Greece to begin charging tourists 20-euro fee for medical services

·

For the first time ever, tourists entering Greece will soon have to pay a surcharge of 20 euros for health services which they incur during their stay in the country.

Up until now, travelers to the country had never paid anything at all for medical care in Greece, regardless of where in the world they may have hailed from, except for hospitalisations.

But Greece’s Health Ministry has ruled that from the end of July onwards, the 20 euro fee will be imposed on all foreign travelers who present themselves at health centers, regional clinics and outpatient clinics of hospitals.

The new fees also apply to those who reside in Greece but are considered “non-permanent” residents of the country.

According to Greek media outlet healthreport, Greece’s Health Ministry hopes to collect “significant funds,” most obviously during the tourist season, when Greece sees millions of tourists come into the country.

The new ruling alters the provisions of a law passed in 2017 which allows for the collection of funds to repay hospitals only for the services they provide.

The test to determine positivity to the coronavirus is generally below 50 euros in public hospitals but this fee can vary in private institutions.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece to construct evacuation port on Santorini amid ongoing seismic activity

Greece is set to establish an evacuation port on the island of Santorini to ensure safe departures in the event of a significant earthquake.

Melbourne mum Debbie Voulgaris sentenced for drug smuggling in Taiwan

Australian mother-of-five Debbie Voulgaris has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for smuggling 7kg of cocaine and heroin into Taiwan.

Sydney’s Greek community unites for the inaugural ELPIS Foundation fundraiser

ELPIS Foundation's inaugural fundraiser, held on Sunday, February 16, successfully raised funds to support individuals affected by addiction.

Victoria’s Opposition leader Brad Battin pledges to engage with Greeks on key policies

In an interview with Victoria's Opposition leader Brad Battin, he has pledged to engage with Greek Australians on key policies.

Prospect Greek Festival in South Australia revived after more than two decades

Prospect Greek Festival in South Australia revived after more than two decades. Full story and details here.

You May Also Like

Women to benefit as Hellenic heritage football clubs get funding

Three football teams with Hellenic heritage have become the recipients of the Growing Football Fund Community Grants, supported by CommBank.

Veganism: A new approach to Greek Orthodox Easter cuisine?

As Orthodox Easter approaches, the familiar aroma of roasted lamb, kokoretsi and tsoureki fills most Greek households. What do vegans do?

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister postpones visit to Australia

Greek Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Kostas Vlasis, has postponed his visit to Australia amid fears around the rapid spread of the coronavirus.