Pharmacists are highly qualified in Greece and you can obtain treatment for minor ailments at chemists (called “farmak’o”) as well as medical advice. Pharmacists in Athens often speak English. Greek pharmacies aren’t usually open in the afternoon or at weekends, but you’ll find a list of local pharmacies that do have extended opening hours in pharmacy windows or in the local. Homeopathic remedies are common in Greece.
Everyone is entitled to free emergency treatment but it’s often easier to obtain prompt emergency treatment at an outpatient clinics (or “yatr’a”) than in a public hospital. Athens has 24-hour emergency hospitals and usually has English-speaking Greek doctors and foreign doctors on hand.
In case of a medical emergency you should phone 166 for an ambulance.
Update 31/12/2008
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Athens is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Greece So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
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