Cyprus-Forum.com

[yummymummy150]

Hi Kate you are coverd with the uk nhs for first two years then when reg as resident free Contact Newcastle dwp to get forms .If you can afford private good but you have paid in so use it.

[Kate&Lee]

So because we have paid into UK NHS via N.I. contributions we are covered in Cyprus too!! Seems to good to be true!

Why does everybody go on about medical insurance then. I am a bit confused now to say the least. Did things change when Cyprus entered the EU fully, its just that all the programs you watch on Cyprus always go on about insurance and healthcare. Maybe they are old programs!

I would not want to inform my parents that they are covered healthcare wise and they're not. They will probably go for private to be sure but I would like to know anyhow.

Lee

[yummymummy150]

only after 65 coverd by uk for 2 years then cyprus once you are resident.there are Goverment websites, may help.I PM you site as i dont think i can put it here.

[Oracle]

The couple of times we've used the hospitals in emergencies in Cyprus whilst on holiday from the UK (boating accidents and such like) .... they really pulled through. Offered us speedy first class health service ..... no questions asked ...

Just provided like real Humanitarians ... regardless ... will never buy health insurance for Cyprus again, as the basic service is free and brilliant ...

[Niki]

So because we have paid into UK NHS via N.I. contributions we are covered in Cyprus too!! Seems to good to be true!

Why does everybody go on about medical insurance then. I am a bit confused now to say the least. Did things change when Cyprus entered the EU fully, its just that all the programs you watch on Cyprus always go on about insurance and healthcare. Maybe they are old programs!

I would not want to inform my parents that they are covered healthcare wise and they're not. They will probably go for private to be sure but I would like to know anyhow.

Lee

My parents are going through the healthcare hoops at the moment and although the medical care and prescriptions are free for their age they have to go to the General hospital for this free treatment and queue - for hours.

They went one day a couple of weeks ago and waited 4 hours to be told no more appointments that day then went the next day and waited for another 5 hours before they got to see a doctor. At one point there was some kind of 'rebellion' as a group of men tried to get into the doctor before their turn and were turfed out!

They are too old for medical insurance and there would be so many preclusions it wouldn't be worth it so they have to spend some of their precious savings to see a doctor privately. This has been a worry for them, in the UK they had 6 monthly medicals as part of the health service.

There are many things about Cyprus healthcare that have been excellent but general care for the elderly has not been good so far.

[purdey]

Public health care in Cyprus is free to EU nationals. Medication is paid for. Private healthcare is through private clinics were you pay per visit or via private medical insurance.
For instance my father had a recent Hernia operation. Diagnosed two weeks before operation. Spent three days in a private room in a private clinic, paid through his private medical insurance.

[cyprusgrump]

Lee,

One thing to check is that the drugs your Mother is used to are available here…

A friend of mine couldn’t get his blood pressure pills on the ‘NHS’ here – the alternate version didn’t suit hi at all and made him very ill in fact.

[Kate&Lee]

Nice one on the medication front Grump, never even thought about that one. My mother is 57 this year but looking to retire at 60, so I presume private medical insurance will only cover her up to 65 without costing too much. The list of contra-indications for after 65 will probably all be ticked by my mother.

At least they won't be too far from the General Hospital at either Paphos or Limassol though!

With regards to the queues for the free check-up, does it make any difference if you get there early or is it as I would guess like her in the UK a free-for-all as everybody will have the same idea, also is it on an appointment basis or do you just turn up and hope for the best?

[purdey]

Private insurance will not get more expensive at 65 unless your mother suffers from something extremely serious.
Re: check up..private clinic full check up, blood, heart, the works, better than BUPA £150.00. With follow up of of advised medication and further referral.

[Kate&Lee]

Any clues as to what they would deem as extremely serious. Is just the usual things like terminal illness, strokes etc. Would it include heart conditions?