If you are covered by IKA National Insurance in Greece - either with the reciprocal
arrangements such as the European Health Card or E121 / S1 form, or by working
and contributing in Greece - or another Greek National Insurance scheme (TEBE,
TAXI etc) you will have access to free medical care and hospital care with doctors
and specialists working in the Greek public health system.
If you have private health insurance you can receive treatment and tests with
private doctors and health centres (clinics), depending on your policy.
Doctors and Dentists
There are many GP’s and specialists in Crete who work through IKA, other social
insurance institutions and privately.
IKA Doctors
Once in possession of an IKA health book you will be allocated a local GP. Those
with an EHIC card (see National Insurance / IKA) can see an IKA GP by contacting
the local IKA office.
To make an appointment for any specialist doctor under the IKA scheme phone
184 the national appointments phone line (if you are a non Greek speaker you
may have difficulties - try and have a translator handy!).
You will not be required to pay for treatment. Prescriptions given under the IKA
scheme may be taken to any chemist where you will be charged just 10% to 25%
of the full cost.
Prescriptions
Prescriptions issued by IKA doctors are charged between 10% and 25% of the
cost.
| © Copyright 2004-2012 Carol Palioudaki. Medical Treatment in Crete & Greece Living in Crete www.livingincrete.net |
| Living in Crete |
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| Medical Treatment |
Index > Health Services> Medical Treatment
| Medical Treatment in Crete & Greece |
Private Doctors
To see a doctor or specialist privately you normally do not need to make an
appointment; go along to any doctor’s private surgery during surgery hours, wait
in turn, and pay for a private consultation. Their rates are usually between 30 and
50 Euros per visit.
Dentists
Limited dental treatment is free under the IKA scheme. This does not usually
include cosmetic procedures. There are a large number of private practicing
dentists in Crete, all with the latest modern equipment and their charges are very
reasonable.
See Doctors and Dentists page for a list of doctors and specialists in Crete.
Hospital
Emergencies
For any emergency go to the Accident and Emergency Department “ΕΠΕΙΓΟΝΤΑ”
at your nearest hospital. Emergency treatment in the hospitals is usually good,
you rarely have to wait too long to be seen and doctors usually speak some
English. You should show your health card, IKA book or private health insurance.
You will be required to pay a small cost for some tests, such as x-rays (about 3 to
5 Euros each). If you don’t qualify for IKA, another social insurance or have private
health insurance you will be required to pay full costs for any tests.
Hospital Doctors and IKA
A number of doctors and specialists hold morning surgeries at the hospitals to
which they are attached. Consultations are free to those with IKA or another
national insurance. Contact the hospital to book an appointment direct.
Nursing
The lack of nursing care in Greek state hospitals is renowned; family and friends
often spend 24 hours a day at the patients' bedside nursing them.
If you should be confined to bed in hospital you will normally need extra help and if
you don't have a number of friends and relatives to call on you may need to
employ a private nurse ('apoklistikia').
Note that hospital wards are often packed (mostly with numerous visitors at all
hours) and can be very noisy.
Private Medical Insurance & Private Medical Clinics
You may wish to opt for private health insurance for better rooms, treatment and
nursing care.
There are a number of private clinics in the main towns and large tourist resorts
which boast all the latest equipment, good doctors and nursing care plus private
rooms with TV and phone. The private clinics are very expensive so unless you
have private health insurance the cost is prohibitive for most.
There are many insurance companies in Greece offering a wide choice of private
medical policies. Shop around and check what is and isn't included in various
policies, then decide what cover and budget suits your needs.
To see a doctor or specialist privately you normally do not need to make an
appointment; go along to any doctor’s private surgery during surgery hours, wait
in turn, and pay for a private consultation. Their rates are usually between 30 and
50 Euros per visit.
Dentists
Limited dental treatment is free under the IKA scheme. This does not usually
include cosmetic procedures. There are a large number of private practicing
dentists in Crete, all with the latest modern equipment and their charges are very
reasonable.
See Doctors and Dentists page for a list of doctors and specialists in Crete.
Hospital
Emergencies
For any emergency go to the Accident and Emergency Department “ΕΠΕΙΓΟΝΤΑ”
at your nearest hospital. Emergency treatment in the hospitals is usually good,
you rarely have to wait too long to be seen and doctors usually speak some
English. You should show your health card, IKA book or private health insurance.
You will be required to pay a small cost for some tests, such as x-rays (about 3 to
5 Euros each). If you don’t qualify for IKA, another social insurance or have private
health insurance you will be required to pay full costs for any tests.
Hospital Doctors and IKA
A number of doctors and specialists hold morning surgeries at the hospitals to
which they are attached. Consultations are free to those with IKA or another
national insurance. Contact the hospital to book an appointment direct.
Nursing
The lack of nursing care in Greek state hospitals is renowned; family and friends
often spend 24 hours a day at the patients' bedside nursing them.
If you should be confined to bed in hospital you will normally need extra help and if
you don't have a number of friends and relatives to call on you may need to
employ a private nurse ('apoklistikia').
Note that hospital wards are often packed (mostly with numerous visitors at all
hours) and can be very noisy.
Private Medical Insurance & Private Medical Clinics
You may wish to opt for private health insurance for better rooms, treatment and
nursing care.
There are a number of private clinics in the main towns and large tourist resorts
which boast all the latest equipment, good doctors and nursing care plus private
rooms with TV and phone. The private clinics are very expensive so unless you
have private health insurance the cost is prohibitive for most.
There are many insurance companies in Greece offering a wide choice of private
medical policies. Shop around and check what is and isn't included in various
policies, then decide what cover and budget suits your needs.
Index > Health Services> Medical Treatment
Forum
_____________________________________________________________
© This excerpt is based on the book
"Living in Crete. A Guide to Living, working, Retiring & Buying
Property in Crete"
click here to get a copy
__________________________________________________________
© This excerpt is based on the book
"Living in Crete. A Guide to Living, working, Retiring & Buying
Property in Crete"
click here to get a copy
__________________________________________________________
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