When you are abroad in a new or unfamiliar country, dealing with unexpected situations can be a very difficult matter. Not only will you have some sort of language barrier, the customs and procedures may also vary somewhat than in your country of residence. In order to help foreigners in Cyprus to face such emergency situations, we have prepared an article on how to handle them.

In the event of an accident, natural disaster, an injury or the death of a close family member or a legal problem, what is the first course of action you should take in Cyprus?  You should plan ahead before your move, in order to better cope with any unexpected situations. By registering at the Embassy of your country, look into medical insurance, comprehensive travel insurance, etc.

How to reach the Emergency Services, including the fire department, police and ambulance.

What are the important emergency numbers you should know by heart?

Emergency Service Telephone Numbers

Although Greek is the official language of Cyprus, English is the standard language spoken over the phone by all emergency personnel:

• Ambulance: 199 / 112
• Police: 199 / 112
• Fire Service: 199 / 112
•  

Information about the Cyprus medical card; who qualifies & how to apply

EU citizens
EU citizens residing temporarily (less than 3 months) in Cyprus cannot apply for a medical card but are entitled to receive essential medical care in state hospitals by producing a valid European Health Insurance card (EHIC). Family members of the card holder are also entitled to this service.
A medical card is only issued to Cypriots and EU citizens residing permanently in Cyprus. EU citizens entitled to access state healthcare should apply for their Medical Card once they have received the yellow slip declaring temporary residency on the island.
In order to qualify for a Cyprus Medical Card, the following criteria must be adhered to:

• The individual must with be a citizen of Cyprus or have EU permanent resident status in Cyprus.
• Have a minimum contribution of three years to the Social Insurance scheme prior to making the application.
• Submission of a declaration that all tax obligations have been settled (personal income tax declaration) by the date of application.
• Have an annual income of no more than €15,400.
• People suffering from a chronic disease are eligible for a medical card providing the annual income does not exceed €150,000 for a family of four members.

Non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens living or legally working in Cyprus are not entitled to apply for a state medical card. Of course they can use state healthcare, however without access to the free or reduced rate given to medical card holders.

The cost of health treatment

Anyone who doesn’t qualify for the Medical Card may use the public medical facilities but they will be charged the government rate. This is €15 for a visit to a general practitioner and €30 for a visit to a specialist. Cypriot citizens and permanent EU residents of Cyprus are also charged a nominal fee but it is much lower than that charged to non-EU citizens and temporary EU residents. If in-patient treatment is needed, the fee may be reduced for anyone, regardless of nationality, depending on their level of income. Everyone must pay a €10 charge for emergency treatment in accident and emergency unit is needed, which is paid upon arrival at the hospital.

***Last updated 10/2019, some information and details may be subject to amendments.