Health Care In Greece

Greece’s health care is ranked 14th in the world, and expats report that all doctors speak English and the care is high-quality, but the national health care system is desperately stretched and impoverished.

The health care system is a combination of the National Health System (ESY), compulsory social insurance, and a voluntary private health care system. With a residence permit, you’d get access to public health care. That said, many Greece expats prefer to maintain international private insurance to ensure access to care and shorter wait times for procedures.

Also be aware of the difference in nursing—none exists in hospitals in Greece. Families are expected to care for all patients’ needs. This also means, of course, that visiting hours don’t exist, loved ones can come anytime to care for their wards… which can lead to noisy, busy rooms at all hours.

The Blue Zone

The island of Ikaria is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, boasting the longest lifespans known to man. Roughly 30% of the population in this zone lives well into its nineties—an average of 10 years longer than the rest of Europe and America. Rates of cancer and heart disease are significantly lower, and people here suffer less from depression and dementia. They also maintain an active sex life well into old age and remain physically active throughout their nineties.

Among other factors, the local diet is thought to be the main reason for these remarkable observations…

The low-calorie diet in Ikaria consists in large proportion of beans and locally grown, antioxidant-rich greens. It’s low in protein and high in carbs.

Plus, the uneven terrain that requires people to walk to get around the villages in the region keeps the population active despite their age.

Finally, the lack of stress living a simple village lifestyle here is a stark contrast to modern life in the rest of the world. Ikarians take a siesta during the middle of the day and get together to socialize over homegrown glasses of wine in the evening…