Cyprus offers a comprehensive healthcare system that has been fundamentally modernised with the introduction of the General Healthcare System (GHS, known as GESY in Greek) in 2019–2020. This universal healthcare programme provides coverage to all registered residents who contribute through social insurance, regardless of nationality or employment status. For anyone relocating to Cyprus under the Non-Dom regime, understanding how the healthcare system works — public and private — is essential for ensuring that you and your family have appropriate medical coverage from day one.
The General Healthcare System (GHS/GESY)
The GHS was introduced in two phases: outpatient care in June 2019 and inpatient care in June 2020. It represents a major structural shift from a fragmented system of public hospitals and private providers to a unified, universal healthcare model modelled on national health systems in Western Europe. The system is funded through contributions from employees, employers, self-employed individuals, pensioners, and the government, and is administered by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO).
GHS coverage is comprehensive and includes general practitioner (GP) consultations, specialist referrals and consultations, hospital inpatient and outpatient care, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests and laboratory work (blood tests, imaging, MRI, CT scans), pharmaceutical prescriptions (with a modest co-payment), emergency services, mental health services, physiotherapy, rehabilitation services, dental care (basic), palliative care, and maternity care.
All tax residents who make social insurance contributions are automatically eligible for GHS coverage. Registration involves creating an account on the GESY beneficiary portal and choosing a personal GP from a list of participating doctors. You may change your GP at any time. Referrals to specialists are made through your GP, though emergency services are accessible directly.
GHS Contributions
| Category | Contribution Rate | Applied To |
|---|---|---|
| Employees | 2.65% | Gross salary |
| Employers | 2.90% | Employee gross salary |
| Self-employed | 4.00% | Declared income |
| Pensioners | 2.65% | Pension income |
| Holders of income from dividends, interest, rent | 2.65% | Income received |
| Government | 4.70% | On behalf of all beneficiaries |
For Non-Dom business owners who pay themselves a salary through their Cyprus company, the GHS contribution is automatically deducted alongside other social insurance contributions. The total contribution (employee + employer portions combined) is 5.55% on salary — a modest cost for comprehensive healthcare coverage. Importantly, GHS contributions also apply to dividend and interest income, though Non-Dom individuals are exempt from the Special Defence Contribution (SDC) on these — the GHS contribution is separate and does apply.
Quality of GHS Care
The quality of care under GHS has improved steadily since its introduction, though it is still a relatively young system. General practitioner services are generally good, with most GPs offering appointments within a few days. Specialist waiting times vary — common specialties like dermatology and orthopaedics may involve waits of 2–6 weeks, while less in-demand specialties are typically seen within 1–2 weeks. Emergency care is available 24/7 at all major hospitals.
The main criticisms of GHS relate to waiting times for non-urgent specialist appointments, the limited choice of participating specialists in some areas, and the administrative burden of the referral process. However, the system has been broadly well-received by the Cypriot public and the expatriate community, and ongoing improvements in provider capacity and system efficiency are addressing the initial growing pains.
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare exists alongside GHS and is widely used by expatriates, particularly those accustomed to premium healthcare in their home countries. Private healthcare in Cyprus offers shorter waiting times (often same-day or next-day appointments), wider choice of specialists and hospitals, more comfortable facilities and private rooms, direct access to specialists without GP referral, and coverage for procedures or specialists not available through GHS.
Major private hospitals in Cyprus include Aretaeio Hospital in Nicosia (the largest private hospital, with comprehensive specialties), Mediterranean Hospital in Limassol, Apollonion Hospital in Nicosia, Iasis Hospital in Paphos, and Ygia Polyclinic in Limassol. These hospitals offer modern facilities, English-speaking staff, and standards comparable to private hospitals in Western Europe.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance premiums in Cyprus are significantly lower than in the US, UK, or Germany. Individual premiums typically range from EUR 80 to EUR 200 per month, depending on age, pre-existing conditions, and the level of coverage selected. Family coverage for two adults and two children is typically EUR 250–500 per month.
| Coverage Level | Individual Monthly Premium | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | EUR 80–120 | Hospitalisation, surgery, emergency care |
| Standard | EUR 120–160 | Basic + outpatient consultations, diagnostics, prescriptions |
| Premium | EUR 160–200+ | Standard + dental, vision, wellness, international coverage |
International health insurance providers — such as Cigna Global, Allianz Care, AXA International, and Bupa Global — are also popular among expatriates, particularly those who travel frequently or want coverage that extends beyond Cyprus. These plans are typically more expensive but offer worldwide coverage, direct billing at a global network of hospitals, and the flexibility to use providers in multiple countries.
Healthcare for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens applying for a permanent residency permit must obtain comprehensive health insurance as part of the application process. This requirement is separate from GHS eligibility. Once the non-EU resident begins making social insurance contributions (through employment or self-employment), they also become eligible for GHS coverage. Many non-EU residents maintain both private insurance (to satisfy the residency permit requirement) and GHS coverage (through their contributions), giving them access to both systems.
Pharmacies and Prescriptions
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Cyprus, with at least one on nearly every high street in urban areas. Under GHS, prescribed medications are dispensed with a co-payment of EUR 1 per prescription item, making pharmaceutical costs very affordable for routine medications. Pharmacists in Cyprus are highly trained and can dispense many medications — including some that would require prescriptions in other countries — over the counter, making minor ailments manageable without a doctor's visit.
Pharmacy opening hours follow standard retail hours (typically 8:30–13:00 and 15:00–19:00), with a rotation of late-opening and weekend pharmacies published daily in local newspapers and online. Emergency medications are available from duty pharmacies 24/7.
Mental Health Services
Mental health services are covered under GHS, including psychiatry, psychology, and counselling. The private sector also offers extensive mental health support, with English-speaking therapists and psychologists available in all major cities. Awareness and accessibility of mental health services have improved significantly in recent years, though the availability of GHS-funded sessions may be limited — most private sessions cost EUR 50–80 per session.
Dental Care
Basic dental care is covered under GHS, but the coverage is limited. Most expatriates use private dentists for routine dental care. Private dental costs in Cyprus are very competitive by European standards — a routine check-up and cleaning typically costs EUR 40–70, fillings EUR 50–100, and more complex procedures are similarly affordable. Many dentists in Cyprus have trained in the UK, Germany, or Greece and speak English fluently.
Practical Tip
Register with the GHS as soon as you begin making social insurance contributions — even if you prefer private healthcare. GHS provides a solid safety net and covers most routine medical needs at minimal cost. Many residents adopt a practical hybrid approach: GHS for routine GP visits, prescriptions, and standard diagnostics, with private insurance reserved for complex procedures, hospital stays where they want a private room, and any care needed while travelling abroad. This combination provides comprehensive coverage while keeping costs manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Self-employed individuals contribute 4% of their declared income to social insurance, which includes GHS coverage. Registration is through the GHS beneficiary portal (gesy.org.cy). You will choose a personal GP and have access to the full range of GHS services.
Yes. Both public and private healthcare standards are good, with well-trained doctors (many educated in the UK, Germany, or Greece), modern equipment, and facilities that meet European standards. For complex or rare conditions, some patients travel to specialist centres in Greece, Germany, or the UK — but for the vast majority of medical needs, Cyprus healthcare is fully adequate.
The vast majority of doctors in Cyprus speak English fluently, particularly in urban areas and private practices. Many have trained or worked in English-speaking countries. Language is rarely a barrier to healthcare access for English-speaking expatriates.
Emergency services are available 24/7 at all major public hospitals. The emergency number is 112 (EU standard) or 199 (Cyprus). Ambulance services are available throughout the island. Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. GHS covers emergency care fully; for private insurance holders, most private hospitals also have emergency departments.
Related: Relocating to Cyprus Guide, Cost of Living in Cyprus, Safety and Quality of Life, Permanent Residency Permit.
GESY: The General Healthcare System
Cyprus introduced its General Healthcare System (GESY, also known as GHS) in two phases during 2019 and 2020. GESY provides universal health coverage to all legal residents of Cyprus, including employed persons, self-employed individuals, pensioners, and registered dependents. As a Non-Dom resident working or running a business in Cyprus, you are automatically enrolled in GESY once you register with the Social Insurance Fund.
GESY is funded through mandatory contributions deducted from income. Employees contribute 2.65% of gross salary (capped at the maximum insurable earnings ceiling), employers contribute 2.90%, self-employed persons contribute 4.00% of income, and there are additional contributions on rental income, investment income, and pension income. The total contribution provides comprehensive healthcare coverage with no deductibles for most services.
Under GESY, you register with a personal doctor (general practitioner) who serves as your first point of contact for non-emergency medical care. The personal doctor manages referrals to specialists, orders laboratory tests, and prescribes medications. There is no out-of-pocket cost for GP visits. Specialist consultations carry a co-payment of EUR 6 per visit, and prescription medications require a co-payment of EUR 1 per item (with a monthly cap of EUR 20 for prescription co-payments).
GESY covers a broad range of services including GP consultations, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and imaging, hospital treatment (inpatient and outpatient), surgical procedures, mental health services, physiotherapy, and prescription medications from an approved formulary. Dental care and optical services have limited coverage under GESY, and most residents maintain separate private arrangements for these.
Private Healthcare
Despite the introduction of GESY, private healthcare remains popular in Cyprus, particularly among international residents who value shorter waiting times, English-speaking doctors, and access to facilities that feel more familiar to those from Western European countries. Many Non-Dom residents maintain both GESY coverage (mandatory through social insurance contributions) and a private health insurance policy.
Private health insurance in Cyprus costs EUR 800–2,500 per year for a comprehensive plan covering a single adult, depending on the coverage level, deductibles, and the individual's age and health status. Family plans for a couple with children typically cost EUR 2,000–5,000 annually. Major international insurers operating in Cyprus include Aetna, Allianz, Cigna, and BUPA, alongside local insurers like General Insurance of Cyprus and CNP Asfalistiki.
Private hospitals in Cyprus include the Mediterranean Hospital, Aretaeio Hospital, and Apollonion Hospital in Limassol; the American Medical Centre in Nicosia; and several modern clinics in Larnaca and Paphos. These facilities offer high-quality care with modern equipment, English-speaking medical staff, and minimal waiting times for consultations and procedures.
Healthcare Strategy for Non-Dom Residents
The optimal approach for most Non-Dom residents is to use GESY for routine care (GP visits, basic prescriptions, annual check-ups) while maintaining private insurance for specialist treatment, hospital care, and situations where you want to choose your doctor and avoid waiting lists. This dual approach provides comprehensive coverage at a moderate total cost, with GESY contributions being mandatory regardless of whether you also have private insurance.
Pharmacies and Emergency Care
Pharmacies in Cyprus are well-stocked and staffed by qualified pharmacists who can provide advice on minor health issues without a doctor's visit. Many common medications that require prescriptions in other countries are available over the counter in Cyprus, though this is gradually aligning with EU norms. Pharmacies operate standard business hours (Monday–Friday 8:00–18:00, Saturday 8:00–13:00) with a rotating duty system for after-hours and Sunday service. A list of duty pharmacies is published daily in local newspapers and online.
Emergency care is provided through the public hospital emergency departments, which operate 24/7 in all major cities. The main public hospitals are Nicosia General Hospital, Limassol General Hospital, Larnaca General Hospital, and Paphos General Hospital. Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status and is covered under GESY with no co-payment. For serious emergencies, call 112 (the EU emergency number) or 199 (ambulance).
One consideration for newcomers: mental health services, while covered under GESY, have longer waiting lists than physical health services. Private psychologists and psychiatrists are available with shorter waiting times but at out-of-pocket costs of EUR 50–100 per session. Private insurance policies vary in their mental health coverage — check your policy carefully if this is a priority.
Dental and Specialist Care
While GESY covers a broad range of medical services, some specialist areas require additional consideration by Non-Dom residents:
Dental care: GESY provides limited dental coverage — primarily preventive care (check-ups, cleaning) and emergency treatments for enrolled patients under 18 and vulnerable groups. Most adult residents arrange private dental care. Private dental fees in Cyprus are moderate: a routine check-up and cleaning costs EUR 50–80, a filling EUR 50–100, and dental implants EUR 800–1,500 per implant. Several dental clinics in Limassol and Nicosia cater to the international community with English-speaking dentists trained in the UK or Germany.
Optical care: GESY covers ophthalmology consultations but not routine optometry (eye tests for prescription glasses). Private eye tests cost EUR 30–50. Prescription glasses and contact lenses are available from optical shops across all cities at prices comparable to or lower than Northern European levels. Laser eye surgery is available from specialist clinics at EUR 1,500–3,000 per eye.
Specialist referrals: Under GESY, specialist consultations require a referral from your personal doctor (GP). Waiting times for GESY specialist appointments vary: two to four weeks for common specialties (dermatology, cardiology, orthopaedics) and up to eight weeks for less common ones. Private specialist consultations are available without referral, typically at EUR 50–100 per visit, with minimal waiting times.
Mental health services: GESY covers psychiatry and clinical psychology, but waiting lists can be long — four to twelve weeks in some areas. Private psychologists and psychiatrists offer shorter wait times at EUR 50–100 per session. Several practitioners in Limassol and Nicosia offer services in English and specialise in expatriate adjustment and cross-cultural counselling.
Maternity and paediatric care: GESY covers all aspects of maternity care including prenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care. Both public and private hospitals offer maternity services. Many international residents prefer private maternity care for the choice of obstetrician, private room, and flexible visiting hours. Private maternity packages (prenatal care through delivery) cost EUR 3,000–6,000 depending on the hospital and delivery type.