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Cyprus has a good standard of health in both the south and the north of the country, and a very low rate of epidemic or infectious diseases throughout the island. No vaccinations are required for people entering Cyprus.

The Medical and Public Health Services department continually monitors the safety of local food and water supplies.

Healthcare in Cyprus is provided through the private and public sector. There are Government general hospitals in all the main cities, as well as a network of smaller hospitals, clinics and dispensaries throughout the country. There is also a large private health sector in urban areas, dominated by many individual doctors in private practice.

The standard of basic healthcare is good, with many doctors and dentists having trained overseas, but expats usually return to their home countries if they require major surgery or more sophisticated medical care. The National Health System in Cyprus provides free health care at the point of delivery for everyone, and free or discounted care for Cypriots on low incomes. Emergency treatment is provided free of charge to everyone, including foreign nationals, at the accident and emergency departments of Government hospitals, but any subsequent in-patient care must be paid for by those who do not qualify for free medical treatment.

Almost all brands of manufactured medicines are available in Cyprus, and pharmacies sell many prescription drugs over the counter.

Added March 2007 by Freddy:
Since the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU many things have changed allied to expats, not least medical care. British OAP's who are permanently resident on-island have the opportunity to claim free care using the E121. Also, for those who are permanent residents and retired, but NOT OAP's, they can claim free/partly free treatment using the E106. Entitlement to the E106 or E121 applies to those expats who are paying local Cypriot Tax. Queries must be directed to the Non-Resident Centre in Nottingham; all documentation must be 'totally completed' by their office, otherwise it will NOT be accepted by any Cypriot Medical Institution.

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