EU students, the rules are stricter.
Greece requires non-EU students to have Schengen-compliant private insurance before receiving their student visa. This insurance must:
- Cover at least €30,000
- Include medical emergencies
- Include hospitalization
- Include medical repatriation
- Remain valid for the entire stay in Greece
- Cover all Schengen countries
This is not optional. Greek consulates reject applications that fail to meet these thresholds.
Once in Greece, the long-term picture becomes more flexible.
Students who work legally and contribute to the social insurance system (EFKA) for at least 50 working days can gain access to public health coverage. Even better, EFKA coverage extends to spouses and dependent children who live with the student.
In other words, the combination of private insurance + Greek public insurance is the most common—and best—system for student families.
But it depends heavily on the family’s residency path.
Understanding EFKA: The Gateway to Public Healthcare for Families
Greece’s main public health insurance system is EFKA, the Unified Social Security Fund.
It protects millions of workers, both Greek and foreign, and provides one of the most important benefits for international student families: dependent coverage.
To qualify, a student must:
- Be legally employed
- Pay social insurance contributions
- Accumulate at least 50 days of contributions
Once that requirement is met:
- The student gains public health coverage.
- Their spouse becomes eligible.
- Their children become eligible.
Dependants must be:
- Unmarried
- Under 18, or up to 24 if studying full time
This makes EFKA especially valuable for postgraduate students, those engaged in teaching or research roles, and families staying in Greece for more than one academic year.
However, many families will not meet these requirements immediately.
During the transition, they rely on private or international insurance.
That leads us to the industry landscape.
Top Public and Statutory Routes for Family Healthcare in Greece
These are the two major statutory options students should understand:
1. EFKA – Greek Public Health Insurance
Eligibility:
- Student works legally and contributes for 50 days
- Spouse and children qualify as dependants
What it covers:
- Primary and specialist care
- Hospitalization
- Prescription medicines
- Emergency services
Who it helps most:
Families staying long-term, especially if one partner plans to work.
2. EHIC – European Health Insurance Card (EU Students Only)
Eligibility:
- EU/EEA students with valid EHIC from their home country
What it covers:
- Basic public healthcare at the same cost as Greek residents
- Some access for dependants depending on home country rules
Limitations:
- Does not cover private care
- Does not cover all treatments
- Not available to non-EU students
EHIC is helpful, but not enough for full family healthcare.
The Top 10 Private and International Insurance Options for Student Families in Greece
Below is a realistic list of private and international insurers commonly used by international students. These companies can add dependants, satisfy visa rules, and act as a safety net while waiting for EFKA eligibility.
Let’s break them down one by one.
1. InternationalStudentInsurance.com – Greece Student Plans
A practical option for short-term or visa-compliance needs.
Role:
- Provides Schengen-friendly student plans
- Allows dependants on some policies
- Works as a bridge until public coverage begins
Price:
- Student-only: €40–70 per month
- Family: Increases by €100–200 per dependant
Useful for students who need coverage immediately upon arrival.
2. Cigna Global
A flexible international health insurer with modular benefits.
Role:
- Covers inpatient, outpatient, mental health, maternity, and paediatric care
- Lets students add spouse and children
- Suitable for families moving between multiple countries
Price:
- Mid-tier family coverage: €150–350+ per month
Excellent for families needing strong outpatient and maternity benefits.
3. Allianz Care
A trusted international insurer recognized widely across Europe.
Role:
- Hospital-focused cover with optional outpatient services
- Maternity add-ons available
- Often used for visa applications
Price:
- Similar to Cigna
- Premium maternity plans cost more
Ideal for students who want a robust, internationally accepted policy.
4. AXA Global Healthcare
Well-known global insurer with Europe-focused policy options.
Role:
- Works as proof of insurance before EFKA eligibility
- Can transition into long-term top-up coverage
- Allows dependant additions
Price:
- €150–300+ per month for typical family plans
Good balance of coverage and cost.
5. Bupa Global
High-end international coverage.
Role:
- Strong hospital networks
- Excellent for chronic illnesses and maternity care
- Ideal for research families or those with complex medical needs
Price:
- €400–700+ per month for families
Premium option for those needing extensive benefits.
6. April International
Popular with expatriates, especially long-term residents.
Role:
- Can be used as standalone coverage
- Allows adding spouse and children easily
- Works well alongside public insurance
Price:
- Mid-range, between local Greek insurers and global brands
A great option for families staying multiple years.
7. Local Greek Private Insurers (EETAA, Interamerican, EuropAssistance)
The most budget-friendly private plans.
Role:
- Provide private health insurance suitable for students and families
- Offer dental and outpatient add-ons
Price:
- Family plans: €100–250 per month
These plans work well once the family is settled and wants predictable local coverage.
8. Home-Country International Plans Covering Greece
Useful for families from countries with strong private insurance systems.
Role:
- Allows continuity of coverage
- Must meet Schengen visa rules
- Can be used while transitioning to EFKA or Greek residency
Price:
- Similar to international plans, sometimes slightly cheaper
Good option if claims processing in your home country is efficient.
9. Greek Health Insurance Tax Exemption Plans
A lesser-known cost-saving tool.
Role:
- Families can deduct health insurance premiums from taxable income
- Applies to local and some international plans
Price:
- Basic family plans: €1,200–€2,000 per year
- Comprehensive plans: €4,500+ per year
Can save families €800–€2,400 annually depending on income level.
EU Healthcare Reciprocity Agreements (EU Families Only)
Useful for EU citizens relocating to Greece temporarily.
Role:
- Allows continuity of public coverage from home country
- Can apply to children studying abroad
Price:
- Usually low-cost or free depending on home system
Helps EU families minimize private insurance costs.
Cost and Coverage Patterns: What Families Should Expect
Understanding cost patterns helps avoid surprises.
For non-EU students
- Visa-compliant insurance: €40–70 per month
- Each additional family member: €100–200 more
- Higher coverage (maternity, outpatient): premium increases significantly
For EU students
- EHIC: Free for basic care
- Mutuelle-style top-up: €15–40 per person
- International family plans recommended for dependants
For families relying on EFKA
- Cost tied to employment contributions
- Dependants covered automatically
- Need supplemental private insurance for better dental/optical coverage
Greece offers flexibility, but good planning is essential.
Practical Tips for International Student Families in Greece
These tips help you avoid common mistakes and save money.
Tip 1: Make Sure Your Insurance Meets Greek Visa Requirements
For non-EU visas:
- Minimum €30,000 coverage
- Valid in all Schengen countries
- Covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Active for the entire stay
Never compromise on this. Greek consulates are strict.
Tip 2: Register for EFKA if Working Long-Term
Once you reach 50 days of contributions, switch dependants to EFKA.
It reduces long-term costs and improves access to public healthcare.
Tip 3: Use International Insurance for Dependants Not Covered by EFKA
This hybrid approach keeps everyone protected without overpaying.
Tip 4: Combine Public Coverage With Private Top-Up
Greek public insurance is comprehensive but not complete.
Private plans help plug the gaps, especially for:
- Dental
- Optical
- Elective treatments
- Private hospitals
Tip 5: Ask Your University for the Latest Guidance
Greek universities maintain updated lists of recommended insurers.
They often know which plans past students successfully used for visas.
Building the Best Family Insurance Setup in Greece
International students arriving in Greece with their families face unique challenges.
But with the right strategy, Greece offers a clear and manageable system for healthcare.
The strongest setup usually looks like this:
- Start with visa-compliant private insurance for the whole family.
- Register with EFKA when eligible through employment.
- Add a private or international plan for any family members who remain outside EFKA.
- Use tax deduction benefits to make private insurance more affordable.
- Adjust your coverage each year as your residency and income evolve.
This blended approach ensures:
- Visa compliance
- Full family coverage
- Long-term affordability
- Access to both public and private care
References:
EFKA – Unified Social Security Fund. (2024). Health insurance and social security contributions for employees and dependants. https://www.efka.gov.gr
Hellenic Ministry of Migration & Asylum. (2024). Requirements for student visas and residence permits in Greece. https://migration.gov.gr
Hellenic Ministry of Health. (2024). Public healthcare access for foreign nationals in Greece. https://www.moh.gov.gr
European Commission. (2024). European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and healthcare access in EU countries. https://ec.europa.eu/social
Schengen Visa Info. (2024). Health insurance requirements for Schengen visa applicants. https://www.schengenvisainfo.com
Allianz Care. (2024). International student and expat medical insurance plans. https://www.allianzcare.com
April International. (2024). International health insurance for expatriates in Greece. https://www.april-international.com
AXA Global Healthcare. (2024). Global health insurance plans. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
Bupa Global. (2024). Worldwide private medical insurance. https://www.bupaglobal.com
Cigna Global. (2024). International medical insurance plans. https://www.cignaglobal.com
InternationalStudentInsurance.com. (2024). Health insurance for Greece and Schengen-compliant student plans. https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
Interamerican Greece. (2024). Private health insurance plans in Greece. https://www.interamerican.gr
Europ Assistance Greece. (2024). Health and travel insurance plans for residents and visitors. https://www.europ-assistance.gr
EETAA – Greek Student Support Organization. (2024). Health-related services and student support schemes. https://www.eetaa.gr
