Last updated: October 2025
In this guide you will discover:
- Why GESY often insufficient for expats
- What to look out for with international policies
- How to choose the best insurer for your situation
- Practical steps to combine your insurance (and GESY) well
If you're an expat, digital nomad, or entrepreneur living in Cyprus, you likely already have access to the GESY. But what if you want top-notch care, even outside of Cyprus? What if you want fast, no-wait care, throughout Europe or even worldwide?
In this blog post, we guide you through the various international health insurance (IPMI) options that perfectly suit your life in Cyprus. We compare popular insurers, show their pros and cons, and help you choose.
1. Why international insurance alongside GeSY?
Cyprus' national health system, GeSY (General Health System), covers primary care, hospital treatments, and basic services. For many, that is sufficient.
But if you have higher expectations: international care, free choice of doctor, coverage outside Cyprus, or treatment in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom… Then GeSY does not cover everything.
What GESY scores less on:
- Specialist care and waiting times
- Free choice of clinic
- Treatment outside Cyprus
- Comprehensive dentistry and orthodontics (basic check-up covered)
- Limited mental health care (long waiting times)
- Quick access to care in private situations
As an expat you often want certainty, not waiting.
2. What should you pay attention to when taking out an international health insurance policy?
To choose wisely, focus on these key elements:
2.1 Coverage: inpatient (clinical admission) and outpatient (outpatient)
Some basic policies only cover hospital admissions. Ensure that your policy also includes consultations, therapies, diagnostics, optics, and mental health care.
2.2 Worldwide coverage and medical evacuation
If you travel frequently or have family in other countries, worldwide coverage with evacuation (medical repatriation) is essential.
2.3 Acceptance: existing conditions
Check whether the policy covers pre-existing conditions: via a moratorium or without exclusions.
2.4 Cost structure and the premium
A high premium is not necessarily better: pay attention to the ratio of premium to actual coverage, deductible, and co-payment.
2.5 Hospital network and the claims process
An extensive network (e.g. in the Netherlands/Belgium) and a smooth online claims portal are essential.
3. Comparison of providers
Below are some of the most commonly used international health insurers, with their strengths and concerns:
| Insurer | Indicative premium | Strengths | Points of interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| APRIL International | ~ €2.500 | Worldwide coverage, great all-round policy | Higher costs, stricter medical selection |
| Allianz Worldwide | > €2.800 | Strong reputation, good claims handling | More expensive than most alternatives |
| MetLife International | ~ €900–1.200 | Affordable policy for hospitalization | Less extensive outpatient/additional care |
| SoEasy / Travel Policies | ~ €150–200 | Cheap extra plan for short stays | Not suitable for long-term or specialist care |
Indicative premiums for a healthy adult aged approximately 35-45 without US coverage. The actual premium depends on age, health, and desired coverage.
Every insurer has its pros and cons; it is important to choose based on your priorities.
How do you combine GeSY and international insurance?
A good strategy is to retain GESY as the basis and the international policy as a supplement:
- Check if your policy covers hospitals in the Netherlands or Belgium. Handy for your return or family visits.
- Stay registered in GeSY.
- Use GeSY for regular care, emergencies, and fixed costs.
- Have your international policy cover premium care, free choice of doctor, foreign clinics, and additional specialists.
Practical steps: how to choose the right policy
- Make a list of what's important to you (global, mental health, acceptance, transportation).
- Request quotes based on your age, health situation and desired coverage.
- Compare premiums per coverage, not just total costs.
- Read the policy conditions thoroughly; limits, exclusions, waiting periods.
- Check if clinics in the Netherlands/Belgium/your country of choice are covered.
- Activate your policy on time; ensure there are no gaps in your coverage.
Cyprus-Consult can help you make the right choice of international health insurance
International health insurance is essential for anyone living, working, or planning to stay in Cyprus. However, the market is complex: dozens of insurers, varying terms and conditions, and significant premium differences.
That is why we at Cyprus-Consult help you with:
- Comparing international providers (AXA, APRIL, Allianz, Cigna, etc.)
- Analyzing your personal situation (age, health, travel pattern)
- Finding the best value for money that truly keeps your life in Cyprus safe
Do you want to know which insurance best suits your profile? Contact Cyprus-Consult today; in collaboration with our partners, we help you choose reliable, affordable international health insurance that works, even outside Cyprus.
Are pre-existing diseases covered?
That depends on the policy and the insurer. Some offer a moratorium or apply exclusions.
Is my policy valid in other European countries?
This is possible if your policy has worldwide coverage and the insurer collaborates with hospitals there.
Can you deduct the premium from taxes?
This is only possible if the insurance is claimed as a business expense through your Cyprus limited company, for example as a director-insured. For personal policies, a deduction is not automatically possible. Consult your tax advisor.
What if I only want travel coverage?
There are policies (such as SoEasy) that cover travel temporarily, but they do not replace a full-fledged health insurance policy.
Should I keep GeSY?
Yes, for most residents and workers in Cyprus, GeSY is mandatory and an important safety net. For non-working newcomers, different registration rules may temporarily apply. Please note: non-EU citizens applying for a Cypriot residence permit (Pink Slip) are legally required to have private health insurance, separate from GeSY.
The information on this page is based on data from external parties, including insurers and public sources. Premiums, terms, and coverage are subject to change. Cyprus-Consult is not responsible for inaccuracies originating from third parties. Always consult the current policy conditions of the relevant insurer.
