Greece to Charge Tourists for Public Health Services

Tourists in Greece wishing to make use of public health services will soon have to pay a token sum, the Greek government said recently in an attempt to collect funds that will boost its heavily burdened medical facilities during the summer months.

According to the Greek government, travelers as well as non-Greek citizens seeking medical services at health centers will be required to pay a token sum of 20 euros after parliament approves an amendment to the relevant bill.

Until now thousands of tourists had access to medical treatment at facilities on the islands or at popular tourist destinations for free and were required to pay only for visits to hospitals. Under the new law, payment will also be required at health centers, regional clinics, hospital outpatient clinics as well as at any other emergency health facility.

Burdened after the outbreak of Covid-19, all public health facilities “providing primary health care and emergency medical services in the first and second degree” on islands and in towns and villages on mainland Greece catering to travelers or foreigners will charge for services rendered.

Greece’s National Health Organization (EODY) on Sunday reported 75 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 4,662. EODY reported two more deaths from the coronavirus, with the figure now standing at 208.

Due to the sharp rise in cases, the Greek government announced new rules for August in efforts to reduce the number of infections.