All about GESY Health Insurance

GESY – the Public Health System

Introduction: With GESY (“General Healthcare System”), Cyprus has had a state health insurance since 2019 that provides universal access to basic medical services for all residents .
Services: Coverage includes, among others, general practitioner and specialist visits, rehabilitation, and prescription medications; however, during high demand periods, longer waiting times may occur .
Eligibility requirements: All persons residing or employed in Cyprus, pensioners, and recipients of state benefits are eligible – requirements include registering a property (Utility Bill) and the Yellow Slip .

Faster treatment: Private plans often offer reduced waiting times for specialists and clinics .
International coverage: Many private plans cover treatments abroad and allow free choice of doctor and hospital .
Additional benefits: Options such as ambulance transport, private rooms, home visits, or medical evacuation are usually only available through private policies.

Costs
- GESY: GESY contributions are included in social security, medications are partially free.
- Private: Premiums are significantly higher and vary depending on age, health condition, and chosen scope of services.
Scope of Services
- GESY: Covers basic care, such as doctor visits and prescription medications. Special treatments and comprehensive additional services are not included.
- Private: Offers extended services such as dental treatments, physiotherapy, ambulance transport, private rooms, and medical evacuation.
Waiting Times and Access
- GESY: There may be longer waiting times for specialists and in clinics.
- Private: Faster access to specialists and clinics, often with almost no waiting times and free choice of provider.
International Coverage
- GESY: Short-term stays of up to three months in EU countries are covered with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Private: Many plans offer worldwide coverage and also cover costs for treatments outside Cyprus.

Scope of services: Adapt the plan to your health needs (e.g., dental or physiotherapy services) .
Cost vs. benefit: Compare offers based on your age and health condition, but don’t focus solely on the price .
Doctor and clinic network: Check contracted doctors and hospitals to ensure free access to specialists .
International coverage: Ensure that stays outside Cyprus (e.g., Germany) are also covered .

Travel health insurance: For short-term stays (up to 3 months), the European Health Insurance Card is sufficient; however, for long-term stays, private or GESY membership is recommended .
Cost range: International policy: approx. 70-200 € per month for individuals; depending on coverage and personal profile .
Long-term security: Especially for retirees or individuals with pre-existing conditions, a lifelong international health insurance is recommended .