Healthcare in Athens
An AMKA number — free, 15 minutes at any KEP office — unlocks e-prescriptions and public-system pricing. EHIC and UK GHIC also work, but only at public ESY hospitals, not the big private names. For private care, Doctoranytime handles most bookings in English.
The system at a glance
Greece runs a public ESY system funded through EFKA, plus a deep private sector. EHIC and GHIC holders get free care at public hospitals; private hospitals run cash or insured. AMKA registration on day one is the single most useful piece of admin a new arrival can do.
The major private hospitals are Hygeia and Mitera in Marousi, Metropolitan in Piraeus, plus Iaso and Henry Dunant. All run International Patient Departments with English-speaking coordinators. Public hospitals are functional but Greek-default.
Independent labs handle most blood work and imaging at 30–50% below hospital prices.
Navigating care
How to get an appointment
Book on Doctoranytime. Greece's main booking platform lists 10,000+ doctors with English UI, free booking, and upfront fees shown.
Get your AMKA early. Free at any KEP office with passport and proof of address. Doctoranytime doctors will ask for it before issuing e-prescriptions.
Walk in for ER. Private ERs accept walk-ins and triage by severity. Public ER is free with EHIC or GHIC but slower and Greek-default.
Costs
What things cost
Approximate 2026 prices at private facilities in USD. Public hospitals are free with EHIC or GHIC.
| GP consultation | $55–80 |
| Specialist consultation | $70–165 |
| ER assessment (private) | $110–220 |
| Blood panel (hospital) | $80 |
| Blood panel (independent lab) | $33–55 Walk-in, no referral |
| X-ray | $22–45 |
| MRI scan | $165–330 |
| Dental cleaning | $50–80 |
| Dental crown (ceramic) | $385–540 |
EHIC and GHIC cover public hospitals at zero cost. Private requires cash or insurance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are marked with a green cross and most central Athens pharmacists handle English. Antibiotics are now strictly prescription-only since the early-2020s reform — the older reputation for over-the-counter access is outdated. NSAIDs, low-dose codeine, oral contraceptives, and basic asthma inhalers remain OTC. Every neighbourhood runs a διανυκτερεύοντα rotation for nights and Sundays. Closed pharmacies post the on-duty list on the door, or check fef.gr.
Health tips
Common visitor health risks in Athens
Summer heatwaves
43°C+ routine. Acropolis closes mid-day repeatedly. Avoid 11am–6pm exertion.
Sahara dust events
Sky-orange episodes carry heavy metals. Mask up on alert days.
West Nile virus
Risk peaks Jul–Sept in low-lying areas. Repellent at dusk.
Pollen season
Olive and cypress March–May. OTC antihistamines widely stocked.
Emergency
Emergency number: 112
EU-wide line. English-capable operators in Athens.
English at private hospitals
Public ESY facilities Greek-default. Bring translations.
Frequently asked questions
Is EHIC or GHIC valid in Athens?
Yes, at public ESY hospitals and EOPYY-contracted private clinics — not at the big private hospitals. Show EHIC and passport for free or low-co-pay treatment on Greek-resident terms.
Do I need an AMKA if I only use private care?
Yes. Greek e-prescriptions run through AMKA, so even Doctoranytime doctors will ask for one before issuing antibiotics. Free 15-minute registration at any KEP office unlocks the whole system.
Is summer heat in Athens dangerous for visitors?
It can be. Recent summers have hit 43°C with the Acropolis closing mid-day. Hydrate, find AC between 11am and 6pm, and skip outdoor exertion at peak hours June through September.