Healthcare abroad

Healthcare in Greece: island life has limits

Greece travel photo — Greece · photo from the Waymark library

UK visitor with a GHICGHIC acceptedChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 2 September 2026

Your GHIC covers state care. On the smaller islands medical facilities are basic and the FCDO says there are serious ambulance shortages on some. Bar, hotel and airport staff may point you to private clinics that don't take the GHIC.

GHIC accepted
Some free urgent care
No free healthcare
Very high costs

RatingGHIC accepted

Emergency number112

Official advice updated2 September 2026

Areas covered3 on this page

Greek doctors are well trained, but an island health centre isn't a hospital. A serious injury on Zante or Ios may mean a boat or air ambulance to Athens or Crete, which is where travel insurance earns its money.

Where care differs

Athens, Thessaloniki, HeraklionGHIC accepted
Large state hospitals. Show your GHIC.
Small islandsNo free healthcare
Health centres only. Serious cases are transferred by air or sea, and some islands have few ambulances.
Party resorts (Malia, Laganas, Faliraki)No free healthcare
Private clinics are often the nearest. Check with your insurer before treatment.

Medicines

Antibiotics are strictly regulated and need a prescription from a Greek doctor. Some strong painkillers and ADHD medicines are controlled, so bring your prescription and a GP letter.

Before you go

Emergency number: 112, or 166 for an ambulance.
Moped and quad bike accidents are a big cause of injuries. Check your insurance covers them.

Official advice: FCDO health advice for Greece

Stay and do

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Questions people ask

Do I need travel insurance for Greece if I have a GHIC?

Yes. The GHIC won't pay for private clinics or an air ambulance from an island, and both are common.

Does the GHIC work in Greece?

Yes, in state hospitals and health centres. It doesn't cover private clinics or air ambulances from the islands.

Can I buy antibiotics in a Greek pharmacy?

Not without a prescription from a Greek doctor. Antibiotics are strictly regulated.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.