Greece – Health Risks, Inoculations, Vaccinations, and Health Certificates

What are the main health risks for expats living in Greece?

Greece is a high-income, developed nation with generally solid public health infrastructure, yet health risks do exist for those planning to settle there long-term. Despite its status as an industrialised country, insect bites remain a pathway for disease transmission. The main categories of concern for expats include vector-borne illnesses, food safety, environmental hazards, and a limited range of zoonotic and rodent-borne infections.

Vector-borne diseases
A number of insect-transmitted diseases are present within Greece. Leishmaniasis has been documented in the country, and precautions against insect bites are the primary protective measure. Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever is also present; avoiding contact with ticks and other biting insects is the recommended approach. Tick-borne Encephalitis likewise occurs in Greece, with insect-bite prevention as the key safeguard. Diseases including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika may be present with seasonally variable risk, and anyone concerned should seek advice from a medical professional based on their specific itinerary and duration of stay.

Malaria
Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted via mosquito bites. There is some limited malaria transmission in Greece, though the risk for most travellers is very low and antimalarial medication is not routinely advised. Expats who will spend considerable time in marshy or rural locations may benefit from a conversation with a travel health specialist regarding their individual circumstances.

Rodent-borne and zoonotic diseases
Hantavirus is present in Greece, and people are advised to steer clear of rodents and the environments they inhabit. Leptospirosis is similarly present; contact with contaminated water, soil, and floodwater should be avoided. Tuberculosis also occurs in Greece, and limiting exposure to infected individuals is the main preventive strategy.

Rabies
Rabies vaccination is generally considered for higher-risk individuals — veterinarians, animal handlers, spelunkers — as well as those anticipating extended periods outdoors, rural travel, adventurous pursuits such as cycling, or long-term stays in endemic regions.

Food and water safety
Food hygiene standards in Greece are broadly high, though undercooked seafood and unwashed produce should be approached with caution. Eating at busy, well-regarded establishments reduces the likelihood of a food-borne illness. Tap water is generally considered safe throughout Greece, but drinking bottled water remains widely recommended as a precaution; care should also be taken with street food and inadequately prepared meat or seafood.

Heat and environmental risks
Heat-related illness, including heat stroke, can be life-threatening. Staying well nourished and hydrated, dressing in light, breathable clothing, and avoiding vigorous activity during the hottest parts of the day are important steps. Air quality in Greece is usually good but can deteriorate sharply during summer heatwaves when smog accumulates in larger cities, or when wildfires are active. Heavy traffic congestion compounds this in urban centres, and those with respiratory conditions should track air-quality indicators and reduce strenuous outdoor activities on high-pollution days.

Tick-borne disease seasonality
TBE vaccination is recommended for higher-risk individuals, including long-term residents, those spending time in forested or rural settings, campers, hikers, and anyone consuming unpasteurised dairy products, as tick activity and disease transmission peak between April and August.

Are any vaccinations or inoculations required before entering Greece?

Greece imposes no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry. This applies equally to visitors, tourists, and those arriving to establish long-term residency. The US State Department, the Government of Canada, and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority all confirm this position. No vaccinations are required to enter the country.

There is no yellow fever certificate requirement for the vast majority of travellers entering Greece, and yellow fever poses no risk to people once inside the country. If your route includes transit through or from a nation where yellow fever is endemic, however, certain connecting countries may ask for proof of vaccination, so it is worth checking requirements for any stopover points along your journey.

Greece no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recent infection for entry, and face masks are no longer compulsory on aircraft or within airport premises. That said, COVID-19 remains present and can carry serious consequences for vulnerable individuals; Greece continues to record roughly 800 hospital admissions and approximately 40 deaths from COVID-19 each week, with the overwhelming majority of fatalities among high-risk, unvaccinated people.

It is worth drawing a clear distinction between required vaccinations — those legally mandated as a condition of entry — and recommended vaccinations, which international health authorities advise for your own protection. In the case of Greece, every vaccination falls into the recommended category. No jab is a legal prerequisite for crossing the border, but several are strongly encouraged by global health bodies, as outlined in the following section.

Which vaccinations are recommended for expats moving to Greece?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Greece: Hepatitis A, Polio, Rabies, Hepatitis B, Influenza, COVID-19, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Chickenpox, Shingles, Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis), and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). These can be divided into two broad groups: routine vaccinations that should be current regardless of where you are travelling, and destination-specific vaccinations warranted by conditions particular to Greece.

Routine vaccinations
It is advisable to be current on routine immunisations including Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, Shingles, Varicella (chickenpox), and annual influenza. If your home country follows a different childhood immunisation schedule, reviewing your vaccination records with a travel health clinic or general practitioner before departure will help identify any gaps that need addressing.

Measles (MMR)
Measles is experiencing a resurgence in many countries worldwide. In line with CDC recommendations for international travellers, all adults and children should be fully immunised against measles via the MMR vaccine before travelling abroad. This is especially pertinent for those relocating to Greece, where measles outbreaks have been recorded in recent years.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for the majority of travellers. The disease is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through close contact with someone who is infected; symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice, and the hepatitis A vaccine offers reliable protection.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B has a low prevalence in the local population, and whether vaccination is appropriate for a given individual should be determined in consultation with a medical practitioner. For expats who may need medical or dental treatment in Greece, vaccination represents a sensible precaution.

Polio
In response to a rise in cases globally, an additional booster dose is now recommended for most adult travellers regardless of destination. Even individuals vaccinated during childhood should verify whether a booster is overdue.

Rabies
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is primarily recommended for those who will be working directly with wildlife. However, expats living in rural settings, those who cycle frequently, or those with young children should discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis with their doctor, as accessing post-exposure treatment quickly can be challenging in some parts of Greece.

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE)
TBE vaccination is recommended for higher-risk individuals, including long-term residents, people staying in forested or rural areas, campers, hikers, and those who consume unpasteurised dairy products; the disease is most prevalent from April through August.

Greece’s national vaccination programme
Since 2024, influenza vaccination in Greece has been recommended for all children aged between 6 months and 5 years, with additional recommendations covering children and adolescents aged 5–18 who belong to high-risk groups. Expats relocating with children should familiarise themselves with the Greek national schedule, which may differ from that followed in their home country.

You should review the relevant vaccines and medicines list and consult your doctor at least a month before your planned move to identify any vaccinations or medications you may need. For a permanent relocation, visiting a specialist travel health clinic two to three months before departure provides enough time to complete multi-dose vaccine series in full.

Do you need a health certificate to move to or work in Greece?

Greece does not require a standard pre-entry medical examination or health certificate as part of its general immigration process in the same way that countries such as Australia or Canada require panel physician assessments for long-stay visa applicants. However, health insurance documentation is a firm and consistent requirement across most long-stay visa categories.

Health insurance as a residency requirement
Nearly all Greek visas require proof of medical insurance as part of the registration process for those intending to stay beyond three months; coverage must be secured and documented before a visa application is submitted. Applicants must demonstrate at least €30,000 of medical coverage inclusive of medical repatriation if necessary; failing to meet these insurance standards will result in an application being refused.

Specific visa categories and health requirements
Most Greek visa categories stipulate proof of health insurance covering the full duration of the intended stay. This applies to the Digital Nomad Visa (comprehensive health insurance is compulsory), the Golden Visa (insurance is required at the point of issuance and renewal), the Retirement Visa (applicants must demonstrate adequate healthcare coverage), and the Student Visa (insurance is required, with certain universities offering group schemes).

Golden Visa and public healthcare
Holding a Golden Visa confers residency rights but does not automatically entitle holders to free public healthcare. To gain access to public health services, Golden Visa holders must contribute to Greece’s social insurance system through employment or self-employment; alternatively, they must maintain private health insurance, which is a prerequisite for both the initial application and subsequent renewals.

Health certificate format
Greece does not typically require a government-issued health certificate from a panel physician for standard residency applications, unlike medical examination requirements seen in some other countries. Instead, the obligation is to present a valid insurance policy certificate confirming sufficient coverage. For Greece, proof of insurance is provided by completing a Health Insurance Declaration Form, obtainable from the Greek embassy in your country of residence. Always verify current requirements directly with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant Greek consulate before submitting an application, as requirements are subject to change.

How does healthcare in Greece compare to what expats may be used to?

Greece’s healthcare system operates under a universal framework known as ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias), which provides free or subsidised medical services to eligible residents through funding derived from taxes and social security contributions. While public hospitals and clinics deliver the majority of services, private healthcare is widely used by those seeking faster access and more comfortable facilities. Unlike some northern European single-payer systems that cover all residents from day one, Greece’s public system requires individuals to register and contribute before gaining full entitlement.

Access for expats
Expats who hold a social security number known as AMKA and contribute to public insurance through EFKA — the principal social security fund covering employees and the self-employed in Greece — become eligible for state-funded care. Employed expats with an AMKA number do not need to arrange EFKA contributions independently, as their employer makes the payments on their behalf.

EOPYY and contracted care
EOPYY operates a network of contracted physicians who offer consultations at reduced rates. Patients typically pay a modest copayment of around €5–15 for appointments with EOPYY-contracted doctors, while prescription costs are subsidised at between 75% and 100% depending on the medication.

EU citizens and the EHIC
EU citizens holding a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to essential public-funded healthcare under the same conditions as insured Greek nationals during temporary stays in Greece. The EHIC does not cover private treatment or planned procedures, except where a private provider has a formal arrangement with public insurance. It is important to note that the EHIC is designed for temporary stays; once you establish permanent residency, registration with EOPYY becomes necessary.

Quality and accessibility
ESY facilities provide competent medical care, particularly for serious conditions requiring hospitalisation. Greek doctors are well-trained — the country has approximately 6.3 physicians per 1,000 population according to OECD data, the highest ratio in the OECD — however, years of austerity measures have reduced funding, contributing to equipment shortages, extended waiting times, and overcrowded wards in certain areas.

Private healthcare
The private healthcare sector has grown considerably, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki. Private hospitals offer modern equipment, shorter waiting times, and English-speaking staff — benefits that draw many expats for routine care. These facilities operate on a fee-for-service basis, with specialist consultations typically costing €50–100 without insurance.

Language
English is commonly spoken in city hospitals but may be limited in smaller towns or rural clinics. Medical staff in some settings may have little or no English language ability. Private hospitals and clinics in major cities more reliably employ staff who are fluent in English, making them a more accessible option for many expats in the early stages of settling in.

Emergency services
Greece’s emergency medical services are generally provided free of charge to anyone in an urgent situation, including foreign nationals. Ambulance assistance can be summoned by dialling 166, and emergency hospital treatment and first aid are available irrespective of citizenship or insurance status. If the operator does not speak English, the pan-European emergency line 112 connects callers to an English-speaking responder.

What are the risks of travel within Greece, and are there regional health differences?

Greece encompasses a geographically varied territory — a continental peninsula, mountainous inland regions, and more than 6,000 islands. Health risks and the availability of medical care differ considerably between urban centres and more remote locations.

Urban versus rural health access
While the overall standard of healthcare in Greece is above average, notable differences exist between the mainland and the smaller surrounding islands. Highly specialised services are concentrated in major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, meaning that residents on smaller islands or in rural areas who require advanced care may need to be transferred to those cities. Healthcare facilities exist across Greece, but adequate provision can be harder to locate in remote or sparsely populated regions.

Vector-borne risks by region
Tick-borne diseases including TBE and Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever are more strongly associated with forested and rural inland zones than with urban or coastal environments. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by sandflies, has a broader geographic reach but is more prevalent in rural mainland areas. Expats living on agricultural land, those who hike regularly, or those with pets should be particularly vigilant about insect protection throughout the year.

Seasonal and island-specific risks
For those engaged in outdoor activities, remaining alert to changing weather conditions and adjusting plans accordingly is essential. Appropriate clothing and the inclusion of protective items such as insect repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit in any kit are strongly recommended. Residents of smaller islands should plan proactively for medical emergencies, as air or sea evacuation to a larger hospital may be required for serious conditions — a process that can take considerable time in poor weather.

Air quality and urban pollution
Air quality in Greece is generally good but can deteriorate during periods of intense summer heat, when smog accumulates in major urban centres, or when wildfires are burning. Heavy traffic in cities can further worsen conditions. Athens is particularly susceptible to elevated pollution during heatwaves. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions should monitor real-time air quality data throughout the summer months and limit strenuous outdoor activity on poor air quality days.

Ferry travel and motion sickness
Ferries connecting the Greek mainland with its islands comply with European safety standards; however, strong winds and adverse weather can result in cancellations or considerable delays. Choppy sea conditions can cause motion sickness, particularly on high-speed vessels. Those who are prone to motion sickness should ensure they carry suitable medication before boarding.

Where can expats get reliable and up-to-date health advice for Greece?

Health requirements, vaccination guidance, and visa-related health documentation can all be subject to change at short notice. Always verify current information through official channels close to your planned departure or relocation date. The following are among the most authoritative sources available:

• Greek Ministry of Health (Υπουργείο Υγείας): The foremost official source for Greece’s national immunisation programme, public health alerts, and healthcare policy. Visit www.moh.gov.gr for the most current guidance.
• World Health Organization (WHO) — Greece: The WHO publishes country-level health data, disease surveillance findings, and immunisation statistics. Access the Greece page via www.who.int/countries/grc/.
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Greece Traveler Health: The CDC maintains a dedicated, regularly updated page for Greece covering recommended vaccines, disease risks, and health precautions. Visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/greece.
• UK Travel Health Pro (NaTHNaC) — Greece: Peer-reviewed by the National Travel Health Network and Centre and updated on a regular basis, the Travel Health Pro Greece page is an excellent reference for vaccination guidance and current health alerts. Visit travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/88/greece.
• Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Immigration Authorities: For information on visa health insurance requirements, health certificate documentation, and residency permit conditions, consult the official immigration portal at www.mfa.gr or the Greek Migration Policy Ministry at migration.gov.gr.
• EOPYY (National Organisation for the Provision of Health Services): The body responsible for administering public health insurance in Greece. Expats registering for healthcare should refer to www.eopyy.gov.gr.
• EFKA (Unified Social Security Fund / e-EFKA): The social security authority through which employed and self-employed residents gain access to public healthcare. Visit www.efka.gov.gr.
• Specialist travel health clinics: Before relocating, consult a travel medicine clinic in your home country. Ideally, seek advice at least six weeks before your move to allow time for personalised recommendations; even if your departure date is approaching, booking an appointment remains worthwhile.

Please note that all fees, thresholds, processing times, and specific requirements cited in this article were accurate as of early 2025 but are subject to change. Always check current official sources before making any decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Greece?

No vaccinations are required by law for entry into Greece, but keeping up to date with routine immunisations — including measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus — is strongly advisable. Depending on your medical background and planned activities, additional vaccines such as hepatitis A and B and rabies may also be recommended. Visiting a travel health clinic before your move gives you the opportunity to review your personal immunisation history and fill any gaps.

Is health insurance compulsory for a Greek residency permit?

Yes. The vast majority of Greek visa categories require applicants to present proof of medical insurance as part of the residency registration process for stays exceeding three months. Coverage must be arranged and documented before a visa application is submitted, and applications without valid insurance will be refused. Contact the relevant Greek consulate to confirm the minimum coverage level applicable to your specific visa type.

Can I use my home-country health insurance in Greece?

In most instances, a domestic health policy issued in your home country will not provide adequate coverage in Greece. Expat health insurance products are specifically designed for those relocating to Greece and needing private coverage to satisfy visa or residency permit requirements — particularly useful during the early period of arrival when eligibility for the public system has not yet been established. EU citizens may use their EHIC card during temporary stays, but this entitlement lapses once permanent residency is registered.

How do I access public healthcare in Greece as an expat?

Accessing public healthcare requires registering with EOPYY, the national health insurance body, and obtaining an AMKA national insurance number. Employed expats with an AMKA number do not need to handle EFKA contributions themselves — their employer is responsible for making those payments. Self-employed expats must register directly with EFKA and contribute independently.

Are English-speaking doctors easy to find in Greece?

Private hospitals and clinics in major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki typically employ English-speaking staff and offer modern facilities with shorter waiting times. English is spoken in many city-based public hospitals, but language support can be limited in smaller towns and rural areas. If you are settling in a remote location or on a smaller island, it is prudent to identify the nearest multilingual clinic or practitioner before an urgent need arises.

What should I do if I develop a serious illness in Greece?

Emergency medical treatment is available free of charge to everyone in urgent situations in Greece, including foreign nationals. Ambulance services are reached by dialling 166, and emergency hospital treatment is provided regardless of citizenship or insurance status. If you are located on a smaller island or in a rural area requiring specialist care, transfer to a larger city such as Athens or Thessaloniki may be necessary. For this reason, comprehensive private health insurance that includes medical evacuation cover is strongly advisable for all expats.

Is malaria a risk in Greece?

Some limited malaria transmission does occur in Greece, but the overall risk for travellers and expats is very low, and antimalarial medication is not recommended for the majority of people. Those planning extended stays in rural or low-lying wetland areas should nevertheless discuss their individual risk with a travel health professional, as personal circumstances can influence the recommendation.

What are the biggest day-to-day health risks of living in Greece?

For most expats, the primary everyday health concerns are heat-related illness during the summer months, insect bites — particularly from ticks and sandflies in rural areas — food hygiene, and urban air pollution during heatwaves or periods of active wildfires. While Greece does not carry significant risks of serious infectious disease for most residents, gastrointestinal illness stemming from contaminated food or water and common respiratory infections remain worth guarding against. Keeping routine vaccinations current, using insect repellent consistently, and maintaining adequate hydration throughout summer are among the most practical protective measures an expat can adopt.