Public Healthcare in Cyprus
Cyprus has a state-run healthcare system that expats can be eligible for as soon as they get their residence permit through the local immigration office. All expats working in the country must register for social insurance in Cyprus with the District Labour Office.
The Labour Office will then provide one of two medical cards:
- Medical Card A: Provides free medical benefits – issued to individuals with a maximum annual income of 15,000 Euros, or families with a maximum annual income of 30,000 Euros.
- Medical Card B: Provides partial payments for medical services and medicines – issued to individuals with an annual income of between 15,000 and 20,000 Euros, or families with three children that have an annual income between 30,000 and 37,000 Euros.
If you make more than the above-specified amounts, you still can expect to pay no more than 12 Euros for a medical consultation, and about 85 Euros a day for in-patient hospital care. State hospitals provide free medical services, so consider visiting those as well if you have a more serious ailment.
Private Healthcare in Cyprus
Another option if you don't qualify for Cyprus' public social healthcare insurance is to purchase private health insurance. It offers benefits such as a greater selection of healthcare facilities and hospitals, as well as faster health services. Private insurance will also cover stays in Cyprus' excellent private hospitals.
Sometimes, larger companies and employers in Cyprus will offer private healthcare along with their employee packages, so check with your employer to see if this is the case.
In any case, if you don't qualify for social health insurance, definitely take out a private insurance policy!
Health Insurance Providers in Cyprus
There are many insurance companies that offer travel and expat insurance, so spend some time comparing plans to determine which plan is best for you.
Be sure to consider the length of time you will be abroad, the flexibility the plan provides as well as your budget and current health care needs.
Update 18/03/2017
Expatriate health insurance in Cyprus
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Nicosia 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 Cyprus So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Cyprus. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Cyprus, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.