Insurance in Greece: What is EFKA?

EFKA is Greece’s national social security fund. If you work in Greece, as an employee or self-employed, you pay monthly EFKA contributions, which cover your pension, public healthcare through EOPYY and unemployment support. Private-sector employees pay 14.12% of their gross salary, and freelancers choose one of six contribution categories each year. You need an AMKA (social security number) to be covered, and retirees on the FIP visa, Golden Visa holders and digital nomads aren’t covered, so they use private health insurance.

👉 Setting up as a freelancer in Greece? Book a free 15-minute discovery call and we’ll explain your EFKA registration and contributions.

According to this official EU website, EFKA is the government-based insurance fund in Greece. It is also known as the National Social Security Fund. EFKA extends its coverage to both Greek nationals and foreign residents, offering a comprehensive range of benefits, including pensions, healthcare, and unemployment support.

To be eligible to receive illness insurance benefits of any kind, it is mandatory to have paid insurance contributions equal to at least 50 days of employment during the year preceding the illness or during the 12-month period preceding the illness (one day of employment being one day of insurance, which excludes any paid leave days).

What EFKA covers

Usually, EFKA provides benefits throughout the period of your entitlement to these benefits, even when an illness continues after your entitlement has ended, you will still be entitled to that benefit until you recover from that illness.

With EFKA, you are entitled to:

• Medical care
• Hospital care and hospitalization
• Free preventive dental care and dental treatment, orthodontic treatment for minors up to 13 years of age, change of dentures every five years and provision of services in the meantime within the Primary National Health Network (PEDY) or ΠΡΩΤΟΒΆΘΜΙΟ ΕΘΝΙΚΌ ΔΊΚΤΥΟ ΥΓΕΊΑΣ – ΠΕΔΥ
• Physiotherapy and free rehabilitation
• Administration of medicine, which as a rule requires a patient contribution of 25% or 10% for certain illnesses, and free administration of medicine in special cases (work accidents, treatment during pregnancy, chronic illnesses)
• Free transport to public hospitals in the event of an accident or emergency by calling the National Emergency Aid Center (EKAB) or ΕΘΝΙΚΌ ΚΈΝΤΡΟ ΆΜΕΣΗΣ ΒΟΉΘΕΙΑΣ
• Treatment aids, orthopedic items, glasses, hearing aids, prostheses, etc. requiring a 25% contribution by the insured individual or provided free of charge in special cases (more information here).
• Insured individuals are entitled to medical care provided by PEDY doctors and doctors contracted by EOPYY, where they can select a family doctor from the relevant list provided by the PEDY local services network.

Insured individual can visit doctors contracted by EOPYY (only with an appointment) at the outpatient clinics of public hospitals, Health Centers, and at PEDY institutions.

To book an appointment with EOPYY-contracted private doctors, you can visit the official EOPYY website, under the option "Available doctors' appointments".

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is EFKA?

Usually, the cost of making a monthly payment to EFKA is €136, which is either deducted from your paycheck if you're an employee, and if you're self-employed you will need to pay it to the EFKA insurance fund directly.

• Employees in the private sector pay 14.12% of their gross salary. Employees in the public sector pay 15.33%.
• Employers in the private sector pay 22.54% of their employee's gross salary. Employers in the public sector pay 24.33%.

If you're a freelancer or self-employed, you can pick among six social security categories every year and pay EFKA contributions depending on this choice.

How can I be covered by EFKA benefits?

You can access the coverage from EFKA only if you have an AMKA number. Read more on how you can apply for one here.

What does EOPYY mean?

EOPYY stands for "National Organization for the Provision of Health Services" in Greek (Εθνικός Οργανισμός Παροχής Υπηρεσιών Υγείας). It is the national healthcare organization in Greece responsible for providing and managing health services. Keep in mind that organizational names and websites can change, so it's advisable to check the most recent sources for the latest information.

Do you still need to pay EFKA if I have private insurance?

If you're self-employed or freelancing in Greece engaging in professional activity, it is mandatory to make monthly insurance contributions to EFKA. It covers public healthcare facilities, however if you would like to opt in for private healthcare, you can pay for it using different services. There are several businesses that exist in Greece providing private health insurance, including Allianz, Alico AIG Life, Piraeus Bank, and Cigna Global.

Exploring Health Insurance Options in Greece

Overall, investing in Greece's public insurance policies is a crucial step towards securing your health and well-being as an expat. By staying informed about the healthcare system in Greece, and available public insurance options, you can confidently make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you're a long-term or short-term resident, having a firm grasp of Greece's public insurance policies ensures that you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances while enjoying all that this captivating country has to offer.

Why Choose My Greek Expat Journey?

We are an Athens-based relocation service. We handle Greek residency permits, tax registration and the paperwork around them, and you work with a vetted network of accountants and lawyers instead of finding your own. Fees are quoted up front as a package, and we tell you what each step actually involves before you commit. Consultations are remote, so you can start before you arrive.

FAQs

What is EFKA in Greece?

‍EFKA is the National Social Security Fund in Greece. It extends coverage to both Greek nationals and foreign residents, offering a comprehensive range of benefits including pensions, healthcare, and unemployment support.

How much does EFKA cost?

‍The standard monthly EFKA payment is €136, deducted from your paycheck if you are an employee, or paid directly to EFKA if you are self-employed. Private sector employees contribute 14.12% of their gross salary, while public sector employees contribute 15.33%. Employers in the private sector contribute 22.54%, and public sector employers contribute 24.33%. Freelancers and the self-employed can choose from six social security categories each year.

How can I access EFKA benefits?

‍You can access EFKA coverage only if you have an AMKA number, which is the Greek Social Security Number required to be registered in the system.

Do I still need to pay EFKA if I have private insurance?

‍Yes. If you are self-employed or freelancing in Greece, making monthly contributions to EFKA is mandatory regardless of whether you also hold private insurance. EFKA covers public healthcare facilities, while private healthcare can be accessed additionally through providers such as Allianz, Alico AIG Life, Piraeus Bank, and Cigna Global.

What does EFKA cover?

‍EFKA covers medical and hospital care, free preventive dental care, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, medicine (usually with a 25% patient contribution), free emergency transport to public hospitals, and treatment aids such as glasses, hearing aids, and prostheses. In special cases such as work accidents, pregnancy, or chronic illness, some of these services are provided free of charge.

Get a Straight Answer on Your Own Case

Every relocation turns on the details, and the wrong permit or tax status can cost you months. Before you file anything, book a free 15-minute discovery call and we will go through your situation and tell you plainly what you need, what it costs and how long it takes.

Written by Chloe Mason, founder of My Greek Expat Journey. Chloe has lived in seven countries and has personally guided 300+ people through Greek residency, tax, property and bureaucracy. More articles by Chloe.