Planning a trip to Athens and wondering where to find reliable healthcare services? As one of the top tourist destinations in the world, Athens provides modern, comprehensive healthcare facilities to both locals and travelers. Whether you need hospital care, a visit to a private doctor, or quick help from a pharmacy, Athens has you covered. In this guide, you’ll discover the best options for seeking medical assistance during your stay in the city
1. Public Hospitals
Athens has several public hospitals that provide emergency care and general medical services. These hospitals are staffed with specialized personnel and are fully equipped to handle all kinds of medical situations. Some of the largest public hospitals in Athens are:
- General Hospital “Evangelismos”: One of the largest and best-equipped hospitals in Greece, it offers comprehensive medical care and specialized services (Address: 45-47 Ypsilantou St., 106 76, Athens).
Phone: +30 213 204 1000
Website: www.evaggelismos-hosp.gr - General Hospital “Attikon”: A modern hospital offering specialized services and surgical procedures (Address: 1 Rimini St., Chaidari, 124 62, Athens).
Phone: +30 210 583 1000
Website: www.attikonhospital.gr - General Hospital of Athens “Georgios Gennimatas”: One of the largest hospitals in Greece, specializing in gastrointestinal diseases, surgeries, and neurology (Address: 154 Mesogeion Ave., 115 27, Athens).
Phone: +30 213 203 2000
Website: www.gna-gennimatas.gr - General Hospital “Laiko”: Founded in 1933, it is one of Athens’ largest and most historic hospitals. It features specialized units for oncology, hematology, and nephrology, and is also a center for kidney transplants (Address: 17 Agiou Thoma St., 115 27, Goudi, Athens).
Phone: +30 213 206 0800
Website: www.laiko.gr
2. Private Hospitals and Clinics
For quicker and more immediate care, many visitors opt for private hospitals and clinics in Athens. These hospitals offer high-quality services with shorter wait times, though they are more expensive than public hospitals. Some of the most well-known private hospitals in Athens are:
- Athens Medical Center: It offers advanced medical services in a variety of specialties (Locations: Athens, Palaio Faliro, Psychiko, Peristeri, Dafni)
Phone: +30 210 619 8100
Website: www.iatriko.gr - Hygeia Hospital: One of the top private hospitals in Greece, equipped with modern technology and experienced staff (Address: 4 Erythrou Stavrou St., Marousi, 151 23, Athens)
Phone: +30 210 686 7000
Website: www.hygeia.gr - Metropolitan Hospital: Offers a wide range of medical services and high-level care (Address: 9 Ethnarchou Makariou & 1 El. Venizelou St., Neo Faliro, 185 47, Piraeus).
Phone: +30 210 480 9000
Website: www.metropolitan-hospital.gr
Private clinics are also a good option for non-emergency situations or specialized medical needs.
3. Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Athens are widely available and offer over-the-counter medications for many common health issues, such as headaches, colds, or allergies. Most pharmacies are open during the day, and many have specialized staff who speak English. Additionally, each neighborhood has a 24-hour pharmacy for urgent needs.
How to find a pharmacy: Pharmacies are easy to recognize by the green cross outside the store. If you need medication after hours, you will find lists of open pharmacies posted on the door of every pharmacy.
4. Private Doctors
Athens has a large number of private doctors who specialize in a wide range of fields, such as general practitioners, cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, ophthalmologists and more. For non-urgent medical needs, visiting a private doctor is a good option, as they often provide more personalized care and you can book an appointment with minimal wait times.
Tips for finding a doctor:
- Many hotels work with private doctors who can visit you at your room if needed.
- You can also use platforms like DoctorAnytime (www.doctoranytime.gr) to find doctors and book appointments online.
5. Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency, you can dial the emergency number 112 (the EU-wide emergency number) or 166, which connects directly to the National Emergency Aid Center (EKAV). EKAV ambulances are equipped with the necessary tools and trained staff to provide immediate assistance and transport to the appropriate medical centers.
6. Travel Insurance and Coverage
Before visiting Athens, it’s a good idea to consider obtaining travel insurance, which can cover medical expenses in case of illness or accident. If you are a citizen of a European Union country, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to public hospitals under the same conditions as Greek citizens.
Tips:
Always carry a card or contact details for your insurance provider.
Check if your insurance covers private hospitals in case you prefer private care.