Health and accident insurance – basic care
Health insurance is one of the most important issues when emigrating. Swiss citizens abroad are not automatically integrated into the Greek social security system - early clarification is essential.
The situation for Swiss citizens abroad
Swiss abroad are not integrated into the Greek social security system EFKA if they are not employed or run an independent business. This means: You have to take care of your health and accident insurance yourself.
It is therefore important to clarify with your current health insurance company at an early stage whether the compulsory protection (basic insurance) will continue to apply when you take up residence in Greece and under what conditions (monthly premium). Not all Swiss health insurance companies offer insurance cover for Swiss citizens abroad.
Further information from the BAG: BAG: Health insurance for recipients of a Swiss pension abroad
KPT Bern – A proven provider for the Swiss abroad
In Greece, many Swiss abroad who are not integrated into the Greek insurance system are insured with KPT Bern. It therefore makes sense to get an offer there and make a price comparison.
The form S1 (Portable Document)
Shortly before leaving the country and after de-registration in Switzerland, you should request the Form S1 (also called “Portable Document”) from your health insurance company and present the de-registration certificate from the municipality.
With the S1 form, the insured person in Greece receives the same insurance coverage as Greek citizens (basic care). Upon arrival, you take this form to the Greek social insurance agency EFKA (Εθνικός Φορέας Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) - after prior registration electronically or by telephone - and receive an insurance number there, the AMKA (Αριθμού Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) is called.
- EU citizen portal: Health insurance coverage abroad
- EFKA: e-efka.gov.gr
Accident insurance – the agreement insurance
It would have to be clarified whether the accident insurance can be replaced after the end of the coverage period (31 days after termination of the employment relationship) by an arrangement insurance for a maximum of 6 months, which covers the previous UVG accident protection (SUVA).
Personal experience: I did this back then, had a hand operation and - completely unexpectedly - received 2 months of continued payment of wages along with medical reimbursement thanks to sick leave. So it's worth checking out this option.
Otherwise, it must be ensured that any accident events are covered by the S1 form or the Portable Document by the Greek social insurance company EFKA.
Prophylactic vaccinations
It makes sense to clarify whether all prophylactic and additional vaccinations have been done or whether they need to be refreshed or renewed at the expense of the health insurance company before departure. Whether and which vaccinations should be done is an individual personal decision.
In addition to the usual standard vaccinations for Greece, you should also consider vaccinations against hepatitis and shingles. In principle, all vaccinations can be carried out without any problems in Greece - be it at the family doctor or, in some cases, in pharmacies.
Information from the BAG on prophylactic vaccinations: BAG: Prophylactic vaccinations
Checklist: Basic insurance
- ☐ Contact your current health insurance company: clarify conditions for Swiss citizens abroad
- ☐ Obtain an offer from KPT Bern and compare prices
- ☐ Request form S1 from your health insurance company (after deregistration in Switzerland)
- ☐ Have a deregistration certificate from the Swiss municipality ready for the S1 application
- ☐ After arrival: Make an appointment with EFKA and apply for an AMKA number
- ☐ Accident insurance: Check agreement insurance with SUVA
- ☐ Check vaccination status (hepatitis, shingles, standard vaccinations)
- ☐ If necessary, refresh your vaccinations in Switzerland at the expense of your health insurance company