Student Healthcare in Greece: A Complete Guide for International Students

Sorting out healthcare is one of the most practical steps you can take before moving abroad to study. Knowing how to see a doctor, what your insurance covers, and where to go in an emergency will save you stress and money. Greece offers a blend of public and private healthcare, with good coverage options for international students. What you need depends on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the type of program you are enrolling in.

 

This guide walks you through the essentials. You will learn how the Greek healthcare system works, whether students get free care, what insurance you need for enrollment and visas, how to access services, typical out-of-pocket costs, and what to do in an emergency. You will also find practical notes on pharmacies, prescriptions, and mental health support, plus simple habits that keep you healthy through a Mediterranean semester. The goal is clarity, so you can arrive prepared and focus on classes, friends, and life in Greece.

 

Let’s start with a quick overview of the system itself, then move to what applies specifically to EU and non-EU students, and the steps you should take before and after you land. 

 

 

Greece operates a mixed system of public and private providers. The public pillar is the National Health System, known as ESY. It delivers emergency, primary, and hospital care through a network of rural surgeries, local health units, health centres, and public hospitals. Financing comes from the state budget and social insurance contributions, which keeps many services affordable.

 

Alongside ESY, Greece’s National Organization for the Provision of Health Services, EOPYY, purchases services and contracts many private clinics, laboratories, and diagnostic centers. This setup lets residents access both public facilities and EOPYY-contracted private providers within the national framework.

 

For students, the takeaway is simple: you will find public hospitals and clinics in all major cities and university towns, with private options available for faster scheduling or specific specialties. Care quality is generally solid, especially in large urban centers such as Athens and Thessaloniki. On the islands and in smaller towns, services exist but may be limited to primary care and stabilization, with transfers to larger hospitals when needed. 

 

Understanding the public-private mix helps you decide when to use public pathways covered by your card or insurance and when to choose a private visit for speed or convenience.

 

 

Whether you receive “free” care depends on your status and the setting. EU/EEA and Swiss students who bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to medically necessary, state-provided care during a temporary stay in Greece, under the same conditions and cost as locals in the public system or at EOPYY-contracted providers.

 

This can mean no charge at the point of use or standard co-pays, depending on the service. EHIC does not replace private travel or student insurance and does not cover private-only care.

 

 

Universities in Greece require proof of health coverage for enrollment. The details vary by institution and program, but most expect that you either have EHIC (for EU/EEA/Swiss students) or a private policy that covers you for the full duration of your studies.

 

Erasmus and exchange students generally rely on EHIC plus a supplementary policy for extras like repatriation, dental emergencies, or private care. Full-degree students often need a longer-term plan aligned with their residence permit.

 

For non-EU students, health insurance is part of the visa file. Schengen visa rules require a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage, valid across the Schengen area, with proof submitted at your consulate appointment. Long-stay national visas for study also expect adequate health coverage for your entire stay. Check your consulate’s list, but plan for a policy that covers outpatient visits, hospitalization, emergency care, and medical evacuation.

 

When choosing a plan, compare provider networks in Greece, 24/7 support in English, direct-billing options in major cities, coverage for mental health sessions, and reimbursement timelines. If you already hold coverage from a home insurer, verify that Greece is included and ask for a certificate letter that spells out the benefits and duration in plain terms.

 

 

EU/EEA/Swiss students: Bring your EHIC. It lets you access medically necessary care in public facilities and EOPYY-contracted providers under local conditions. Consider adding supplementary insurance for private doctors, dental care beyond basics, or repatriation. EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive travel coverage and does not cover planned treatments.

Non-EU students: You will need private health insurance for your visa and residence permit, and this plan becomes your primary coverage in Greece. Some countries have bilateral healthcare agreements with Greece, but these are not universal. Even if you have a reciprocal arrangement, a student policy that includes emergency evacuation and strong outpatient benefits remains a smart choice for peace of mind and smooth paperwork.

In both cases, keep digital and paper copies of your cards, policy documents, and claims instructions. This speeds up admissions at clinics and ensures you can file reimbursements without hassle.

 

 

Start by identifying the right level of care. For non-urgent needs, you can book a primary care appointment at public health centers or with EOPYY-contracted doctors. In many areas, university international offices can recommend clinics familiar with student cases. Private clinics are widely available and may offer faster appointments, especially for dermatology, gynecology, dental work, or imaging.

 

For public pathways, bring your EHIC and passport if you are an EU student, or your insurance card and ID if you are non-EU. At EOPYY-contracted providers, you may need to present documentation at reception before the visit. Be patient with admin: front desks may be busy, particularly in large hospitals. If you prefer private care, you usually pay at the visit and later file a claim with your insurer.

 

Language is less of a barrier than you might expect in cities, where many clinicians speak English. If needed, ask your insurer for an English-speaking provider list.

 

 

Your costs depend on three variables: the provider type, your eligibility, and your insurance. In public hospitals and clinics, EU students with EHIC are treated under local rules, which can include low or no fees for medically necessary care. At EOPYY-contracted providers, certain services may involve standard co-pays. EHIC does not cover private-only care.

 

Non-EU students using private clinics will pay the clinic’s set fees and then claim reimbursement as outlined by their policy. Prices vary by city and specialty. Diagnostic tests and imaging in private centers are often reasonably priced compared with Northern Europe but always check the fee schedule up front.

 

If your insurer offers direct billing with a clinic in Athens, Thessaloniki, or your university town, use it to avoid paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement. Review exclusions and claim deadlines right away, so you are not caught out by paperwork after a visit.

 

 

Pharmacies are easy to spot from the green cross sign and the word “Φαρμακείο.” Pharmacists can advise on common over-the-counter remedies for colds, allergies, mild pain, and travel issues.

 

Prescription medicines, on the other hand, require a doctor’s script. Greece has an e-prescription system, which many providers use to send prescriptions directly to a pharmacy. If you are using insurance, keep the receipt and prescription details for reimbursement.

 

Outside regular hours, cities operate a duty rotation of late-night and weekend pharmacies. You can look up which pharmacies are on duty in your area through local directories that publish daily duty lists. This is helpful if you fall ill at night or on a public holiday. Save a duty-pharmacy finder for your city on your phone once you arrive, so you know exactly where to go when everything else is closed.

 

 

In an emergency anywhere in Greece, dial 112 from any phone. It is the single European emergency number and connects you to ambulance, fire, or police. Calls are free and work across mobile networks. Follow the operator’s instructions and keep your location details handy.

 

For urgent medical situations, public hospitals on duty will admit you through the emergency department. EU students with EHIC should present the card and ID; non-EU students should bring insurance information, though treatment is prioritized based on medical need. In some cases, private hospitals with EOPYY contracts can also handle emergencies within the public framework. If you are unsure which facility to use, call your insurer’s 24/7 line for guidance on the nearest suitable hospital and whether direct billing is available.

 

Create an ICE (In Case of Emergency) note on your phone with your policy number, university contact, and a local friend’s number. It speeds up communication if you are unable to speak.

 

 

Academic transitions, culture shock, and language adjustments are real. Many Greek universities provide student counseling services or can refer you to English-speaking psychologists or psychiatrists in the community. Coverage varies by insurer, so check whether your plan includes assessment sessions, therapy visits, or psychiatric consultations, and what documentation is required for claims.

 

If you are already in treatment at home, ask your current clinician for a treatment summary before leaving and request a referral to a provider in Greece. Consistency helps, especially during exam periods. If your insurance offers telehealth, keep that option available for continuity with a therapist in your home country.

 

For everyday well-being, lean on campus societies, sports clubs, and language exchanges. Building a routine, sleeping well, and staying connected to a community make a measurable difference during your first months in a new country.

 

 

Book a check-up before you fly and update routine vaccinations according to your home country’s schedule. Pack a basic travel kit with any prescription medicines, a copy of your prescriptions, and allergy information. On arrival, save emergency contacts, your insurer’s hotline, and the nearest duty pharmacy list.

 

Greece’s summers are hot, especially from June to September. Hydrate throughout the day, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities in the morning or evening. If you are sensitive to heat, choose air-conditioned study spaces during peak hours. Food is a highlight of living here, and the Mediterranean diet makes it easy to eat well. If you have dietary restrictions, learn the key phrases in Greek to explain them when eating out.

 

Stay active through university gyms, swimming, or hiking trails near your town. Movement helps with stress, sleep, and focus. A few simple habits reduce the odds that you will need to visit a clinic in the first place.

 

 

Healthcare planning is a practical step that pays off during your studies in Greece. Start with your status. EU/EEA and Swiss students should apply for and carry EHIC, and consider a top-up policy for private care or evacuation. Non-EU students should purchase a compliant policy in advance and include it with visa documents. In both cases, keep copies of your coverage on your phone and in your bag.

 

Once in Greece, use public hospitals and EOPYY-contracted providers for care covered under local rules, and private clinics when you want faster appointments or specific services. Save 112 for emergencies and know how to find on-duty pharmacies after hours. Your university and insurer can connect you with English-speaking providers and mental health support if you need it.

 

Greece is a welcoming place to study, and its healthcare framework gives international students clear pathways to care. Prepare your documents, understand your coverage, and build healthy habits. With the essentials handled, you can focus on your program, your friends, and everything you want to experience while you are here.

 

If you're curious about studying in Greece, you can begin by checking the top 5 universities in Greece for international students, as well as this comprehensive guide about how to benefit from European Scholarship Programs.

 

Or you can go straight to exploring your options – discover the wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Greece today!