Naturally a big concern or factor when deciding to move abroad or buy a holiday home in the sun is the medical service and Health Care in the Country… cyprus health care is of a high standard which is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation and because infectious diseases and epidemics throughout the country are so low, foreign nationals entering cyprus are not required to have any vaccinations.  Life expectancy for the population is around at 75 years for men and 80 years for women – that’s a bit higher than the UK?..

cyprus gives priority to its health care system and actively promotes preventive medicine. Many of the medical professionals have trained abroad, with a good number graduating from the UK.  The low cost of consultations and care, together with short waiting lists make cyprus an attractive destination for treatment.

State run hospitals are located in all the major cities, these ‘General Hospitals’ are in Polis, Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia and Paralimni… and smaller government-run hospitals and clinics are present in other areas of the country. There are also a large number of private hospitals and clinics most of which have excellent equipment and facilities.

Anyone who has paid regular social security contributions in another EU country for two full years prior to coming to cyprus is entitled to public health cover for a limited period from the date of their last contribution. Social security form E106 must be obtained from the social security authorities in your home country and presented to your local Social Insurance office in cyprus.  The European Health Insurance Card (E.H.I.C) is now being used throughout Europe for reciprocal health care. This is available free of charge from the NHS in the UK.

Retirees living in cyprus and receiving a state pension from another EU country are entitled to free or subsidised state healthcare (dependant upon income). You will need to obtain the necessary forms from your home country and submit them to any general hospital with your application for a cyprus medical card.  You should contact the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Medical Benefits Section to acquire the necessary forms.

If you are under state pension age you will need to take out private health insurance, which offers a wider choice of medical practitioners and hospitals. If you already have private health insurance in another country, you may be able to extend it to cover you in cyprus; however, this may not be the most economical alternative.  There are a great many insurance companies out there, both Cypriot and International and it pays to shop around and get at least three quotes.  Many schemes will have an excess and the amount should be carefully considered.  Check whether the insurance company will deal directly with the hospital when paying the fees and carefully scrutinize exactly what the insurance company will pay for and what is excluded.

The benefits of health care in cyprus can be great in that you may be able to walk in to a hospital or clinic and get a same day appointment to see a specialist and leave only around 35 euros worse off, but with a diagnosis and medication!

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