Health Insurance and the GESY System
🏥 Basic Information
GESY (General Healthcare System) is the public healthcare system in Cyprus, providing general medical care to all residents of the island, including EU citizens with permanent or temporary residence.
GESY operates similarly to health insurance in other EU countries — contributions are made by employees, employers, self-employed persons (SEPs), retirees, and the state.
The system’s goal is to provide high-quality healthcare at a low cost and to unify the public and private sectors under a single national system.
🧾 Who is Eligible for GESY
GESY covers:
- All citizens of the Republic of Cyprus,
- All EU citizens with permanent or temporary residence (Yellow Slip, PRP),
- Employees and self-employed individuals working in Cyprus,
- Retirees or persons receiving income from the Cyprus Social Insurance Fund.
💡 Foreigners without resident status can only access private healthcare.
💶 Contributions to the System
GESY contributions are calculated as a percentage of income, deducted from gross salary or business profits.
| Category | Contribution Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employee | 2.65% | Paid by the employer together with the contribution |
| Employer | 2.90% | Deducted from employee’s gross salary |
| Self-Employed | 4.00% | Based on declared income |
| Retiree | 2.65% | From pension income |
| State | 4.70% | Contributes for all insured persons |
Contributions are paid monthly, and GESY is managed by the Health Insurance Organization (HIO).
🧑⚕️ What GESY Covers
GESY provides comprehensive healthcare, including:
- Visits to general practitioners (GPs),
- Specialists (by GP referral or direct access),
- Laboratory and diagnostic tests,
- Hospitalization and surgery,
- Medications and prescriptions,
- Healthcare for children, pregnant women, and seniors.
Some services may require a small co-payment, usually €1–€10 per visit or prescription.
🏥 How to Register for GESY
- Obtain a Social Insurance Number.
- Register online at www.gesy.org.cy.
- Choose a general practitioner (GP) within the GESY system.
- Once approved, you become an active insured member and can use all services.
💡 Most doctors in the system speak English, especially in cities and tourist areas.
🩺 Private Health Insurance
Many foreigners choose private insurance in addition to GESY for faster access to specialists or private hospitals.
Average prices:
- Basic coverage: €50 – €70 per month,
- Comprehensive coverage: €80 – €150 per month (depending on age and coverage).
Major providers: Cigna, Bupa, Universal Life, Allianz, Medicover.
