HEALTHCARE - The New GESY [Cypriot National Health] System
The UK and the Republic wish to negotiate a reciprocal health agreement. However, the Republic needs the authorisation of the EU to enter into a bilateral agreement and is waiting their response.
The Cyprus National Healthcare System (GESY) is scheduled to start in June 2019. As this is an initiative of the Republic, the High Commissioner can not provide any guidance. However, the advice is that British citizens make themselves aware of the system and decide whether to register as a beneficiary. It is not yet known how or if UK expats will pay for the system and what the terms of the reciprocal health agreement are likely to be. To qualify for GESY you must be a permanent resident of Cyprus or employed, ie contribute to the social [national insurance] system.
Further information on the Cyprus National Healthcare System may be found on the GESY website. (Section in English available.)
Details of beneficiary financial contributions and the GESY implementation phases may be found in this Cyprus Mail article.
Cyprus Medical Cards – It has been reported that a number of British Citizens in receipt of the UK state retirement pension have been refused a Cyprus Medical Card. Anyone affected should report the problem to the Vice Consul, Christina Smith, at ukincyprus@fco.gov.uk .
Further information will be provided when it is available.
