# Greece

> Citation bundle for Greece on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/countries/greece
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/countries/greece

- ISO code: GR
- Currency: Euro
- Language: Greek
- Timezone: EET/EEST (UTC+2 / UTC+3)

## Overview

Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country of 10 million people on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. With nine regions and thousands of islands, it has the longest coastline on the Mediterranean. The Ionian Sea is west of the mainland, Albania northwest, and North Macedonia and Bulgaria north. Turkey is east both by land and the Aegean Sea. The capital, Athens, is the largest Greek city, followed by Thessaloniki and Patras.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.*

## Healthcare system

Healthcare in Greece consists of a universal health care system provided through national health insurance, and private health care. According to the 2011 budget, the Greek healthcare system was allocated 6.1 billion euro, or 2.8% of GDP. In a 2000 report by the World Health Organization, the Greek healthcare system was ranked 14th worldwide in the overall assessment, above other countries such as Germany (25) and the United Kingdom (18), while ranking 11th at level of service.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.*

## Practical info

Greece uses the euro. US passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of 90 days or less, and passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure with one blank page per stamp. Travellers may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds, which can be met with credit cards, and a return or onward ticket. The maximum currency that may be brought in or taken out is 10,000 euros or equivalent. Petty crime is common in popular tourist locations, and the UK Foreign Office warns of a high risk of wildfires from April to October. Always carry photo identification and a copy of the passport's biographic data page, as police may ask for it. Medical care is delivered in Greek, with English also used in medical settings; ambulance services are on 166 and the general EU number 112. Comprehensive travel insurance covering planned activities and emergency expenses is advised.

## Emergency numbers

- **Police:** 100
- **Medical / Ambulance:** 166
- **Fire:** 199
- **General EU emergency:** 112

## Medical malpractice framework

Reference page scaffold; editorial sourcing pending.

- Patient rights reference: https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/citizen/dikaiwmata-asfalismenoy/

## FAQs

### Do I need a visa to enter Greece?

US passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of 90 days or less, although US official and diplomatic passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before arrival. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the departure date. Travellers may be asked for evidence of sufficient funds, which credit cards can satisfy, and a return or onward ticket. These rules apply to US passport holders; travellers of other nationalities should check the requirements for their own passport.

### Who regulates healthcare in Greece?

The national health regulator recorded for Greece is the Υπουργείο Υγείας, the Hellenic Ministry of Health. Healthcare in Greece consists of a universal system provided through national health insurance alongside private healthcare. The ministry publishes patient-rights information for insured persons on its website, which visiting patients can consult before treatment.

### What are the emergency numbers in Greece?

Dial 166 for medical emergencies and ambulance services, 100 for police, and 199 for fire. The general EU emergency number 112 also works in Greece. Police may ask for identification, so carry photo ID and a copy of your passport's biographic data page at all times during your stay.

### How do payments and money work for a medical trip to Greece?

Greece uses the euro. Currency of up to 10,000 euros or equivalent may be brought into or taken out of the country. Evidence of sufficient funds may be requested on entry, and credit cards can meet this requirement. Both the UK Foreign Office and the US State Department advise arranging travel insurance before departure, including cover for medical expenses, evacuation assistance and trip cancellation.

### Is Greece safe to visit for treatment?

The US State Department rates Greece at Level 1, its lowest advisory level, meaning travellers should exercise normal precautions. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations, and large demonstrations can occur with little notice and may disrupt transport and other essential services. The UK Foreign Office warns of a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Stay aware of your surroundings and monitor local conditions.

## Sources

- [CIA World Factbook — Greece](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/greece/) — US Central Intelligence Agency (accessed 2026-07-05)