EHIC In Cyprus

Cyprus has a long history of links to the UK and one of the main benefits of this is that if you do happen to fall ill and need medical treatment in Cyprus, the doctors and nurses will all speak English. Be aware though that the political system in Cyprus is complex, and it is only the southern part of Cyprus which is within the EU. The northern part of Cyprus is under Turkish control, and is not part of the EU so your EHIC is worthless there. If you are visiting Northern Cyprus, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

Healthcare System in Cyprus

The Cypriot Ministry of Health looks after the country’s medical provision, and there is a website in English giving details of all public hospitals, health centres and their contact numbers. Just as in the UK, in a non-emergency situation you first have to see a GP, who will either treat you or refer you to a hospital specialist as necessary. In an emergency, go straight to A&E at a main hospital. Many Cypriots use pharmacies as the first port of call for minor illnesses and this is a good starting point for visitors too. Advice from pharmacists is free, and they can sell a wider range of medication than is available in the UK. For example, certain asthma inhalers are available in Cyprus from pharmacies. All towns will have a selection of pharmacies, just look for the green cross sign. EHIC only covers treatment for temporary visitors to Cyprus, so if you are planning on staying for more than 3 months, you will have to make alternative arrangements with Cpyriot insurers.

Costs for Healthcare

Gone are the days when healthcare in Cyprus was provided along NHS lines and was free of charge. Since 2013, the Cypriot government has introduced a system of charges for accessing healthcare advice from doctors or at hospitals. These charges are relatively small, and set at 3 euros for seeing a GP, 6 euros for a specialist appointment at hospital, and 0.50 euros for dispensing prescription medications. If you require treatment in A&E, you may be asked to pay 10 euros. As these charges are the same as paid by Cypriot residents, you cannot apply to be exempt from charges under EHIC, and cannot ask the NHS to reimburse you once you are home. Children and pensioners are exempt from paying charges to healthcare providers. EHIC will not cover routine matters, just emergency treatment in Cyprus.

EHIC Dentistry

Cyprus offers high quality dentistry, and many patients from the UK travel to Cyprus to have expensive treatments such as veneers or implants. This sort of treatment is not covered through EHIC. Very few dentists in Cyprus work under the state healthcare system, so expect to pay the full price of any dental treatment you have. Always be clear about prices before you agree to go ahead with any treatment.