Medicine & Veterinary Cyprus

Government Health System (GESY): The government healthcare system provides comprehensive medical care for all permanent residents and citizens of the country. Funding is provided by contributions from employees, employers, and the state. Insurance covers a wide range of medical services, including visits to general practitioners, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Patients can choose doctors and specialists from the network participating in GESY.

Private Health Insurance: For extended coverage and faster access to medical services, many residents of Cyprus opt for private health insurance. There are two main types of private insurance:

- Local Private Health Insurance: Provides coverage for medical expenses within Cyprus. Such policies may be more affordable but have coverage limitations.

- International Private Health Insurance: Provides coverage for medical expenses both in Cyprus and abroad, which is especially useful for frequent travelers or expats. Such policies are usually more expensive but offer broader coverage and access to international medical facilities.

Immigration Health Insurance: For foreign nationals applying for temporary or permanent residency in Cyprus, immigration health insurance is required. It covers basic medical expenses, including inpatient and outpatient care, as well as repatriation of remains in case of death. This insurance is mandatory and must be obtained before applying for residency.

Public Medical Institutions

The Cyprus Government Health System (GESY) provides medical services through a network of hospitals and medical centers across the island. The main public hospitals include:

Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia: The largest public hospital, offering a wide range of services including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology.

Limassol General Hospital, Limassol: Equipped with modern facilities and offers services in surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology.

Larnaca General Hospital, Larnaca: Known for its general medicine and surgical services.

Paphos General Hospital, Paphos: Provides services in urology, nephrology, and other specialized medical fields.

Famagusta General Hospital, Famagusta: Serves patients with various medical needs, including emergency care.

Private Medical Institutions

The private healthcare sector in Cyprus is well-developed and includes numerous clinics and hospitals offering specialized and high-quality medical services. Many of these institutions collaborate with GESY, allowing patients to access services through the government healthcare system. According to data, there are 75 licensed private hospitals in Cyprus, 53 of which participate in GESY.

Some of the leading private medical institutions include:

American Medical Centre, Nicosia: Provides a wide range of medical services, including cardiology and general medicine.

'Evangelistria' Medical Centre, Nicosia: Known for its high-quality medical services and modern equipment.

'Galenos' Medical Centre, Limassol: Offers a variety of medical services, including specialized consultations.

'Asclepios' Medical Centre, Limassol: Specializes in gynecology and obstetrics, as well as providing general medical services.

Thus, Cyprus offers a wide range of medical services in both public and private institutions, ensuring quality healthcare for all residents and immigrants.

Registration with a Family Doctor

Online Registration: Visit the official GeSY website: www.gesy.org.cy. Create an account by providing personal information, such as ID number, residential address, and contact information. After registration, log into the system and select a family doctor from the list of available specialists, based on location and specialization preferences.

Personal Registration: Visit your chosen family doctor participating in the GeSY system. Present your ID and other necessary documents. Fill out the registration form on-site.

Appointment with a Specialist

Obtaining a Referral: Contact your family doctor for a health assessment. If necessary, the family doctor will issue a referral to a specialist.

Booking an Appointment

Through the GeSY Online Platform: Log into your account at www.gesy.org.cy. Using the referral, select an appropriate specialist and convenient time for your appointment.

By Phone: Contact the selected specialist directly using the contact details provided on the GeSY website. Provide the referral information and agree on a date and time for the visit.

Online Consultations

Some specialists in Cyprus offer online consultations. To book an appointment:

Ensure that the chosen specialist provides such a service.

Book an appointment through the GeSY platform or directly through the clinic's website.

Follow the instructions for conducting the online consultation.

Useful Resources

Official GeSY Website: www.gesy.org.cy

A list of doctors participating in the GeSY system is available at: shso.org.cy

Note that to receive medical services through GeSY, you need to have a valid social insurance number and be registered in the system. In case of difficulties, it is recommended to contact GeSY support or visit the nearest medical center for assistance.

In the Republic of Cyprus, emergency medical care is provided by both public and private institutions, ensuring 24/7 access to emergency medical assistance for all residents and visitors of the country.

Emergency Services

Phone Numbers: In the event of an emergency, you must dial 112 or 199, which are common emergency service numbers available 24/7.

Ambulance: Ambulance crews promptly respond to calls and transport patients to the nearest hospitals or medical centers equipped with emergency departments.

Several public hospitals in Cyprus provide emergency medical services: Nicosia General Hospital; Limassol General Hospital; Larnaca General Hospital; Paphos General Hospital; Famagusta General Hospital.

 

Features of Emergency Medical Care:

Accessibility: Emergency services are available to all individuals, regardless of their healthcare system status.

Service Payment: For participants in the State Health System, emergency services are covered by the system. Individuals not registered with GeSY may incur expenses themselves or through private insurance companies.

Recommendations for Seeking Emergency Care

Emergency care is intended for life-threatening conditions. In less serious cases, it is recommended to contact a family doctor or outpatient clinics.

It is recommended to have your ID and, if registered with GeSY, the corresponding membership card with you.

Steps for undergoing tests and examinations:

Consultation with a Family Doctor: Contact your family doctor registered in the GeSY system. The doctor will assess your condition and, if necessary, issue a referral for laboratory tests or diagnostic examinations.

Choosing a Laboratory or Diagnostic Center: With a referral from the family doctor, you can choose an accredited laboratory or diagnostic center participating in the GeSY system. A list of such institutions is available on the official GeSY website.

Booking an Appointment: Contact the chosen laboratory or center to schedule a date and time for tests or examinations. Some institutions offer online booking through their websites or the GeSY platform.

Undergoing the Procedure: Upon visiting the laboratory or center, present the referral from the family doctor and your ID.

Receiving Results: The test results are usually sent directly to your family doctor, who will discuss them with you and, if necessary, prescribe further treatment.

Features for Non-Residents and Private Patients

If you are not registered in the GeSY system, you can directly contact private laboratories or diagnostic centers.

In this case, payment for services is made independently or through private medical insurance.

Please note that for the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact medical institutions directly or consult with your family doctor.

Popular Public Laboratories

These institutions operate within the GeSY system, providing services to patients with referrals from family doctors.

Public hospitals: Nicosia General Hospital; Limassol General Hospital; Larnaca General Hospital; Paphos General Hospital; Famagusta General Hospital. Each hospital has its own laboratory diagnostic department for standard tests and examinations.

Popular Private Laboratories and Diagnostic Centers

American Medical Center, Nicosia; Bioiatriki Healthcare Group, Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca; MedNet Laboratory, Limassol; Hippocrateon Diagnostic Center, Nicosia; Ygia Polyclinic, Limassol; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia; Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia; Blue Cross Medical Center, Paphos.

You can book an appointment at private laboratories using online platforms available on their official websites, or by contacting them by phone.

Choosing a Hospital: In Cyprus, both public and private medical facilities are available for childbirth.

Public Hospitals: If you are registered in the GeSY healthcare system, childbirth in public hospitals may be fully or partially covered. However, it is worth considering possible queues and limited facilities.

Private Clinics: Many private clinics collaborate with GeSY, allowing services to be obtained for free or at minimal cost, provided that both the doctor and the clinic are participants in the system.

Some private clinics with maternity wards:

Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia: A modern private clinic providing a wide range of medical services, including obstetrics.

Apollonio Hospital, Nicosia: A renowned private hospital with highly qualified staff and modern equipment.

Mediterranean Hospital, Limassol: Provides quality medical services, including obstetrics and gynecology.

ISIS Hospital, Paphos: A private clinic with a full range of services for expectant mothers.

Choosing a Doctor

Gynecologist-Obstetrician: Choosing a doctor who will monitor the pregnancy and perform the delivery is an important step. Ensure that the chosen specialist is registered in the GeSY system if you plan to use public insurance. It is recommended to meet with the doctor in advance, discuss the birth plan, and learn about their approach to pregnancy management and delivery.

Medical Insurance:

GeSY System: The Cypriot public healthcare system (GeSY) covers expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth, provided that you are registered in the system and make regular contributions.

Private Insurance: For extended coverage and additional amenities, you can obtain private medical insurance. Private insurance provides faster access to private hospitals, flexible choice of doctors, and coverage for services that GeSY may not fully cover, such as dental and optical services, specialized treatment, and international coverage.

Additional Recommendations

Pre-Birth Courses: Many clinics and medical centers offer childbirth preparation courses.

Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including identity cards, insurance policies, and medical records.

Facility Visit: Prior to childbirth, it is recommended to visit the chosen hospital or clinic to familiarize yourself with the facilities and staff.

Partner-Assisted Childbirth

Ensure that the chosen hospital supports partner-assisted childbirth. In private clinics such as Aretaeio Hospital or Mediterranean Hospital, this is more common. Some public hospitals also allow partner presence, but only under strict rules. For admission, it is important to agree on all details with the hospital administration in advance.

Newborn Vaccination

In Cyprus, newborn vaccination is not mandatory but is strongly recommended by the Ministry of Health. Parents have the right to refuse vaccination or choose an individual schedule. However, refusal of vaccinations may lead to restrictions on attending educational institutions in the future.

The national vaccination program recommends vaccines against the most dangerous infectious diseases, such as:

Tuberculosis (BCG): for newborns from risk groups.

Hepatitis B: vaccination begins immediately after birth.

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP): starting from two months.

Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pneumococcus.

In public hospitals, vaccination for those registered in the GeSY system is free. Vaccines are also available in private clinics, but their cost may be included in family expenses if there is no relevant insurance coverage.

Notifying authorities

Medical services: Upon discovering a death, an ambulance should be called immediately or contact made with the nearest medical facility to confirm the death.

Police: In cases of sudden or unnatural death, the police must be notified to conduct an investigation and issue the appropriate documentation.

Issuing a death certificate

Medical certification: After confirmation of death, a doctor will issue a medical death certificate indicating the cause of death.

Registration of death: With this certificate, it is necessary to go to the local civil registry office for the official registration of the death and to obtain a death certificate.

Notification of the embassy or consulate

It is recommended to contact the embassy or consulate of the deceased's country in Cyprus. Diplomatic missions can provide support in organizing the repatriation of the body, processing documents, and informing relatives.

Repatriation, funeral, cremation

To arrange transportation of the body to the homeland, it is necessary to contact a specialized funeral agency that will handle the preparation of the body, necessary documentation, and coordination with airlines. Necessary documents: Typically required are a death certificate, a permit for body export, an embalming certificate, and approval from the receiving party.

Specialized funeral agencies also organize funerals in Cyprus: from preparing the body to organizing the ceremony. Agencies help select a cemetery, arrange transport, and prepare necessary documents. Foreigners are allowed to be buried in Cyprus, but this requires coordination with local authorities. Burial in Cyprus may cost from 1,000 to 5,000 euros.

Since 2020, cremation is officially allowed in Cyprus, but the infrastructure for this procedure is still developing. Agencies help organize the transportation of the body to nearby countries with appropriate facilities (such as Greece or Bulgaria). The body can be transported back to Cyprus in an urn for burial or storage. Permissions from authorities, including consent from relatives, are required. A medical certificate confirming the absence of the need for a forensic examination is required. Costs include transportation, agency services, and the cremation itself. Prices start from 3,000 euros.

Management of the deceased's estate

Inheritance law: Inheritance of property in Cyprus is governed by local law. If the deceased left a will, the process of distribution of the property will follow its instructions. Otherwise, the property is distributed according to inheritance laws.

Legal services: It is recommended to contact a lawyer specializing in inheritance law in Cyprus to receive consultation and assistance in processing all necessary documentation and procedures.

Additional recommendations

Translation of documents: Official documents issued in Cyprus may require translation into the country of the deceased's origin for recognition and use.

Financial matters: It is necessary to settle all the deceased's financial obligations in Cyprus, including bank accounts, taxes, and other debts.

Mandatory vaccinations and procedures for pets in Cyprus

Identification

Microchipping: All dogs and cats must be identified with a microchip meeting ISO 11784/11785 standards. Microchipping must be done before rabies vaccination.

Rabies Vaccination

Mandatory Vaccination: All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination is administered to animals older than 12 weeks. Immunity develops 21 days after vaccination, so it is important to consider this period when planning trips or events.

Other Recommended Vaccinations for Dogs

Complex Vaccines: Vaccination is recommended against the following diseases: parvovirus enteritis; canine distemper; infectious hepatitis; leptospirosis.

Other Recommended Vaccinations for Cats

Complex Vaccines: Vaccination is recommended against: viral rhinotracheitis; calicivirus; panleukopenia.

Parasite Treatment: Regular deworming every 3-6 months is recommended. Regular treatment for fleas and ticks.

Veterinary Passport

All vaccinations and procedures must be documented in an international standard veterinary passport, confirming the animal's health status and vaccinations.

Animal Hotels

Animal hotels offer temporary accommodation for pets during the owners' absence, for example: Nos Barbos Limassol, Limassol (a dog hotel with spacious rooms, a playground, and an individual approach to each pet).

Animal Shelters

Shelters provide refuge for homeless or abandoned animals, offering care and, when possible, finding new owners, for example: William's Safe Shelter, Parekklisia (a shelter for dogs and cats providing care and support to animals awaiting new owners); Hope for Homeless Cyprus, Nicosia (an organization dedicated to rescuing and placing homeless animals, striving to find them a permanent home).

Recommendations for Pet Owners

Booking: Booking a place in an animal hotel in advance is recommended, especially during holidays and vacations when demand increases.

Documents: Ensure your pet has all the necessary vaccinations and documents, as many establishments require their presentation when accepting animals.

Main Requirements and Features of Pet Keeping in Cyprus

Registration and Licensing of Dogs: Dog owners are required to register their pets with local municipalities or communities. For this, it is necessary to provide: a veterinary passport; a microchip certificate; proof of fee payment (the fee amount depends on the breed and gender of the dog). A license to keep a dog is valid for one year and is subject to annual renewal.

Microchipping: All dogs over three months must be marked with a microchip.

Vaccination: Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies and other common diseases.

Caretaking and Maintenance: Owners are obligated to ensure proper living conditions for their pets, including sufficient space, food, and access to water.

Walking Dogs: When walking in public places, dogs must be on a leash and, if necessary, muzzled. Owners must clean up after their pets and maintain cleanliness.

Breed Restrictions: In Cyprus, it is forbidden to keep and import certain breeds of dogs considered dangerous, such as pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

Owner Responsibility: Violation of animal keeping rules may result in fines. For example, the absence of a dog license may lead to a fine of €200, and failure to provide information about the dog on its collar – €100.

Animals in Public Places: Although there are more pet-friendly places in Cyprus, owners must follow established rules.