If you are covered by IKA National Insurance in Greece (either with the
reciprocal arrangements such as the European Health Card or E121 form, or
by working and contributing in Greece) or another Greek National Insurance
scheme, you will have access to free medical care and hospital care with
doctors and specialists working in the 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 25%
of the full cost.
Prescriptions
Prescriptions issued by IKA doctors are charged between 10% and 25% of the
cost.
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| © Copyright 2004-2010 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 |
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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.
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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
__________________________________________________________