What actually happens to travelers here.
Temperatures routinely exceed 40°C on southern islands. Hydrate, limit midday sun, and use SPF 50+.
Athens and mainland tap water is safe. Santorini, Mykonos, and smaller islands rely on desalination or cisterns — bottled water recommended.
The system.
System: Universal (National Health System / NHS — ESY for residents)
Quality: ★★★★☆ Very Good
Good healthcare system with decent hospitals on the mainland and islands. Major cities have excellent private hospitals. On smaller islands, healthcare is more limited. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and private hospitals.
Greece is developing as a medical tourism destination, particularly for dental work, cosmetic surgery, and retirement living — combining quality care with Mediterranean lifestyle.
Where to actually go.
Private hospital group. International patient services.
Top-rated private hospital. English widely spoken.
Main hospital serving Crete's tourist areas.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-8pm weekdays. Each area has a rotating 'on-duty pharmacy' (φαρμακείο νυχτερινής βάρδιας) open nights and weekends — look for the sign in any pharmacy window or search online.
Prescription rules: EU prescriptions are accepted. Non-EU prescriptions require validation by a Greek doctor. Greece follows EU prescription rules — many common medications require prescriptions.
Pharmacies (φαρμακείο) are widely available. Many medications require a prescription. Greek pharmacists can advise on minor ailments. Look for the green cross sign. Some OTC items available without prescription.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen (Nurofen/Ibuprofen)
- paracetamol/acetaminophen (Panadol/Paracetamol)
- antihistamines
- antacids
- cough syrups
- sunscreen (essential in summer)
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Χρειάζομαι φάρμακο για πονοκέφαλο
- Πού είναι το πλησιέστερο φαρμακείο;
- Χρειάζομαι γιατρό
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Gelocatil (ES), Ben-u-ron (PT), Depon (GR)
Country-specific paracetamol brands; the generic name is also widely understood. - ibuprofen → Espidifen (ES), Brufen (others)
Common Mediterranean ibuprofen brands. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Fortasec (ES)
Available OTC at any farmacia.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter and prescription (ideally in Greek or English) for all medications. Bring sufficient supply in original packaging. For controlled substances, carry prescription documentation. EU citizens should carry the EHIC card.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall · Codeine · CBD · Xanax
Codeine products require a prescription in Greece. Some codeine products may be restricted.
Controlled substances. A Greek prescription or special authorization may be required.
Controlled substances requiring a prescription. Greece has strict regulations.
Cannabis is illegal in Greece for recreational use. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2018 but remains very restricted.
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care at reasonable prices.
Cost range: €30-70 for consultation; €50-150 for fillings
Greek dental care is affordable. Tourist islands may have limited dental facilities.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $30-55/week
Greek hospitals (especially public ones) may require upfront payment or guarantee of payment from your insurance. Private hospitals are better equipped for tourists. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation from islands to mainland.
Filing a claim
EU citizens with EHIC access public hospitals. Greek public hospitals may be overcrowded. Private hospitals require payment — keep all receipts. English documentation available at private hospitals.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $60-150 |
| ER visit | $200-700 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $400-1,200 |
| Ambulance | $100-500 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is good
Secondary destination: Rome, Athens, or Madrid
Typical cost band: $15,000-50,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases — air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Southern European tertiary hospitals are well-equipped. Cross-border evacuation to Western Europe is reserved for highly complex cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- COVID-19 (following current guidelines)
- MMR (ensure routine vaccines are current)
No mandatory vaccinations for travelers from most countries.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is generally safe to drink on the mainland. On some islands, tap water may be from tanks — bottled water is advisable on smaller islands.
Food safety
Greek food is generally very safe. Olive oil, feta cheese, lamb, and fresh vegetables are staples. Saganaki (fried cheese), souvlaki, and gyros are safe from reputable establishments. Watch out for food in very touristy areas that may sit out longer.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Klimaka NGO: +30-210-521-1880
English-speaking therapists: Available in Athens. Limited on islands.
Mental health services in English mainly in Athens. Island medical facilities are basic.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Greece's accessibility is challenging. Ancient sites, island terrain, and cobblestone streets create barriers.
Hospital accessibility: Major hospitals in Athens are accessible. Island hospitals vary.
Accessible transport: Athens Metro is accessible. Island ferries have some accessibility. Taxis widely available.
The Acropolis has a wheelchair-accessible elevator. Many islands have hilly terrain. Santorini's caldera villages are very difficult for wheelchairs.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID requirements.
Mask policy: No mandates.
Testing availability: Available at pharmacies.
All restrictions removed. Sun and heat-related illness are common tourist health concerns.
Greece travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Athens
- Greece Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health