State medicine in Cyprus
The state healthcare system in Cyprus is just a part of the overall healthcare system, which also includes private clinics. However, considering the social obligations of the state, this is its most important part.
- The state healthcare system in Cyprus
- Who can use GeSY
- How to use GeSY services
- Cost of GeSY services
- Institutions included in the GeSY system
- Questions about the healthcare system
The state healthcare system in Cyprus
The state healthcare system in Cyprus is called GeSY. While the abbreviation is written in English, it comes from Greek: (Γενικό Σύστημα Υγείας — ΓεΣΥ).
This system is theoretically based on the principle of universal coverage of the population based on fairness and equality. The costs of GeSY are covered by contributions from the state and patients. However, the system is not completely free; for some services, patients must pay a small fee.
Who can use GeSY
The state healthcare system is available, of course, to Cypriot citizens, but also to foreign nationals under certain conditions.
- Cypriot citizens
- Citizens of the EU, EEA, and the UK, who have a foreigner registration certificate (ARC) and a valid residence permit
- Citizens of third countries with a foreigner registration certificate (ARC) and a valid residence permit
- Family members of GeSY service recipients: spouses or dependent children
How to use GeSY services
If you meet all the criteria, you can register on the GeSY portal. You will need to upload your basic information and register with a local doctor. The doctor will examine you for general health issues and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Your doctor will provide you with several free visits per year. For example, if you are over 65, you are entitled to 10 free visits. After exceeding this number of visits, the patient pays 15 euros for each visit.
Cost of GeSY services
The general state healthcare system in Cyprus is not completely free. Although it offers comprehensive medical care at significantly reduced prices, patients must pay a small fee for some services.
Once the free number of visits is exceeded (depending on age), the patient pays 15 euros per visit.
For other procedures, you pay a small amount, for example:
- €1.00 for prescribed medication or medical products
- €6.00 for a specialist consultation by referral
- €25.00 for a specialist consultation without referral
- €10.00 for accidents and emergency care
- €1.00 for a laboratory test
Institutions included in the GeSY system
- State hospitals and general state hospitals;
- Several private medical offices, hospitals, centers, clinics, polyclinics, and other institutions;
- Several laboratories and examination or diagnostic centers;
- Several pharmacies.
Patients can choose their personal doctor, as well as a specialist or medical institution to which they want to be referred. Additionally, they can freely select the pharmacy where they will receive prescribed medicines and other products. All of this can be done on the login.gesy.org.cy portal.
Frequently Asked Questions about the healthcare system in Cyprus
Who pays the tax for the state healthcare system?
Contributions to GeSY are paid by employees, employers, the self-employed, and those receiving income. Contribution rates are available on the GeSY website. The contribution rate is 2.65% per year. Unlike income taxes, this percentage is fixed for everyone and has no upper limit.
Where can I find information about pharmacies in Cyprus?
There are many pharmacies in Cyprus, and they can be found wherever there is any human activity. Regular pharmacies operate Monday through Saturday with a lunch break, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, pharmacists do not return after lunch. On-duty pharmacies operate longer hours without a lunch break. For more information about regular pharmacy hours and how to find on-duty pharmacies, see our article Pharmacies in Cyprus.
How do I make an appointment with a doctor in Cyprus?
You can make an appointment through the official website of the Cyprus State Health Services shso.org.cy or by phone. Detailed instructions on how to do this are in the article How to make an appointment with a doctor in Cyprus.
What should I do if I am not a tax resident of Cyprus?
In this case, you are not entitled to state healthcare in Cyprus. It is highly recommended to get travel insurance. You can do this through websites like Cherehapa, EKTA, or Tripinsurance. By the way, the latter company also offers long-term insurance policies for expats.
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…