Patients requiring medical treatment abroad under the General Healthcare System (ΓεΣΥ) will now follow a revised referral process, following a reform introduced by the Health Insurance Organization (HIO).
From 2 October 2025, the HIO is responsible for managing overseas referrals for ΓεΣΥ beneficiaries when the necessary treatment is covered by the system but cannot be provided in Cyprus. Referrals for non-beneficiaries remain under the Ministry of Health.
Requests must be submitted by ΓεΣΥ-registered specialist doctors, not by patients directly. Each application is reviewed based on medical urgency, with defined timelines to support timely access to care.
Life-threatening cases are prioritized and typically assessed within 24 hours, while urgent cases are processed within 7 days and routine cases within 15 days.
The HIO has clarified that experimental treatments, non-conventional medical practices, telemedicine services, and requests for treatment already received are not covered under this process.
Patients approved for treatment abroad may choose from a list of collaborating international hospitals or select another provider, provided all arrangements are made in line with the approved referral.
The reform aims to provide clearer procedures and improved coordination for patients requiring specialized care abroad.
Find out more at eurohealthobservatory.who.int.