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In an age of doubt, preparedness is key. We highlight important information and contacts for emergencies and the unexpected when in Greece.
HEALTHCARE
While the economic crisis left public healthcare in a less than desirable state, the general state of Greece’s healthcare is still rated well. Increasingly a hub for medical tourism, the per capita availability of physicians is higher than the EU15 average (+67%)*. There is a doctor on every island in Greece, and small government healthcare centers or hospitals on larger islands.
With public services being close to free, they tend to be plagued by overcrowding woes and in need of facilities upgrades. At the same time, doctors in the public sector are highly experienced in specialised and critical cases.
For out-patient visits, we tended to choose private options being faster, smoother, and providing access to newer and better facilities . Available at comparatively reasonable cost, our average trips to a private doctor ranged from €30 to €50. Private care is not, however, always available on smaller islands.
– – – MINOR AILMENTS – – –
For minor maladies, you can visit a pharmacist. Competent and skilled, they are able to advise on minor ailments and recommend appropriate medication. They should also be able to direct you to a local doctor or health center when required. Most doctors and pharmacy staff speak English.
To find a pharmacy, look for the lighted green cross that is easily spotted in their abundance in village and city centers. While opening hours are odd and vary (e.g. pharmacists on a small Greek island vs downtown Athens keep different hours), they generally keep the following schedule: Monday, Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. -2 p.m. and 5:30 – 8 pm.
In spite of scattered opening hours, there is always one pharmacy in the area providing 24–hour services. Locate this by heading to the pharmacy closest to you and looking for the notice posted on the door showing where. The notice is usually in Greek, so enlist local help or use Google Translate App’s visual translation ability. You can also try Vrisko’s search or call 1434.
– – – EMERGENCIES – – –
Emergency public healthcare is generally free in Greece, even for tourists. Go to the emergency department of a hospital or call the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV) ambulance: 166.
For a private ambulance in Athens, Thessaloniki and central Greece, you can contact SOS Iatroi.
If you are on a small island with no hospital facilities and are in need of critical assistance, you will be transferred by an EKAV helicopter or ferry to a major city with a public hospital. Private air ambulance alternatives include Gamma Air Medical and Athens Medevac .
SAFETY & STRIKES
All things considered, Greece is safe. It enjoys a “High” rating on 2022’s Global Peace Index^. At the same time, take common-sense precautions to avoid pick pocketing and petty theft crimes common to most European cities. Avoid areas with higher crime in Athens, in particular the area between Omonia towards Psiri, and Exarcheia. And in the event of protests, avoid Exarchia and Syntagma Square.
For getting around, use only licensed taxis (I prefer booking them with Freenow when in Athens) and tour guides.
Greece is not famous for being perfectly stable. Worker strikes and protests frequently surface to disrupt and cause system breakdowns. Keep updated with news feeds from reliable sources (See section on News Sources for Updates below).
- Ekathimerini – The English edition of an established Greek newspaper.
- Livin Lovin – Follow their Facebook page for updates on worker strikes for taxis, metros, buses, railways and other services.
DRIVING IN GREECE
“(A)lmost one in five visitors to Greece experienced a serious safety incident on the roads”. ** The same report also mentions that Greece has the highest rate of motorcyclist fatalities among all 28 EU member countries. These can by worrying facts if you’re planning to drive in Greece. Familiarise yourself with local road rules, routes, and always drive defensively. When driving on islands, keep in mind that sometimes the Google Maps will suggest shortcuts that are really just dirt paths. Roads are also narrow here, and oftentimes, what looks like a one lane road is really a two lane road.
SUMMARY OF CONTACTS
General Emergency Line for Greece and the EU: 112 (in Greek, English, French) for the Hellenic Army, Greek Police (ELAS), the Coast Guard, and the national ambulance service EKAV.
- National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV) ambulance: 166
- National Public Health Organisation (e.g. to report Covid-19 symptoms): 1135
- Poison Control: 210 779 3777
- Police Hotline: 100
- Tourist Police: 171 (in English, French and German)
- Roadside Assistance (ELPA) for car problems: 10400
- Fire: 199
- Coast Guard: 107
- Telephone Directory Inquiries: 11888
Sources
- ^ Global Peace Index 2022 by the Institute for Economics and Peace
- * Greece: Highlights on Health and Well-being by the World Health Organisation
- ** Forbes Article: Travelers Headed To Greece Face Increased Risk For Traffic Crashes
