What are cancer facilities like in Cyprus?

Expert Info

Posted by

on 17 Oct 2015

I lived in Cyprus in 2008 and left in 2009, and am thinking of returning. I have read lots of things about the healthcare in Cyprus but still not very clear.

Can anyone advise on the best place to find information please. I have cancer which is now life limiting. I am able to work but require medication and regular oncology check ups, three monthly at the moment with monthly injections. Long term prognosis is that I may require chemotherapy/radiotherapy again in the future. Private healthcare insurance is out of the question due to my previous medical history.

Moving back to Cyprus would be good for my health, having the warm sunshine, however if I have to pay for all treatment, check ups etc. I would not be able to afford to move back even working full time. I did pay into the social for the year I was there, and would be moving back to a job to continue to pay in. I am trying to find out if I would be entitled to healthcare as I am a current EU resident and have been for 49 years, or whether I would have to pay, or would I need to pay into the social for a number of years before being entitled to healthcare.

Any advise or indicator of where I could find suitable reading information would be greatly appreciated.

Anonymous (not verified) on 20 Oct 2015 - 19:34

Thankyou for responding. Yes I've read the page but not really clear still. Not sure where to start with professionals in Cyprus. Any ideas would be helpful. Take care

Anonymous (not verified) on 22 Oct 2015 - 09:40

Hi D Dodd,

Firstly, I am sorry about your prognosis. I do agree that the sunshine and lifestyle sound like a good setting for recuperating.

According to the research I have found, anyone working in Cyprus, regardless of nationality or residency, must make social security payments. EU citizens paying into the system can apply for a ‘Medical Card’ (karta nosileias, κάρτα νοσηλείας) which entitles them to state medical cover. As a rule, medical cards are only issued to Cypriots and EU citizens residing permanently in Cyprus.

There are two kinds of medical cards issued depending on the income status of an individual or a family. The first is the medical card ‘A’, which provides free medical benefits. In order to be eligible for this card an individual should have a maximum annual income of €15,000. It is also issued to families with a maximum annual income of €30,000, if there are no dependents. Maximum income requirements are adjusted by €1,700 for each additional child. The other card is the medical card ‘B’, which provides partial payments for medical services and medicines. It is issued to individuals, without dependents, with an annual income of between €15,000 and €20,000. Medical card ‘B’ is also issued to families with three children that have an average annual income of between €30,000 and €37,000.

However, the websites are unclear about the conditions for someone in your situation. If this information does not provide you with more clarity, I would suggest phoning your relevant Cypriot Embassy or try contacting the Health Insurance Organisation directly.

Please let me know if this helps, and what you find out.

Kind regards,
Alex

Anonymous (not verified) on 20 Oct 2015 - 15:26

Hi D Dodd,

You should start by reading the healthcare in Cyprus page for a good overview.

EU citizens can access state healthcare in Cyprus.

Have you spoken to any doctors or medical professionals in Cyprus already?

Shantalie

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