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GESY — Universal Coverage for All Residents
GESY (Γενικό Σύστημα Υγείας) covers all legally resident individuals in Cyprus — employed, self-employed, retirees, and holders of valid residence permits. Contributions are deducted automatically from employment income or paid quarterly by self-employed individuals. The system is funded by contributions from employees, employers, the self-employed, and the state.
- GP registration: Register with any GESY-contracted GP (personal doctor); this is your primary care point of entry
- GP visits: Free within annual quota; €15 after quota — effectively free for most patients
- Specialist referral: GP issues an electronic referral; specialist visit costs €6; without referral: €25
- Prescriptions: €1 per item for all covered medications; no quantity limit on chronic prescriptions
- Emergency: All GESY-contracted hospitals provide emergency care; 112 for ambulance
- Mental health: GP referral gives access to psychiatrists and psychologists at €6 co-payment
- Dental: Limited — 1 check-up + 1 cleaning/year; all other dental work is private (€50–€120/visit)
- Optical: Emergency ophthalmology only; routine eye tests and glasses are not covered
- Maternity: Full coverage including prenatal visits, delivery, and postnatal care
- GESY contribution rates: Employee 2.65%; Employer 2.90%; Self-employed 4.00%; Retirees 2.65% of pension — all capped at €180,000/year income
- Example: Self-employed earning €36,000/yr pays €1,440/yr (€120/month) in GESY contributions