The following is a direct lift from a document entitled 'Notes On Greece For British Passport Holders'.
Where to get information
The Social Insurance Foundation ("Idrima Kinonikon Asfaliseon" known as IKA) situated on the 3rd floor at 47 Megalou Alexandrou Street, Athens 104 36, or its regional or local offices called "Ipokatastimata" or branches which are called "Parartimata
The procedures below are those which Greek people have to follow to get treatment. Long waits for attention both in local offices and surgeries/hospitals are not unusual. If you choose to approach Greek practitioners/hospitals direct for private treatment, the Community arrangements will not apply and you will be responsible for the full cost of any treatment received. You should therefore take out sufficient private insurance to cover full costs for yourself and your family before you leave the U.K.
Medical and Dental Treatment
Upon arrival in Greece or when in need of medical attention holders of Form E111 should submit the form to their local IKA office or to the central IKA office at 47 Megalou Alexandrou Street in Athens to have it exchanged for an IKA medical/health booklet. Patients are then directed to a doctor or dentist who works for the social insurance. The Doctor or Dentist must be informed that the treatment received will be under the IKA medical scheme. Patients will not be charged. Prescriptions given under this scheme may be taken to any chemist where they are charged 25% of the cost. If necessary form E111 should be shown.
Hospital Treatment
IKA will arrange free hospital treatment. If a patient cannot get to an IKA office before going to a hospital or first aid station, he/she should ask the authorities at the hospital or station for free treatment under the IKA scheme. Form E111 must be shown if necessary. Pensioners who intend to take up residence in Greece and who are entitled to free medical treatment in the United Kingdom, also enjoy a similar entitlement in Greece. They should produce to their local IKA office form E121, which is issued by their local Department of Health Office in the United Kingdom. A person coming to look for work in Greece, who was unemployed in the U.K., is entitled to free medical treatment in Greece if he/she produces to their local IKA office form E119. This is also issued by their local Department of Health Office in the U.K. In both the above cases IKA will exchange the form for a medical booklet. If in a more remote part of the country or on a small island, there may be no IKA office within easy reach. One may have to receive and pay the full costs of private treatment. Before leaving Greece a postal application needs to be made to the nearest IKA office for a refund. Receipted bills and any other relevant documents should be enclosed. REFUNDS USUALLY COVER ONLY PART OF THE COST. INDIVIDUALS PAY THE BALANCE THEMSELVES.
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