Healthcare in Cyprus: The GeSY System Explained

As an expat or entrepreneur, do you want access to affordable, top-quality healthcare in Cyprus? The national healthcare system, GeSY, is excellent, but not an automatic guarantee.

The fastest and most strategic route to access? Set up a Cyprus LTD, pay yourself a local salary, pay the mandatory 2.65% contribution, and you (together with your family) are immediately covered. Until your registration is complete, private health insurance in Cyprus is legally required for your residence permit. Of course, this is also possible via a pension scheme .

We take care of both for you, without bureaucratic headaches.

Cyprus is known for its low taxes and high quality of life, but what about medical care? For international professionals settling on the island, understanding the Cypriot healthcare system is crucial.

In this guide, we answer the most frequently asked questions about healthcare in Cyprus and show you how to set up your medical coverage seamlessly and strategically.

What is GeSY in Cyprus?

GeSY (ΓεΣΥ) stands for “General Health System” and is the official public healthcare system of Cyprus.

As soon as you are a registered resident in Cyprus, you choose a personal doctor (GP) of your choice. Through your doctor, you receive referrals to specialists. The management of your medical records, appointments, and medication is handled entirely digitally. Via the GeSY Cyprus login portal (or the app), you have access to your medical data and prescriptions anytime and anywhere.

The “Ltd. Hack”: How Entrepreneurs Get Quick Access to GeSY

Many expats struggle with the question of how to qualify for GeSY Cyprus. The rule is simple: you are only entitled to GeSY if you contribute to the system through social security.

The most efficient route for entrepreneurs:

1. Company Formation: We set up your Cyprus LTD .
2. Local Salary: You appoint yourself as an employee/director with a salary.
3. The Contribution: You pay 2.65% of your gross salary in monthly GeSY contributions.
4. Immediate Coverage: As soon as your first contribution is deposited, you are fully insured within the GeSY system, including access to the best private clinics on the island.

Stop waiting, start doing business. Let us set up your Cyprus LTD, arrange your Non-Dom status, and immediately register you for the GeSY healthcare system. Fully taken care of, according to Western standards.

Health care in Cyprus for Expats after Brexit

for British citizens . Since Brexit, healthcare in Cyprus for expats after Brexit depends heavily on your residency status.

• With an EHIC/GHIC card, you will only receive emergency assistance while on holiday.
• Do you want to settle permanently? Then you must obtain access to GeSY via the S1 form (for pensioners) or via local employment (such as our LTD structure above).

The Crucial Bridge: Private Health Insurance Cyprus

Although GeSY is fantastic, there is a catch. When you arrive in Cyprus to residence permit (Yellow Slip/Pink Slip) apply prior medical coverage. Because your GeSY registration only becomes active *after* your first salary and social security contributions have been processed, it is best to take out a bridging loan: Better safe than sorry.

For the immigration service, private health insurance in Cyprus a strict requirement.

How we take the burden off your shoulders: You don't have to compare Greek policies yourself. We arrange the legally required basic private insurance for you immediately, so that your immigration application is approved without delay. As soon as your GeSY is active, you can cancel this private policy or upgrade to international VIP coverage.

Contact us and we will arrange your entire relocation

What exactly does the GeSY System cover? (What do you get?)

As soon as you are registered, GeSY offers very comprehensive coverage comparable to the basic package in the Netherlands or Belgium, but without sky-high monthly health insurance premiums.

The GeSY coverage includes, among other things:

• Additional care: Emergency care (A&E), physiotherapy, clinical psychology and preventive dental care (basic).
• Full primary care: Consultations with your regular GP (Personal Doctor).
• Specialized care: Consultations with medical specialists (with referral).
• Hospital admissions: In both public hospitals and affiliated private clinics.
• Medication: A very extensive list of government-approved medicines (by prescription).
• Laboratory & Diagnostics: Blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans, etc.

What does GeSY cost? (Statutory GeSY contributions)

Unlike a fixed monthly premium with a private insurer, the contribution for GeSY is a percentage of your income. This is automatically deducted from your salary, pension, or dividend.

These are the current GeSY contribution rates:

• Employees (via Cyprus Ltd): 2.65% of the gross salary.
• Employers (Cyprus Ltd itself): 2.90% on top of the gross salary.
• Self-employed (Sole proprietorship): 4.00% of taxable income.
• Pensioners: 2.65% of the pension.
• Rental Income & Dividends: 2.65% (note: this includes worldwide income for tax residents, with a maximum contribution limit of €180,000 in income per year, meaning you never have to pay more than €4,770 for GeSY in a single year).

Please note: In addition to this income contribution, you only pay the minimum co-payments (personal contributions), such as €6 for a specialist or €1 for medicines, with a statutory maximum of €150 per year (or €75 for pensioners). After that, everything is 100% covered.

How do you register with GeSY? (Residents & Pensioners)

The registration process is entirely digital, but it does require your paperwork to be in order beforehand. You cannot access the system without a residence permit.

Step-by-step plan for workers & residents:

1. The basics: You must be in possession of your Alien Registration Certificate (ARC / Yellow Slip).
2. Socially insured: You must be locally registered and contribute to the Social Insurance System (e.g. via your own Cyprus Ltd.).
3. Online Portal: Create an account on the official GeSY Beneficiary Portal.
4. Choose a doctor: Connect with a Personal Doctor in your region via the portal. Your coverage is active from that moment on.

Step-by-step plan for EU pensioners: Are you emigrating to Cyprus as a pensioner? Then the route is slightly different.

1. S1 Form: Before departure, request the S1 form (formerly E121) from your health insurer in the Netherlands or Belgium. This proves that your country of origin will cover your healthcare costs in Cyprus.
2. Registration: Take this S1 form to the Ministry of Health in Cyprus to register it locally.
3. GeSY Portal: Create an account on the GeSY portal using your ARC number and your registered S1 status, and choose your GP. In this case, you often do not pay double premiums, depending on the treaty with your home country.

Frequently asked questions about health care in Cyprus