Cyprus's national health system (GESY/GHS) gives expat entrepreneurs access to affordable, covered healthcare from day one of contributing — a €6 GP visit and €1 specialist visit cover most routine needs. Private insurance adds a layer of speed and comfort on top for €100–200/month. Understanding how both systems work is essential before you arrive.
What is GESY/GHS?
GESY (Γενικό Σύστημα Υγείας, or General Health System in English — GHS) launched in 2019 after decades of planning. It replaced the old fragmented system where public healthcare was limited and under-resourced.
What GESY covers:
- GP consultations (€6 copay per visit)
- Specialist consultations via GP referral (€1 copay)
- Emergency department visits (free)
- Hospital admissions and surgery (covered)
- Maternity care
- Mental health services
- Prescription medications (small copay, many free)
- Dental care (basic — more limited than other categories)
- Physiotherapy and allied health (via referral)
"Cyprus's GESY system, launched in 2019, provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for all contributors at a GP copay of €6 per visit — making it one of the most accessible national health systems in Southern Europe."
Am I Eligible as an Expat?
Eligibility is tied to contributing to GESY, not to nationality. You are eligible if you are:
- A legal resident of Cyprus (with a registration certificate or residency permit)
- Paying GESY contributions through one of the qualifying categories:
- Salary from a Cyprus employer
- Self-employment income in Cyprus
- Dividend income from Cyprus company
- Pension income (if resident)
EU citizens with a registration certificate who start a Cyprus company and pay themselves a salary or dividends are immediately eligible. Non-EU nationals become eligible once they have their residency permit and start contributing.
GESY Contributions: How Much You Pay
| Category | Contribution Rate | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Employee | 2.65% of salary | Deducted by employer |
| Employer | 2.65% of salary | Your Cyprus company |
| Self-employed | 4% of income | You directly |
| Dividend recipient | 2.65% of dividends | Deducted at source or declared |
| Pensioner | 2.65% of pension | Deducted at source |
For entrepreneur-directors: If you pay yourself a salary from your Cyprus Ltd, the company deducts 2.65% from your salary and contributes another 2.65% as the employer. Total GESY on salary: 5.3%.
For dividends, 2.65% GESY applies. There is an annual income ceiling (updated annually) above which GESY contributions are capped.
Example: A director paying themselves €30,000/year in salary pays €795 in GESY (2.65%) and the company pays another €795. If they take an additional €50,000 in dividends, GESY on dividends = €1,325.
How to Register for GESY
Step 1: Obtain your TIC (Tax Identification Number) from the Cyprus Tax Department — required before GESY registration.
Step 2: Register at gesy.org.cy using your TIC and personal details. You will need your registration certificate or residency permit number.
Step 3: Choose your registered GP (called a "personal doctor" in the GESY system). You can search and register with a GESY-registered GP through the portal. Your GP manages referrals to specialists.
Step 4: Your first consultation is ready to book. GESY operates online booking for most GPs and many specialists.
The process is largely online and manageable in English — the GESY portal has an English-language interface.
How GESY Works Day-to-Day
- Book a GP appointment through the GESY portal or by calling your registered personal doctor's office.
- €6 copay at the GP visit (paid directly to the doctor).
- GP referral for specialist — you pay €1 at the specialist visit.
- Prescription: Issued digitally. Fill at any GESY pharmacy. Most common medications have small copays or are free.
- Hospital referral: For procedures, your GP refers you to a GESY hospital. Public hospitals (Limassol General, Nicosia General, etc.) are fully within GESY.
Private Healthcare: When GESY Is Not Enough
GESY is adequate for routine healthcare. But for non-emergency specialist procedures, waiting times can be weeks or months. Private healthcare removes the wait.
Main private hospitals in Cyprus:
- Apollonion Hospital (Nicosia) — largest private hospital, wide specialties
- Ygia Polyclinic (Limassol) — major private provider
- Iasis Hospital (Paphos) — strong cardiac and surgical unit
- Evangelismos Medical Centre (Paphos)
Private consultation costs (without insurance):
- GP: €50–80
- Specialist: €80–150
- Blood tests: €30–80
- MRI scan: €250–450
- Minor surgical procedure: €500–2,000+
Private Health Insurance: Options and Costs
Private health insurance in Cyprus is primarily provided by Cypriot insurers (CNP, Allianz Cyprus, Ethniki) and international insurers (Cigna, AXA, Bupa).
| Profile | Monthly Premium Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single, <35, healthy | €100–160 | Hospital cover only plans cheapest |
| Single, 35–50, healthy | €140–220 | Full cover plans |
| Couple | €200–380 | Per couple rates |
| Family (2 adults + 1 child) | €350–550 | Children's rates lower |
| 50+ | €250–400 | Pre-existing conditions add cost |
What to look for in a plan:
- Hospital admission and surgery cover (most important)
- Out-patient specialist coverage
- Emergency evacuation if you travel frequently
- Dental (usually a separate add-on)
Many expat entrepreneurs use a hybrid approach: GESY for routine care (€6 GP visits), private insurance only for hospitalisation and major procedures. This keeps the insurance premium lower while covering catastrophic risks.
Healthcare Quality: What to Expect
The GESY system has genuinely improved since 2019. GPs are generally competent and communicative. Most doctors in private practice speak excellent English — Cyprus doctors often trained in the UK or Greece. Language is rarely a barrier in Limassol or Nicosia.
Public hospitals are functional but can feel dated and under-resourced for non-emergency cases. Private hospitals in the two main cities are modern and well-equipped for most procedures. For complex specialist care (cardiac surgery, oncology), some expats travel to Israel, Greece, or the UK.
Dental care: GESY dental coverage is limited (mainly emergency/children). Most expats pay out-of-pocket for dental (€50–100 for a check-up and clean) or use a private dental plan.
For a full picture of what to expect when relocating, see the moving to Cyprus entrepreneur guide 2026, which covers residency, banking, and company setup. For healthcare costs in the context of overall living expenses, see our Cyprus cost of living guide 2026.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. GESY rules and contribution rates can change annually. Verify current rates at gesy.org.cy or with your Cyprus accountant.