As an insurance broker in Cyprus, we often get calls from expats, digital nomads, and new residents who suddenly feel unwell and don’t know where to start. Cyprus has a mixed healthcare system — public (GESY) and private — and the right steps can save you time, stress, and money.
Below is your step-by-step guide on what to do if you get sick in Cyprus, whether you use GESY, private health insurance, or both.
Table of Contents
1. Emergency
If your life is in danger (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, etc.), call the emergency number 112 (EU-wide) or 199 immediately. Emergency services in Cyprus operate 24/7 and most staff speak English.
2. Non-Emergency – decide where to go: GESY or private clinic
If you are registered with GESY:
- Contact your personal doctor (GP) first — they will refer you to a specialist or hospital if needed.
- To use GESY, you must be registered in the Beneficiary Portal and have chosen a GP.
- Co-payments apply for some services, but costs are usually low.
If you have private health insurance:
- You can go directly to a private clinic or specialist without a GP referral.
- Many private insurance plans offer direct billing with hospitals, meaning you don’t have to pay upfront.
- Check your health policy for coverage limits, waiting periods, and hospital networks.
💡 Tip: Many expats in Cyprus combine GESY for basic coverage and private insurance for faster access and a wider choice of specialists.
3. Contact your insurance broker or company (if you have private coverage)
- Call your insurance broker or provider before treatment if possible.
- Ask about approved hospitals, emergency coverage, and whether direct billing is available.
- If direct billing is not possible, keep all invoices, prescriptions, and medical reports for your claim.
4. Prepare the documents you will need
- ID or passport
- Insurance card or policy number
- Medical report from your doctor (if available)
- Original receipts and prescriptions
- Any referral letters or test results (if available)
5. Understand costs and waiting times
- GESY: Lower cost but longer waiting times for appointments.
- Private clinics: Immediate access but higher cost for insurance policy
6. Extra tips to make healthcare in Cyprus easier
- Save emergency numbers and your insurance contact in your phone.
- Keep a small stock of essential medications if you have a chronic condition.
- Some pharmacies can advise on minor illnesses, but prescriptions are required for most medications.
- If you don’t speak Greek, most doctors in urban areas speak English, but it’s good to know basic phrases.
Final word
Getting sick abroad can be stressful, but if you know the right steps, you’ll get help quickly and avoid unnecessary expenses. As a licensed insurance broker in Cyprus, we can help you:
- Choose the right insurance plan with private insurance
- Understand your coverage before you need it
- Find hospitals and doctors that fit your plan