Health Care System and Health Insurance

Information on the Cypriot medical insurance system, the Medical Card, EHIC and who qualifies for either of these with information on where and why to register for either of these. Also details on the benefits and private health insurance.

In Cyprus, health care is provided by private practitioners and clinics as well as Government Medical Services. Government Medical Services may be used by anyone who chooses to do so; free or reduced rates are available to qualifying patients. Private care is paid for by the patient (or by their private health insurer).

The Cyprus Ministry of Health (MOH) administers the program and funding is obtained through general taxation.

Some trade unions and employers offer cover to members/employees under a medical fund that provides partial or complete coverage of medical expenses.

State Medical Care

Government Medical Services provides free or subsidised medical coverage depending on a person's status (their employment or past employment, family status and income level). Based on these criteria a qualifying person is issued with either a Medical Card A or a Medical Card B.

For a full list of the criteria and income brackets see the Ministry of Health website: Click here

Anyone who doesn't qualify for the Medical Card may use the public medical facilities but they will be charged the government rate. In the event that they need costly in-patient treatment, the fee may be reduced, depending on their income level.

The Cyprus Ministry of Health website has a comprehensive introduction (in English) to the country's health care system: Click here

The Cyprus Medical Card

A person entitled to Cypriot healthcare should apply for their Medical Card once they have made application for residence and received the "pink slip" temporary residence visa. Application forms are available from - and should be submitted to - a state hospital or the MOH office.

Ministry of Health
At: 10 Markou Drakou Street, 1448 Lefkosia
Tel: 22 400 207 / 22 305 354
Fax: 22 305 346
Website

Documents confirming the applicant's status (employed, retired or other) must accompany the application.

The documents required will include:

certificate of earnings
copy of passport
copy of Alien Registration Card (ARC)
an application form for a Medical Card; the application form can be obtained online: Click here

Once the application is complete, a pink Medical Card will be sent by post. This must be shown at all medical visits.

For a price list of government medical services: Click here

EU Citizens Qualifying for Cyprus Health Care

Citizens of EU member states moving to or living in Cyprus are entitled to the same level of state health care received by a Cypriot national, though must be in possession of one of the following E-Forms.

EU citizens - reason for going to/being in Cyprus	E-Form
Temporary visitor or tourist	E111 or EHIC
Pensioner moving to live permanently in Cyprus	E121
EU citizen working in Cyprus for less than a year	E111 or EHIC
EU citizen working in Cyprus for more than a year	E106
UK national under retirement age moving to live permanently in Cyprus	E106
Student	E111
EU citizen job seeker	E111 or EHIC
Recipient of Industrial Injuries Benefits or suffering an occupational disease	E123

Any EU citizen who moves to Cyprus with one of these E-Forms or an EHIC issued by their home country will be able to register with the Cyprus Ministry of Health (MOH) on arrival. This can be done at a state hospital or the MOH office. A pink Cyprus Medical Card will be issued.

For the Cyprus Government information leaflet which has comprehensive information on healthcare entitlement under EU regulations: Click here

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is available to all EU citizens (and their spouses and dependents) travelling within the EU. It is issued by the country of residence: for example, a UK national who is legally resident in Cyprus must apply in Cyprus for their Health Card. This will be valid in the UK and elsewhere in the EU to provide emergency or other medical care on the same payment scheme as a resident national.

Full details on the system and making an application are available on the following AngloINFO INFOrmation Pages: