Medical care is readily available in Cyprus and this suprises many people when they move to this wonderful country. There are virtually no waiting lists to see a doctor at anytime, visiting a hospital or having dental treatment. The standard of care throughout the health sector is excellent and there is no language problem as the majority of doctors and surgeons speak English. There are many private clinics for those with or without health insurance and the costs in Cyprus are a lot cheaper than in the UK as the vast majority of medical costs are half of what they would cost in the UK. This is also the case with opticians, as glasses are half the price in Cyprus.
Resident of an EU Country
To obtain an EU health cerificate, you must apply to the Health Service of your resident country. Most EU countries began issuing this card in 2005, with the UK making it available from September 2005.
UK Residents
A UK resident planning to travel in Europe should apply for the new EU Health Card before leaving. The UK Health Service will issue UK residents with a card confirming they will pay for medical treatment while living or travelling abroad in the EU for up to five years. There are errors in the issue of cards so please ensure that yours is dated correctly for five years.
This is adequate "health insurance" to meet Cyprus` immigration requirements which means that a person under state retirement age does not need to have private medical insurance. However, our recommendation for those travelling and residing in Cyprus is to arrange some form of private medical insurance, further details can be obtained on this by contacting us.
Note: The EU Health Card is not a substitute for full travel insurance.
Resident in Cyprus
If you live in Cyprus for more than three months a year, you are legally required to register with immigration in Cyprus.
After you have registered with the Immigration authorities and are in receipt of a "pink slip" temporary residence visa, you can apply for a Cypriot medical card. This is done through the Cyprus Health Service. An application needs to be submitted along with supporting documents. If you are already resident in Cyprus and registered with the immigration and tax authorities as retired or working then you can apply for the EU Health Card through the same service.
If you are a pensioner in Cyprus you will still need a certificate E121 from your home country, however, not if you are working in Cyprus.
The EU Health Card will cover travel or return visits home to other EU countries. For UK citizens this removes uncertainty as the UK NHS is cracking down on non residents claiming medical treatment. With an EU Health card you can get free medical care in the UK while returning there and also if you ever return to the UK permanently you can re-regiester to go back into the system.
Cyprus Health Service
Cyprus has a good standard of health and a very low rate of epidemic or infectious diseases throughout the island. No vaccinations are required for people entering Cyprus. The Medical and Public Health Services department continually monitors the safety of local food and water supply.
Healthcare in Cyprus is provided through the private and public sector. There are Government general hospitals in all the main cities, as well as a network of smaller hospitals, clinics and dispensaries throughout the country. There is also a private health sector in urban areas, dominated by many individual doctors in private practice.
Almost all brands of manufactured medicines are available in Cyprus, and pharmacies sell many prescription drugs over the counter like in the UK.
If private medical insurance is required, there are three types of policy offering different levels of cover and premium:
* Local Cyprus Private Medical Insurance - lower cost, acute conditions only, limited cover.
* International Private Medical Insurance - highest cost, suits international workers
* Bespoke Private Medical Insurance - medium cost, full cover, recommended.