How does health insurance work for students in Greece?
International students in Greece need an AMKA number (social security number) to access free public healthcare through the ESY national health system. EU students use their EHIC card and register at a local KEP office. Non-EU students must arrange private health insurance before arrival — plans start at €30/month. Greece hosts over 45,000 international students across 24 public universities.
Greece’s healthcare system runs on two pillars: the public ESY system (free at point of care for insured residents) and a growing private sector. Your path depends on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens enjoy near-automatic coverage. Non-EU citizens face more paperwork but still have affordable options.
This guide covers AMKA registration step by step, what the ESY system actually covers, private insurance costs, university health centres, and city-specific tips for Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Heraklion. For a broader look at studying in Greece, see our country guide.
What is AMKA and why do you need it?
AMKA (Arithmos Mitroou Koinonikis Asfalisis) is Greece’s 11-digit social security number. Without it, you cannot access public healthcare, open a bank account, or sign an employment contract. Every resident in Greece needs one — students included.
Think of AMKA as your key to the Greek welfare system. Doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals use it to verify your insurance status. No AMKA means you pay full price at public facilities.
AMKA vs PAAYPA — what’s the difference?
| Feature | AMKA | PAAYPA |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Social Security Registration Number | Temporary Insurance & Healthcare Number |
| Who gets it | All legal residents | Asylum seekers, some third-country nationals |
| Duration | Permanent | 6 months (renewable) |
| Healthcare access | Full ESY access | Full ESY access |
| Employment rights | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| How to apply | KEP office or EFKA | Asylum Service |
Most international students receive a standard AMKA. Asylum seekers receive a PAAYPA instead, which converts to AMKA if their application succeeds.
How to register for AMKA — step by step
Where to apply
You can apply at three types of offices:
- KEP (Citizens Service Centre) — most common option for students
- EFKA office — the social insurance authority
- KEM (Migrant Integration Centre) — for non-EU nationals
All applications are free. Office hours are typically 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Documents you need
EU/EEA students:
- Valid passport or national ID card
- University enrolment certificate
- Proof of Greek address (rental contract or utility bill)
- EHIC card (recommended but not always required)
Non-EU students:
- Valid passport
- Student residence permit (or “Blue Certificate” — the application receipt)
- University enrolment certificate
- Proof of Greek address
- One passport-sized photo
The registration process
- Book an appointment. Call 1555 (Greek language) or visit your nearest KEP in person. Some KEP offices accept walk-ins.
- Bring originals and copies. Staff will verify your documents on the spot.
- Receive your AMKA. Processing takes 1-5 working days at KEP offices, sometimes same-day. EFKA offices may take up to 2-3 weeks.
- Activate your AMKA. Students typically receive an “inactive” AMKA. It activates once you register with EFKA for health coverage or start employment.
Pro tip: PAMKA for EU citizens
EU citizens who only need AMKA for a specific purpose (like vaccination or a short-term procedure) can request a PAMKA — a temporary, limited-use AMKA. Apply at any KEP office with your passport and EHIC. However, for a full semester or longer stay, get a regular AMKA instead.
Path 1: EU/EEA students with EHIC
If you hold an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) from any EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can access Greece’s public healthcare system on the same terms as Greek citizens. No private insurance needed.
What your EHIC covers in Greece
- Free GP visits at public health centres (Kentra Ygeias) and ESY hospital outpatient departments
- Free emergency care at any public hospital
- Free inpatient hospital treatment (when medically necessary)
- Subsidised prescription medication (same co-pay rates as Greek residents)
- Free specialist consultations (with GP referral)
- Ambulance transport via EKAB (call 166)
What EHIC does NOT cover
- Private hospitals or clinics (unless EOPYY-contracted)
- Dental care beyond emergency extractions
- Optical care (eye exams, glasses, contact lenses)
- Repatriation or medical evacuation to your home country
- Elective procedures and cosmetic treatments
How to use your EHIC in Greece
- Register at a local KEP office. Present your EHIC, passport, and university enrolment letter. This links your card to the Greek system.
- Get assigned a GP. Visit your nearest public health centre (Kentro Ygeias) to register with a family doctor.
- Carry your EHIC everywhere. Doctors and pharmacies will ask for it.
For a detailed breakdown of EHIC coverage across Europe, see our dedicated guide.
EHIC limitations to watch for
The EHIC is designed for temporary stays and medically necessary care. If you study in Greece for more than one academic year, Greek authorities may expect you to register with the local social insurance system (EFKA) instead. The EHIC also does not cover private care — and in Greece, private clinics offer significantly shorter waiting times.
Path 2: Non-EU students — private insurance or EFKA
Non-EU students must prove health insurance coverage before receiving a Greek student visa. Most non-EU students use private health insurance, starting at €30-60/month. Some may qualify for voluntary EFKA coverage after arrival.
Student visa insurance requirements
Greek consulates require the following from your insurance policy:
- Coverage valid in Greece for the full duration of your stay
- Hospital and outpatient care included
- Emergency medical treatment
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 (standard Schengen requirement)
- Repatriation clause
- Policy document officially translated into Greek or English
Private health insurance options
| Plan type | Monthly cost | Annual cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic student plan | €30-40 | €360-480 | Healthy students, budget option |
| Mid-range plan | €40-60 | €480-720 | Good balance of cost and coverage |
| Comprehensive plan | €60-90 | €720-1,080 | Pre-existing conditions, broader network |
| Greek domestic plan | €50-80 | €600-960 | Long-term residents (2+ years) |
Providers that serve international students in Greece include Swisscare, Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and Greek domestic insurers like Ethniki and Interamerican.
Voluntary EFKA coverage
Non-EU students with a valid residence permit can apply for voluntary EFKA coverage. This gives you the same public healthcare access as Greek citizens. The process:
- Obtain your AMKA first
- Visit your local EFKA office with your residence permit and AMKA
- Pay the monthly contribution (rates vary; budget approximately €70-100/month)
- Receive your EFKA insurance booklet
Voluntary EFKA coverage makes sense for students staying 2+ years who want full public system access without the limitations of private plans.
Greece’s ESY healthcare system — what students get
ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias) is Greece’s national health system. It provides free hospital care, GP visits, and subsidised medication to all insured residents. The system has improved significantly since 2020 with digital prescriptions and online appointment booking.
What ESY covers
| Service | Cost with AMKA/EHIC | Cost without insurance |
|---|---|---|
| GP visit (public health centre) | Free | €20-40 |
| Specialist visit (public hospital) | Free (with referral) | €40-80 |
| Emergency room (public hospital) | Free | €50-150+ |
| Hospital stay (public) | Free | €100-300/day |
| Prescription medication | 0-25% co-pay | Full price |
| Diagnostic tests (public) | Free | €30-200+ |
| Ambulance (EKAB) | Free | Free (always free) |
Prescription co-payment categories
Greece uses a tiered co-payment system for medication:
| Category | Patient pays | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Category A (chronic/serious) | 0% | Cancer drugs, insulin, HIV medication |
| Category B (standard) | 10% | Antibiotics, blood pressure medication |
| Category C (general) | 25% | Pain relief, antihistamines, common drugs |
| Over-the-counter | 100% | Vitamins, supplements, cosmetic products |
The maximum out-of-pocket per prescription item is capped at €20 for branded drugs. Generic alternatives are often cheaper.
How to see a doctor in Greece
For non-emergencies:
- Visit your assigned Kentro Ygeias (public health centre) or book via the EOPYY website
- Present your AMKA or EHIC
- See the GP — free of charge
- Get a referral for specialist care if needed
For emergencies:
- Call 166 (EKAB ambulance) or 112 (European emergency number)
- Go directly to the nearest public hospital emergency department (Epigonta)
- Emergency care is provided to everyone, regardless of insurance status
- Ambulance transport is always free
University health centres — free care for enrolled students
Most Greek universities operate their own health centres (Iatreia Panepistimiou). Enrolled students can visit for free, regardless of nationality or insurance status. Services are basic but convenient.
What university health centres offer
- General practitioner consultations
- Basic diagnostic tests (blood tests, urine analysis)
- Vaccinations (including seasonal flu)
- Mental health counselling (limited sessions)
- First aid and minor injury treatment
- Referrals to public hospitals for specialist care
- Free or subsidised medication for common conditions
What they do NOT offer
- Dental treatment (except emergency referrals)
- Specialist consultations
- Surgery or inpatient care
- Advanced diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans)
- 24/7 availability — most operate during university hours only
How to access
Bring your student ID card and AMKA (if available). No appointment is needed at most university health centres, but queues can be long during exam periods. The service is free for all enrolled students — EU and non-EU alike.
Dental care in Greece — mostly private
Greece’s public system covers limited dental care: emergency extractions and infection treatment for adults, plus preventive care for children under 13. Most students pay out of pocket for dental work. Private dental visits cost €40-80 per session.
Dental cost overview
| Treatment | Public (with AMKA) | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up and cleaning | Not covered (adults) | €40-60 |
| Simple filling | Not covered | €50-80 |
| Extraction | Free (emergency only) | €60-100 |
| Root canal | Not covered | €150-300 |
| Crown | Not covered | €250-500 |
| Orthodontics | Covered under 13 only | €1,500-3,500 |
If dental coverage matters to you, choose a private insurance plan that includes dental benefits. Most basic student plans do not cover dental. Mid-range and comprehensive plans sometimes include basic dental (check-ups, fillings) with annual caps of €300-500.
For more on dental insurance for students, see our detailed guide.
Mental health care in Greece
Mental health services are covered under ESY. Public access is free with AMKA, but waiting times for therapy are long — typically 4-8 weeks for an initial appointment. University counselling centres offer a faster alternative for enrolled students.
Public mental health services
- Free psychiatric consultations at public hospitals
- Free psychotherapy (limited to 10-15 sessions per referral)
- Free medication for diagnosed conditions (standard co-pay rules apply)
- Community Mental Health Centres (KMPY) in major cities
University counselling
Most Greek universities offer free counselling services:
- Short-term therapy (6-10 sessions per academic year)
- Crisis intervention
- Group therapy and workshops
- Referrals to external providers when needed
Private therapy costs
If public waiting times are too long, private psychologists charge €40-70 per session. Psychiatrists charge €60-100. Some private insurance plans cover 10-20 therapy sessions per year.
For broader advice on mental health coverage abroad, check our dedicated article.
Student cities — healthcare access by location
Athens (population: 3.1 million)
- Hospitals: 20+ public hospitals including Evangelismos, Laiko, and AHEPA
- University health: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA) operates its own health centre
- Pharmacies: Everywhere. Look for the green cross sign. Night pharmacies rotate — check efimeries.gr
- English-speaking doctors: Widely available in central Athens, especially near Syntagma and Kolonaki
- Tip: Athens General Hospital (Evangelismos) has the largest emergency department in Greece
Thessaloniki (population: 1.1 million)
- Hospitals: AHEPA University Hospital, Ippokrateio, Papageorgiou
- University health: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) has a dedicated student health service
- Pharmacies: Dense network across the city centre
- English-speaking doctors: Common near the university area and city centre
- Tip: AHEPA Hospital is the teaching hospital — staff are used to international patients
Patras (population: 215,000)
- Hospitals: University General Hospital of Patras, Rio
- University health: University of Patras health centre at the Rio campus
- English-speaking doctors: Available near the university but less common than in Athens
- Tip: The university hospital is in Rio, about 8 km from the city centre. Plan your transport.
Heraklion, Crete (population: 175,000)
- Hospitals: Venizelio General Hospital, University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI)
- University health: University of Crete health services
- English-speaking doctors: Available in tourist areas and near the university
- Tip: PAGNI is the main referral hospital for all of Crete. It handles complex cases from the entire island.
Costs at a glance — what students actually pay
| Expense | EU student (EHIC) | Non-EU (private insurance) | Non-EU (no insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP visit (public) | Free | Covered by plan | €20-40 |
| Specialist (public) | Free | Covered by plan | €40-80 |
| Emergency room | Free | Covered by plan | €50-150+ |
| Hospital stay/day | Free | Covered by plan | €100-300 |
| Prescription (standard) | 10-25% co-pay | Varies by plan | Full price |
| Private GP visit | €30-50 (not covered) | Often covered | €30-50 |
| Monthly insurance cost | €0 (EHIC) | €30-60 | N/A |
| Dental (private) | €40-80 | Depends on plan | €40-80 |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arriving without insurance. Non-EU students: arrange coverage before your visa appointment. No insurance means no visa.
- Assuming EHIC covers everything. It does not cover dental, optical, repatriation, or private clinics.
- Skipping AMKA registration. Without AMKA, you pay full price even at public facilities.
- Using emergency rooms for non-emergencies. Public ERs in Athens and Thessaloniki are overcrowded. Use your local health centre for routine issues.
- Not carrying documents. Always have your AMKA number, EHIC (if EU), and insurance card with you.
- Ignoring mental health. University counselling is free. Use it early rather than waiting for a public system appointment.
How to choose the right insurance for Greece
Choosing health insurance depends on your status and length of stay. Use this decision tree:
EU/EEA student, staying 1-2 semesters? Your EHIC is enough for basic public care. Consider supplementary private insurance (€20-30/month) for faster access and private clinics.
EU/EEA student, staying 2+ years? Register with EFKA through your AMKA. This gives you full long-term public access beyond EHIC limits.
Non-EU student, first time in Greece? Get private insurance before applying for your visa. Budget €30-60/month. Compare plans on our insurance comparison page.
Non-EU student, already in Greece with residence permit? Consider voluntary EFKA coverage for public access, or maintain private insurance. EFKA costs roughly €70-100/month but gives full ESY access.
For a step-by-step approach, read our guide on how to choose health insurance as an international student.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need health insurance to get a Greek student visa?
Yes. Non-EU students must show proof of health insurance when applying for a student visa. The policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses, be valid in Greece, and last for your entire study period.
Can EU students use their EHIC in Greece?
Yes. Your EHIC gives you free access to public healthcare in Greece — GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, and subsidised prescriptions. Register at a KEP office after arrival.
How much does private student insurance cost in Greece?
Basic plans start at €30/month (€360/year). Mid-range plans with broader coverage cost €40-60/month. Comprehensive plans with dental and mental health run €60-90/month.
What is the emergency number in Greece?
Call 166 for EKAB (ambulance service) or 112 (European emergency number). Emergency care is free at all public hospitals, even without insurance.
How long does AMKA registration take?
Typically 1-5 working days at a KEP office, sometimes same-day. EFKA offices may take 2-3 weeks. Bring all required documents to avoid delays.
Is dental care covered by Greek public health insurance?
Only emergency extractions and infection treatment for adults. Children under 13 get preventive dental care. Most students need private dental insurance or pay out of pocket (€40-80 per visit).
Can I work in Greece with a student AMKA?
EU students can work freely. Non-EU students with a student residence permit can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week during semester). Your AMKA enables employment registration with EFKA.
Do Greek doctors speak English?
In Athens and Thessaloniki, many doctors speak English — especially at university hospitals and private clinics. In smaller cities and islands, English proficiency varies. Learning basic Greek medical terms helps.
What happens if I need hospital care without insurance?
Public hospitals provide emergency care regardless of insurance status. However, you will receive a bill for the full cost afterwards. Non-emergency care without insurance means paying upfront.
Should I get private insurance even with EHIC?
It depends on your needs. EHIC covers public care well, but private insurance (€20-30/month) gives you access to private clinics, shorter waiting times, dental coverage, and repatriation protection. Many EU students add a supplementary plan.
Take action: get insured before you fly to Greece
Sort your health insurance early. Non-EU students need it for the visa. EU students benefit from supplementary coverage.
Compare student health insurance plans for Greece. Find plans that meet Greek visa requirements and fit your budget.
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