Cyprus Health Insurance

The Republic of Cyprus is a Eurasian island located in the East Mediterranean Sea. The Republic has legal sovereignty over the island (except the two bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia which are British territory) and its surrounding waters. However the island is divided into two parts. Turkey controls the northern part of the island which accounts for approximately 36 per cent. Control was taken in 1974 following an invasion by the Turkish Cypriots who evicted 180,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes. Northern Cyprus is now home to approximately 150,000 Turkish settlers. Only Turkey recognises the area as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Cyprus is a Commonwealth country having proclaimed independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.

The capital city of Cyprus is Nicosia. The population is estimated to be approximately 1.12 million including the northern region and 871,000 excluding it. The two official languages in Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. Approximately 76 per cent of the population also speak English which is very helpful for tourists. The island is the third largest in the Mediterranean Sea and home to two mountain ranges, Troodos Mountains and Kyrenia Ranges. The winters are mild but wet on the coast and cool and snowy in the Troodos Mountains. The summers are long (from April to November) and warm to hot with very little rain. July and August are the hottest months to visit Cyprus with an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius during the day and 23 degrees Celsius at night.

The country is a popular tourist destination due in part to its beautiful coastline, pretty hiking trails, skiing and the well preserved Neolithic village of Khirokitia which is a World Heritage Site. The site contains many archaeological remains. The country has some of the world’s oldest water wells, ranging from 9,000 to 10,500 years old. It was also the first country to domesticate cats, pre-dating the Egyptians, as the 9,500 year old remains of a cat were found buried with its owner. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the Euro as its currency on 1 January 2008.

Cyprus’ economy is advanced. Large deposits of copper ore can be found on the island. Oil has recently been found in the seabed between Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt. Discussions are underway between the countries to remove the oil. It is believed that natural gas is also contained in the seabed however the Turkish Navy won’t allow Cyprus to explore it. A lack of investment, high freight costs and a shortage of skilled labour has been hampering Cyprus’ economic growth. Prior to the global financial crisis in 2009, tourist numbers were booming and the construction of tourism infrastructure was growing. Water in the country is scarce as rain fall is heavily relied upon which has been falling in recent years. In contrast, the number of tourists has been growing, bringing the need for more water to be preserved.

Cyprus Health Care and Insurance

A good standard of medical care is available in both the private clinics and public hospitals in Cyprus. The standard of care available is better in the South than in the Turkey-controlled North. Many of the private Doctors in Cyprus have been trained in the United States or United Kingdom. The cost of medical care in Cyprus is below that of more developed countries like the United States, however medical supplies are more expensive. The country spends nearly 6 per cent of its GDP on health care expenditure. The World Health Organization placed that country with having 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and 3.72 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

The public hospitals can be over crowded and are often not as hygienic as the private medical facilities. Many patients are stabilised in the public emergency rooms and then transferred to the private hospitals when stable. The conditions and treatment available in the private hospitals is of a better standard but expensive. Complicated procedures may require emergency medical evacuation to a nearby country with better facilities. Medical insurance is essential for visitors to cover the costs.

Emergency medical treatment is provided free in Government run medical facilities. However, payment of prescribed fees is required for both outpatient and inpatient treatment. Visitors to Cyprus should take out travel insurance to cover the cost of any ongoing medical treatment needed while visiting the country. Citizens of the European Union are entitled to free emergency medical care in the public hospitals in Cyprus. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should be taken as proof. The EHIC can be used in Southern Cyprus but not the Northern part controlled by Turkey.

The main hospital in the capital city is Nicosia General Hospital (telephone: 22 801 400) which has a 24 hour emergency room. Other hospitals used by tourists which are located away from the capital city are Limassol General Hospital (telephone: 25 801 100), Larnaca General Hospital (telephone: 24 800 500) and Paphos General Hospital (telephone: 26 803 100). If you would like to visit a private doctor after hours while you are in Cyprus you can telephone 1432.

Cyprus Travel Insurance Concerns

Cyprus is overall a safe place for tourists to visit. However, tourists should lock hotel rooms and secure their belongings. The biggest threat of theft comes from fellow tourists not the locals. Visitors should not accept drinks from strangers particularly in Ayia Napa as muggings have occurred. Tourists should also be aware that venues called “cabarets” in Cyprus are actually brothels often associated with organised crime. Tourists who enter these establishments may be presented with a large bar tab at the end of the night and forced to pay it. ATMS are widely available in Cyprus and credit cards can be used at many restaurants and stores.

The capital city of Nicosia has a revamped bus service with new buses. Shared taxis can be booked from 6am to 6pm. However, most tourists hire a car to travel around the island. As Cyprus is a former British colony, cars drive on the left hand side of the road. Drivers in Cyprus are typically quite aggressive and see the country’s road rules only as guidelines.

Tourists should not photograph anything that could be perceived as a security interest including military installations, especially in Northern Cyprus. Areas marked “no photography” should be adhered to. The UN controls a buffer zone between North and South Cyprus. Tourists should only cross the border at the designated areas or risk being arrested. Most tourists cross the border without any difficulties however occasionally problems do arise. Expatriates relocating to Cyprus who attempt to rent or purchase property in Northern Cyprus may have their ownership challenged by those who were displaced during the conflict in 1974. Lawyers should be consulted before entering the property market.

The emergency telephone numbers in Southern Cyprus are 199 and 122. In the Northern region the emergency number is 155. Ambulances are available but are not staffed by paramedics. Ambulances can be contacted in the South by telephoning 119 or the Nicosia General Hospital on 22 604 000 and 112 in the North.

After hours pharmacies are open in Cyprus until 11pm. To locate a pharmacy, telephone 1412 in the capital city Nicosia, 141 in Larnaca, 1415 in Limassol or 1416 Paphos. Many tourists choose to use Dena Karacosta Pharmacy in Nicosia (telephone: 22 774 950).

Diseases such as typhoid fever are rare in Cyprus. Allergies and respiratory problems such as asthma are often exacerbated by the dry and dusty climate in Cyprus. No specific vaccinations are recommended for travel to Cyprus. However, it is advisable to keep childhood vaccinations up to date and be vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B regardless of what country you are travelling to. Jelly fish, sea urchins and snakes are all prevalent in Cyprus and should be avoided.

Cyprus Expat Health Insurance

If you travel to Cyprus you will need to take out travel insurance to cover any medical treatment required during your stay. While citizens of the European Union will be covered for emergency medical treatment in Southern Cyprus, they will not be covered for ongoing care, emergency medical evacuation or at all in Northern Cyprus. The private medical facilities in Cyprus are superior to the public facilities however they are expensive. At Expat Medical Insurance we can help you and your family find an international insurance package that will provide you with comprehensive insurance cover and peace of mind. Please contact us today to discuss your needs and obtain a free quotation.