Greece's Healthcare System and Traveler Considerations
Greece is a member of the European Union and has relatively developed medical infrastructure, though the quality of healthcare facilities varies for travelers. Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have well-equipped private hospitals, while remote islands have limited medical resources.
Before traveling, confirm whether your Japanese travel insurance is accepted by Greek medical facilities and whether cashless payment options are available. Unexpected medical expenses in Greece can be substantial.
Pharmacist's note: Greece's healthcare system is operated by OPA (Organismos Pronoias Ygiias), the national health insurance, but this does not apply to travelers. You must obtain private or travel insurance before your trip.
Using Greek Pharmacies (Φαρμακείο/Farmakeio)
Purchasing Medications and Handling Prescriptions
Greek pharmacies are common throughout cities and towns, marked with a green cross or the word "Farmakeio" (Φαρμακείο). Standard operating hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, with 24-hour and Sunday pharmacy locations posted at pharmacy entrances.
If you have a prescription (συνταγή/Syntagi), it may need translation into Greek or Latin characters. While most pharmacy staff speak English, medical terminology can sometimes cause confusion. Using smartphone translation apps like Google Translate is recommended.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, Saturdays 8:00 AM–2:00 PM |
| Prescription Required | Yes for antibiotics and antihypertensives; some cold medications don't require one |
| Payment Methods | Cash (EUR), credit cards accepted at many locations |
| English Support | High in major cities, limited on remote islands |
| Drug Prices | Generally higher than Japan; antibiotics €20–50 |
Over-the-Counter Medications Available to Travelers
The following medications are available without a prescription as of 2024:
Gastrointestinal
- Imodium (loperamide): antidiarrheal
- Gaviscon: acid reflux relief
- Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide): abdominal pain and cramping
Respiratory and Cold
- Coldrex, Theraflu: cold and flu remedies
- Strepsils, Lozenges: throat lozenges
- Vicks VapoRub: nasal congestion relief
Headache and Fever
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen): fever and pain relief
- Ibuprofen: NSAID pain reliever
- Aspirin: aspirin tablets
Topical Skin Treatments
- Bepanthen, Desitin: skin protectant creams
- Canesten: antifungal cream for mild fungal infections
Pharmacist's note: Ibuprofen is widely available as an over-the-counter medication in Greece, but should be avoided if you have cardiovascular disease or reduced kidney function. Consult pharmacy staff in such cases. Prescription medications require a medical consultation.
Finding and Accessing Healthcare Facilities in Greece
Types of Medical Facilities
Private Hospitals
- Fast response and multilingual staff
- Many participate in travel insurance cashless programs
- Higher treatment costs than public hospitals
- Concentrated in major cities
Public Hospitals (EOPYY)
- Lower treatment costs
- Complex procedures and longer wait times
- Limited English-language support
- Good emergency response
Medical Clinics
- Private practice general medicine
- Suitable for initial treatment and basic testing
- Some offer 24-hour services
How to Find a Medical Facility
1. Ask Your Hotel or Accommodation Staff Hotel and guesthouse staff typically have reliable information about medical facilities and can often arrange doctor referrals and taxi transportation.
2. Contact Your Travel Insurance Company Your insurance policy contains a 24-hour hotline number on the back. The insurer can recommend partner medical facilities and may arrange appointments.
3. Internet Search
- Google Maps: search "Doctor near me" or "Hospital"
- Booking.com: check medical facility reviews
- Japanese Embassy in Greece website: lists recommended medical facilities
4. Emergencies Emergency ambulance (EKAB): Call 166. Greek language is preferred, but English-speaking operators are sometimes available.
Documents and Information to Bring
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport | Identification and insurance verification |
| Travel Insurance Documentation | Confirm cashless coverage |
| List of Current Medications | Prevents drug interactions |
| Smartphone with Translation App | Assists with symptom explanation |
| Prescription Records | Prevents duplicate medications |
Action Plan If You Become Ill in Greece
Mild Illness (Cold, Mild Diarrhea)
- Consult a Pharmacy: Describe your symptoms; pharmacy staff can recommend over-the-counter medications
- Self-Care: Use OTC medications available without prescription
- If Not Improved in 24–48 Hours: Visit a clinic or hospital
Moderate Illness (High Fever, Severe Vomiting, Rash)
- Visit a Medical Facility or Make an Online Appointment if available
- Contact Your Travel Insurance Company to confirm cashless medical facility availability
- Doctor Consultation: Obtain a prescription for necessary medications
- Fill Prescription: Take the prescription to a pharmacy to purchase medications
Severe Illness (Loss of Consciousness, Severe Headache, Difficulty Breathing)
- Call 166 and Request an Ambulance ("Ambulance please" is understood in English)
- Transport to Private Hospital is typical
- Immediately Contact Your Travel Insurance Company
- If Hospitalization is Required: Insurance can arrange return flights to Japan
Pharmacist's note: The classification of prescription vs. over-the-counter medications differs from Japan. Antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones, require prescriptions. Always consult pharmacy staff or a doctor before taking any medication.
Travel Insurance: Usage and Important Points
Pre-Departure Confirmation Checklist
Before departure, confirm the following with your insurance company:
| Item | Importance | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage throughout Greece | High | Confirms coverage in remote areas |
| Cashless medical facilities | High | Minimizes out-of-pocket costs |
| 24-hour Hotline | High | Available during nights and weekends |
| Japanese Language Support | Medium | Helps with complex explanations |
| Emergency Repatriation | High | Arranges return flights if necessary |
| Dental Coverage | Low | Usually covers only emergency extractions |
Using Cashless Medical Benefits
Before Your Trip
- Save the insurance hotline number in your smartphone
- Confirm whether pre-authorization is needed upon arrival in Greece
At the Medical Facility
- Tell the reception staff "I have travel insurance"
- The facility will contact the insurance company for verification
- After treatment, the facility bills the insurance company directly
- You pay nothing or minimal amounts (cashless service)
Filing Insurance Claims (For Out-of-Pocket Expenses)
- Obtain a receipt and medical certificate from the facility
- After returning to Japan, submit to the insurance company:
- Insurance claim form (provided by insurer)
- Original or copy of receipt
- Medical certificate (Greek or Latin script; translation often not required)
- Passport copy
- Insurance company reviews and transfers reimbursement to your designated account
Sample Cashless-Participating Hospitals (Major Cities)
| City | Hospital Name | Languages |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | Hygeia Hospital | English |
| Athens | Athens Medical Group | English |
| Thessaloniki | Aghia Sophia Hospital | English |
| Rhodes | Rodos Hospital | English, German |
| Crete | University Hospital of Heraklion | English |
Pharmacist's note: Even facilities marked "cashless participating" may not accept the service, particularly small clinics. Always confirm before your visit. Medical certificates are typically issued in Greek. Confirm translation requirements with your insurance company in advance and keep copies with your receipts.
Common Medical Terms and Symptom Expressions
To improve patient-provider communication, basic English and Greek medical terms are provided:
| Japanese | English | Greek |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Fever | Πυρετός (Pyretos) |
| Headache | Headache | Πονοκέφαλος (Ponokefalos) |
| Cough | Cough | Βήχας (Vichas) |
| Diarrhea | Diarrhea | Διάρροια (Diarria) |
| Vomiting | Vomiting | Έμετος (Emetos) |
| Allergy | Allergy | Αλλεργία (Allergia) |
| Drug Allergy | Drug allergy | Φαρμακευτική αλλεργία (Farmakeftiki allergia) |
| High Blood Pressure | High blood pressure | Υψηλή αρτηριακή πίεση (Ypsili artiriaki piesi) |
| Diabetes | Diabetes | Διαβήτης (Diavitis) |
| Prescription | Prescription | Συνταγή (Syntagi) |
Medical Support from the Japanese Embassy in Greece
The Japanese Embassy in Athens and the Consulate General in Thessaloniki provide medical consultation.
Japanese Embassy in Athens
- Address: Mesogeion 4, 11526 Athens
- Phone: +30-210-670-9900
- Medical Consultation: Consular Division (English, Greek, Japanese)
The Embassy maintains a list of medical facilities, including English-speaking doctors and facilities with Japanese-speaking staff. Do not hesitate to contact them, especially in severe cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a Japanese prescription at a Greek pharmacy? A: No. A new prescription from a Greek doctor is required. If you take regular medications, ask pharmacy staff about equivalent products available in Greece.
Q: Can I bring medications prescribed in Japan? A: Yes, for personal use. However, controlled substances such as narcotic pain relievers may require declaration. Carry your medication documentation and passport.
Q: What should I do if I have a toothache? A: Visit an emergency dental clinic. Travel insurance typically covers only emergency extractions; root canal treatment is usually not covered and must be paid out-of-pocket.
Q: Where can I find the latest information? Check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in Greece websites 3–4 weeks before your trip. Healthcare systems and medication regulations change periodically.
Summary
- Pharmacy Use: Greek pharmacies (Farmakeio) are numerous and many over-the-counter medications are available without prescription. Smartphone translation apps are helpful.
- Choosing a Medical Facility: Confirm your insurance's cashless medical facilities in advance. Use pharmacies or clinics for minor issues; private hospitals for serious conditions.
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory. Confirm cashless facility participation and save the 24-hour hotline number.
- Emergency Contacts: Ambulance 166; Japanese Embassy in Athens +30-210-670-9900
- Medications: Personal medications from Japan are permitted, but Greek doctor consultation is required for new prescriptions.
- Pre-Trip Preparation: Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy websites for current information; prepare an English-language list of regular medications including generic names.
- Communication: Use English or smartphone translation apps. Pharmacy staff can handle medical terminology.
This guide was prepared under the supervision of a licensed Japanese pharmacist.