Care you can rely on
Health systems differ more than tax systems do — in who is covered, what it costs and how quickly you are seen. Here is what awaits in each country.
GESY, the national system, covers visits, hospital care and prescriptions through modest contributions — and unusually, permanent residents from outside the EU can enrol. Cheap, excellent private care sits alongside.
Public care runs through EOPYY and the EFKA fund, with voluntary cover available when income comes from abroad. Athens private hospitals are excellent; remote islands are thinner and rely on clinics and air ambulances.
Entirely private for expatriates: insurance is mandatory, employers must cover staff, and care is world-class with short waits. Budget roughly AED 5,000–10,000 a year for a healthy adult's plan.
Side by side
| Measure | Cyprus | Greece | Dubai |
|---|---|---|---|
| System model | Universal (GESY) | Public + private | Private, mandatory insurance |
| Non-EU residents covered | Yes | Via contributions | Insurance only |
| Typical GP visit | €40–70 | €30–60 | AED 250–450 |
| Contribution on pension & investment income | GESY 2.65%, capped at €180k | — | None |
| Basic annual cover | GESY + ~€300 private | ~€150–400 | ~AED 5,000–10,000 |
| Wait times | Short (private) | Vary by region | Very short |
These guides are general information, current to early 2026, and are not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal circumstances matter — confirm the specifics with a licensed advisor before you act.
Next step
Numbers only go so far. Tell us your income sources, family situation and timeline, and we will connect the dots for the country you are leaning towards.