Overview
Greece has been recognized time and time again as having one of the best healthcare systems in the entire world. In a report published by the World Health Organization in 2000, the Greek healthcare system ranked 14th overall in a global study, above other surrounding countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom. Known to many as the father of western medicine, Greece ranked 11th in service level during in the same report.
Greece Healthcare System
Healthcare in Greece consists of a universal healthcare system which is provided by two sources:
1. National Health Insurance
2. Private Healthcare
When traveling to Greece for medical purposes, it is advised that you seek out a private healthcare facility. The private facilities are generally regarded as having a higher level of quality, and the wait times are tremendously less.
Greece has one group of hospitals accredited by the Join Commission International (JCI) and that is the Hospital Program in Athens. They received accreditation on January 28, 2010.
Top hospitals for medical tourism in Greece
- Mediterraneo Hospital: A private hospital local in Glyfada, Mediterraneo Hospital is a 164 bed facility that offers over 25 medical specialties. Mediterraneo prides itself on offering a boutique type facility, which emphasis a hospital atmosphere of intimacy, tranquility, and safety.
- Hygeia: Hygeia has been in business for over 40 years at this point. Hygeia is known as a leader and innovator in the development of private care in Greece.
- Evgenidion Hospital: Located in Athens Greece, Evgenidion Hospital has an illustrious history and focuses on state of the art surgical procedures and routine processes.
- Agios Savvas General Hospital Hellenic Institute Against Cancer: Founded in 1935, the Hellenic Institute places great focus on cancer prevention and treatment, as well general medical, psychological, and social illnesses.
Common treatments done by medical tourists in Greece
- Dental Care
- Cancer Treatment
- Specialized Treatments
- Reproductive Services (IVF, surrogacy, donations)
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Orthopedic Treatment and Rehabilitation
- Cardiac Surgery and Services
Cost of medical treatments in Greece
The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Greece and equivalent procedures in the United States:
| Medical Procedures |
|
| Procedure |
US Hospitals |
Greece |
Average Savings |
| Rhinoplasty |
$5,000-$10,000 |
$2,300-$4,700 |
54%-53% |
| Breast Augmentation (standard) |
$9,162-$10,995 |
$3,500-$5,300 |
61%-51% |
| Laser Teeth Whitening |
$1,500 |
$420 |
72% |
Malpractice and liability laws in Greece
Malpractice and medical liability laws have been introduced and began being enforced in Greek over the last ten years. Forensic sciences are vital in the investigation of medical liability cases. Furthermore, the medical examiner serves as an in between for colleagues and lawyers, who have drastically different intentions in the investigation of these type of cases.
Pros
Top Ranked Facilities
As previously mentioned, Greece is ranked 14 in the world by the World Health Organization for having some of the best medical facilities on the planet. Vacation Destination
Greece is full of endless views of stunning coastline, hundreds of breathtakingly remote islands, amazing mountain landscapes, and a lively cultural heritage that’s simply infectious.English is Commonly Spoken
Greek residents start learning English in 3rd grade at most primary schools. Most physicians speak fluent English, ensuring adequate communication with patients. JCI Accreditation
JCI Accredited facilities dating back to 2010.
Cons
Disorganization
Disorganization in the public sector is something that’s ailed Greece for a while. This can make getting into a public hospital a bit of a challenge. Economic Situation
Greece has been recovering from an economic crisis for quite some time (since 2009). Many public road systems are deteriorating outside major cities, but this isn’t too much of a concern if you’re planning on staying somewhere close to a major city hospital.
Traveling to Greece
Average estimated travel time in hours
| From/To |
Greece |
| New York |
9 |
| Los Angeles |
14 |
| Miami |
13 |
| Toronto |
10 |
| Paraguay |
14 |
| Uruguay |
14 |
| Venezuela |
12 |
| Bolivia |
14 |
| Dubai |
5 |
| Riyadh |
4 |
| Kuwait |
3.5 |
| London |
3 |
Entry and exit requirements to Greece
For entry to the Greece Republic, you must have a passport that has at least 6 months remaining validity. You must arrive in the country with proof of sufficient funds for your stay as well as your departure (10,00 euros or equivalent required for entry and exit). Tourist visas are not required unless you’re staying for over 90 days.
Statistics for medical tourism in Greece
Tourism accounts for 18 percent of Greece’s GDP annually, so the diversification of the tourism sector holds a lot of promise. The worldwide medical tourism market is estimated to be worth $35 billion to $55 billion annually, so Greece has definitely taken notice of the potential and is ramping up their facilities and resources to accommodate the growing demand. For example, the Athens Medical Group treats more than 7,500 international patients every year, most coming in from UAE and the Middle East.