EFKA: Greece’s Public Health & Social Security System

When it comes to healthcare and insurance in Greece, the country operates on a dual system; meaning there is national coverage and private coverage. This article is a guide to understanding Greece’s public health insurance coverage called EFKA.

EFKA is the National Social Security Fund in Greece (National Public Insurance Fund). It is the main social security organization responsible for providing a wide range of benefits, including pensions, healthcare, and unemployment support, to both Greek nationals and foreign residents. If you’re already living and working in Greece, chances are you’re already connected to EFKA. 

This system offers a variety of services including: 

Healthcare: Access to medical care, including hospitalization, and preventive dental care. 

Pensions: Management and distribution of retirement, disability, and survivor pensions. 

Unemployment Benefits: Unemployment support to eligible individuals. 

Insurance Contributions: Manages the collection of insurance contributions from employers and employees.

EFKA offers a comprehensive package of healthcare services, including:

• Doctor visits and hospital care
• Dental care, including:
  • Preventive treatments
  • Orthodontics for children under 13
  • Denture replacements (every 5 years)
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
• Prescription medications (typically with a 10–25% contribution; free in some cases)
• Medical transport in emergencies (via EKAB)
• Support items, such as eyeglasses, prosthetics, and hearing aids (25% contribution or free in certain cases)

Individuals will coverage can visit PEDY (ΠΕΔΥ) or EOPYY contracted doctors for care. To book a private doctor through EOPYY, check their website for available appointments.

To access illness-related benefits, you must have contributed the equivalent of at least 50 days of employment or private contribution during the previous calendar year or the 12 months before falling ill. Note, paid leave days don’t count toward this total.

EFKA provides health coverage to all Greek citizens, permanent residents; these individuals are insured either through employment or self-employment. Foreign residents, including EU citizens and expats, can also be eligible for EFKA health coverage, assuming they are employed or self-employed and paying social security contributions.

To access EFKA benefits in Greece, you must have contributed the equivalent of at least 50 days of employment or private contribution during the previous calendar year or the 12 months before falling ill. Note, paid leave days don’t count toward this total.

How to access EFKA: 

1. Obtain an AMKA (Social Security) number. If you don’t have one yet, check how to apply here  (will hyperlink the AMKA article).

2. Register with EOPYY: To access the Greek healthcare system, individuals need to register with EOPYY (Greek Health Insurance Organization) using their AMKA number.

3. Register with an EFKA scheme: After obtaining an AMKA number, individuals can register with a specific EFKA social insurance scheme that provides basic and supplemental medical coverage. 

4. Pay Your Contributions: In order to maintain coverage and access to services, individuals must to pay the required social security contributions.

 

EOPYY (ΕΟΠΥΥ) is Greece’s National Organization for the Provision of Health Services, managing the public health network and contracted private doctors. It works hand-in-hand with EFKA to provide care.

The cost of EFKA depends on your employment status. The biggest differentiator is whether you are employed or self-employed. Employees usually have their contributions automatically deducted from their salary, while freelancers and self-employed individuals pay EFKA directly. Here’s a closer look at typical contribution amounts.

• Self-employed/freelancers: Choose from six insurance categories annually, starting from around €136/month
• Employees (private sector): 14.12% of gross salary
• Employees (public sector): 15.33%
  
  
• Employers (private sector): 22.54% of gross salary
• Employers (public sector): 24.33%

Whether you’re staying in Greece for the short or long term, understanding your rights and obligations under EFKA is essential, as it’s a practical way to protect your health and ensure peace of mind while living in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.

Contact us here if you have questions or would like additional support, our team of experts are here to help make your experience in Greece a smooth one!