Taking into consideration the ageing population of Cyprus, we can see the need for healthcare of retired people on the island becoming a topic more and more relevant as time goes on. The number of retirees in need of specialized health and services in Cyprus is increasing every year and demand for such services is only gaining traction. In this article, we will delve into all the options available for retired individuals living in the small island nation in the eastern Mediterranean we call Cyprus.
Firstly, and most importantly, let it be said that Cyprus is home to one of the most robust health systems in Europe covering all legal citizens on the island regardless of age. The health system, also referred to as GESY, is directly funded by the government through the social insurance contributions and tax payments of its citizens. As a result, all retired individuals in Cyprus have access to great healthcare services, which are provided by the public healthcare system and Retiring in Cyprus has never been a more attractive and convenient prospect.
Public healthcare can be split into three categories: primary, secondary and tertiary. Local clinics and health centers are responsible for offering primary services, including general medical checkups, preventative health screenings and vaccinations. Next, covering secondary healthcare services are the district hospitals which include services such as diagnostic tests, outpatient surgeries and private consultations. Lastly, the largest hospitals on the island cover tertiary healthcare services such as intensive care, specialized treatments and complex surgeries.
Cypriot residents who have made the decision to retire on the island are granted access to all the abovementioned tiers of the public healthcare system. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the public sector is overburdened and lacks adequate funding, which can often lead to some unpleasant and lengthy waiting times for certain services. Moreover, the actual quality of the care given may differ depending on the resources of a specific location and of course the personnel may not quite offer the personal attention to detail and bedside manner patients may be accustomed to.
In order to avoid these unpleasantries and be on the receiving end of a more personalized caring experience, many Cypriot retirees opt to go the private route for their healthcare services. While private healthcare is typically of a higher quality and can offer much shorter waiting times, it is not cheap and may be a luxury not all citizens can afford.
For those who have the financial means to pay for it, private health insurance is another attractive option. It covers various services that typically range from preventive care to emergency medical treatments. The actual cost of the insurance coverage is dependent on various factors such as age, health condition, preferred coverage tier and of course the insurance provider itself.
In addition to the conventionally available healthcare services, many retired individuals opt for a more experimental method, which goes by the name of CAM or Complementary and Alternative Medicine, to maintain their health and well-being. CAM offers services and procedures such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage therapy, which are often used alongside the more traditional services. It can also be noted that public and private health insurance plans do not normally cover CAM services, but despite this, many practitioners and clinics throughout the island offer these services at affordable rates.
As a final point, it is also important to note that the Cypriot government has put in place various programs that focus on promoting healthy ageing and enhancing the quality of life of its beloved retired citizens. These programs offer advice on eating healthier, encourage physical activity and social engagement, and offer social and financial benefits such as pensions, social services and housing subsidies.
In conclusion, healthcare for retired citizens living in Cyprus is generally very comprehensive and easily accessible through the island’s GESY public healthcare system, and despite many individuals opting for alternative medicine and private coverage, the public route still remains a very attractive option for the bulk of retired islanders. Retirees in Cyprus can rest assured that they are in good hands.
