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According to this official EU website, EFKA is the government-based insurance fund in Greece. It is also known as the National Social Security Fund. EFKA extends its coverage to both Greek nationals and foreign residents, offering a comprehensive range of benefits, including pensions, healthcare, and unemployment support.
To be eligible to receive illness insurance benefits of any kind, it is mandatory to have paid insurance contributions equal to at least 50 days of employment during the year preceding the illness or during the 12-month period preceding the illness (one day of employment being one day of insurance, which excludes any paid leave days).
Usually, EFKA provides benefits throughout the period of your entitlement to these benefits, even when an illness continues after your entitlement has ended, you will still be entitled to that benefit until you recover from that illness.
With EFKA, you are entitled to:
Insured individual can visit doctors contracted by EOPYY (only with an appointment) at the outpatient clinics of public hospitals, Health Centers, and at PEDY institutions.
To book an appointment with EOPYY-contracted private doctors, you can visit the official EOPYY website, under the option "Available doctors' appointments".
Usually, the cost of making a monthly payment to EFKA is €136, which is either deducted from your paycheck if you're an employee, and if you're self-employed you will need to pay it to the EFKA insurance fund directly.
If you're a freelancer or self-employed, you can pick among six social security categories every year and pay EFKA contributions depending on this choice.
You can access the coverage from EFKA only if you have an AMKA number. Read more on how you can apply for one here.
EOPYY stands for "National Organization for the Provision of Health Services" in Greek (Εθνικός Οργανισμός Παροχής Υπηρεσιών Υγείας). It is the national healthcare organization in Greece responsible for providing and managing health services. Keep in mind that organizational names and websites can change, so it's advisable to check the most recent sources for the latest information.
If you're self-employed or freelancing in Greece engaging in professional activity, it is mandatory to make monthly insurance contributions to EFKA. It covers public healthcare facilities, however if you would like to opt in for private healthcare, you can pay for it using different services. There are several businesses that exist in Greece providing private health insurance, including Allianz, Alico AIG Life, Piraeus Bank, and Cigna Global.
Overall, investing in Greece's public insurance policies is a crucial step towards securing your health and well-being as an expat. By staying informed about the healthcare system in Greece, and available public insurance options, you can confidently make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you're a long-term or short-term resident, having a firm grasp of Greece's public insurance policies ensures that you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances while enjoying all that this captivating country has to offer.