Health Insurance Guide
Moving to Cyprus means sunshine, sea breezes…and navigating a new healthcare system. Whether you’re here for work, retirement or a new start with your family, one of the most important things to figure out early on is health insurance.
Here’s a straightforward guide to your options, how the system works and what you might want to consider as an expat living in Limassol.
GESY vs. Private Health Insurance
Cyprus offers public healthcare through GESY (the General Healthcare System), which covers a wide range of services at low cost for legal residents. But that’s just one part of the picture — many residents also choose private health insurance for added flexibility, speed and access to clinics outside the public network.
So what’s the difference?
GESY:
Funded through contributions based on income
Includes GP visits, referrals, diagnostics, prescriptions and hospital care
Very affordable (small co-payments with annual caps)
Available to all legal residents who contribute to Social Insurance
Private Insurance:
Access to more private hospitals and doctors (including some outside GESY)
Faster appointments and less waiting time
Useful for elective surgeries or treatments not fully covered by GESY
Can offer extra perks like international cover, dental, vision or maternity
Do I Need Private Insurance?
That depends on your situation. Here are a few scenarios:
Families with young children often like the speed and convenience of private GPs or pediatricians
Self-employed expats might choose a basic private plan while contributing to GESY
Retirees might be fully covered under GESY but add a private plan for peace of mind
Remote workers or digital nomads sometimes keep international health insurance from their home country
Even if you’re eligible for GESY, a private plan can complement it and give you more control over how and where you access care.
What Does Private Insurance Cost?
Costs vary widely depending on:
Age
Pre-existing conditions
Coverage level
Local vs. international plans
For a ballpark: basic local coverage for a healthy adult might start from €30 - €60/month, while more comprehensive or international policies can run upwards of €100 - €200/month or more.
Local vs. International Providers
You can go with a local Cypriot insurer or an international company.
Local Insurers (e.g., Universal Life, Trust Insurance, Eurolife):
Familiar with local providers
Often more affordable
Might require Greek-speaking intermediaries
International Providers (e.g., Cigna, Bupa Global, Allianz):
Ideal if you travel frequently or want global coverage
English-speaking customer support
More expensive, but very comprehensive
What to Look for in a Policy
When comparing policies, consider:
Inpatient vs. outpatient coverage
Maternity and children’s healthcare
Emergency and ambulance services
Coverage for chronic conditions or specialists
Direct billing with local clinics and hospitals
And check the network — does it include clinics or doctors you want to use in Limassol?
Final Thoughts…
For many expats in Limassol, the best approach is a combo: GESY for everyday care and a private plan for extras or peace of mind. It really depends on your family setup, budget and how you like to access healthcare.
Still figuring it all out? We’ve been there. Reach out if you need a recommendation for an insurer or an English-speaking agent — or pop over to our GESY Overview article for more helpful info.
