Living Abroad

Healthcare in Greece for UK Nationals: AMKA, EOPYY and the S1

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. How do you register?
  3. What does it cost?
  4. How does the S1 work?
  5. Students and posted workers
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Where do I get an AMKA?
    2. What if my S1 is delayed?
    3. Where can I compare other countries?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

How do UK nationals access healthcare in Greece? GOV.UK says UK nationals usually use Greek healthcare by paying social insurance contributions while registered to work, by using a GHIC or EHIC for temporary stays (students or posted workers), or by registering a UK S1 form. GOV.UK notes that this guidance was last updated on 21 October 2021, so check current details with the listed bodies.

Quick answer

  • Proof of healthcare cover is needed before you register as a resident (required for stays over 3 months) and when you apply for a visa.
  • Once you are registered to work and paying social insurance, you get state healthcare on the same basis as a Greek citizen.
  • Get an AMKA (social insurance number), then register online with EOPYY, the public healthcare body.
  • If you are not working and have no registered S1, you need private health insurance.

How do you register?

  1. Get an AMKA from a citizen service centre or KEP office.
  2. Register online with EOPYY.
  3. For non-emergency hospital appointments, get a referral from an EOPYY doctor, health centre or local health unit (TOMY).

What does it cost?

Item What GOV.UK says
EOPYY doctors Free or reduced cost
State hospital treatment Free with an EOPYY referral
Prescriptions Around 25%, though free or reduced medication may be available, for example for chronic illness
EOPYY-contracted private clinics The state covers only part of the cost and you pay a co-payment

How does the S1 work?

It may apply if you live in Greece and receive a UK State Pension or an exportable benefit. Frontier workers should contact HMRC. Request the form from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Once registered on the Greek system with your AMKA through EOPYY, you and your dependants get state healthcare on the same basis as an insured Greek citizen.

Students and posted workers

Students should apply for a Student GHIC, and an existing Student EHIC remains valid until it expires. UK employees temporarily sent to Greece can use a GHIC, EHIC or S1.

Common mistakes

  • Going to hospital without a referral for non-emergency care.
  • Not getting an AMKA first.
  • Relying on 2021 guidance without checking current rules.
  • Not buying private insurance when you are not working and have no S1.

FAQ

Where do I get an AMKA?

At a citizen service centre or KEP office.

What if my S1 is delayed?

GOV.UK says to contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services for urgent treatment during registration delays.

Where can I compare other countries?

See Italy, Spain and Cyprus.

Key takeaways

  • Registration runs through the AMKA and EOPYY.
  • Referrals are needed for non-emergency hospital care.
  • Non-working residents without an S1 need private insurance.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. The GOV.UK source was last updated in 2021, so confirm current rules with EOPYY or the Greek authorities.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Healthcare for UK nationals living in Greece

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