Social Security and Healthcare

Healthcare:

Many Greeks have been calling for reform to their country’s healthcare system. Despite this, it was ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the best in the world; with healthcare costs among the lowest of the European Union member countries.

Currently, there are moves from the government to upgrade the healthcare system, having obtained funding assistance from the European Union. Such improvements include the building of new facilities, developing mobile medical units, improving accident and emergency facilities and the installation of high-tech medical equipment.

The public health system in Greece provides free, or low cost, healthcare services to residents (and their families) contributing to the social security system. Other benefits include free laboratory services, maternity care, medical-related appliances or devices and transportation. 

Emergency care is provided free of charge in public hospitals to anyone, regardless of nationality. There are also smaller outpatient clinics in rural areas which are attached to bigger public hospitals. These facilities provide faster emergency treatment than the bigger public hospitals.

http://www.allianzworldwidecare.com/healthcare-in-greece

Social Security: 

Current laws: 1951 (social security), with amendments; 1960; 1978 (legislation and regulation); 1981 (noncontributory old-age pension); 1988 (noninsured persons); 1990 (regulation); 1991 (pensions); 1992 (social security); 1997 (contributions); 2000 (financing and administration); 2002 (social security); and 2004 (social security).

Type of program: Social insurance system.

The social insurance system is mainly funded by employees’ and employers’ contributions. Regarding the private sector employees, the contributions are paid by the employees and the employers. Regarding the self-employed and the liberal professions, the contributions are paid by the employees themselves.