Care for elderly and disabled relatives
General
In Greece, families traditionally take care of elderly and disabled relatives themselves. If possible, elderly people are cared for at home – often by children, spouses or other close relatives. Professional support is usually sought in addition, for example from private carers, outpatient services or day care facilities.
Inpatient facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities do exist, but are less widespread than in Switzerland and vary greatly from region to region. The quality of care therefore depends heavily on the family network, financial resources and place of residence.
For Swiss citizens living abroad, it is advisable to clarify early on which services need to be organised privately and which are covered by insurance or pension entitlements. With increasing need for care, timely planning – with powers of attorney, medical documents and a clear emergency plan – is essential. This makes it easier to decide whether care at home, in a facility or by returning to Switzerland is most sensible.
Options for Swiss citizens living abroad
Greece offers affordable care options, but differences in language, quality standards and social security systems require careful clarification. Important: OASI/DI benefits and private health insurance can generally continue to be used as long as the requirements of EU law (freedom of movement) or bilateral agreements are met. Early advice – for example via soliswiss.ch – is recommended.
Option 1: Care in a retirement or nursing home in Greece
Greece has a network of public and private facilities, which are often cheaper than comparable services in Switzerland.
Public homes (e.g. via EKPY – Ε.Κ.ΕΠ.Υ. is the National Centre for Health Operations) are cost-effective, but often have long waiting lists. https://www.ekepy.gov.gr/ Private homes offer higher comfort, sometimes English-speaking staff and in individual cases care quality based on Swiss standards.
Costs: approx. 800–2,500 €/month (private), depending on care level and location
Advantages: Affordable, family atmosphere, mild climate; many homes accept the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or S1 form
Challenges: Knowledge of Greek is helpful; quality varies considerably
Recommendation: Visit facilities in person and obtain recommendations from personal contacts
Next steps: Clarify possibilities for DI benefits and supplementary benefits and consider taking out Greek long-term care insurance. Further information: zas.admin.ch
Option 2: Private home care in Greece
Many Swiss citizens living abroad prefer to remain in their own home with outpatient support. Greece has a well-developed system of private care services.
Costs: 15–30 €/hour for nursing professionals; full-time care (24/7) approx. 2,000–4,000 €/month
Advantages: Independence, familiar environment, low cost of living; Eastern European carers with German language skills are often available
Challenges: Coordination with Swiss insurance required; seasonal shortage of skilled workers possible
Recommendation: Find carers through personal contacts or specialised placement agencies
Next steps: Clarify possibilities for DI benefits and supplementary benefits and consider taking out Greek long-term care insurance. Further information: zas.admin.ch
Option 3: Return to Switzerland
If care in Greece is no longer sufficient, returning to Switzerland remains a well-plannable option – with the advantage of full coverage by the Swiss social security system.
Costs: 3,000–8,000 CHF/month in nursing homes, but full coverage by OASI, DI and supplementary benefits
Advantages: Familiar language, high quality of care, possible proximity to family and friends
Challenges: Moving costs, bureaucratic steps (registration of residence, re-registration with OASI)
Recommendation: Plan at least 6–12 months in advance; check nursing home capacities early via pflegeheime.ch
Next steps: Registration with the cantonal health insurance (OKP), application for return assistance via the Organisation for the Swiss Abroad, organisation of transport (ambulance flight approx. 5,000–10,000 CHF, partially reimbursable).
Other forms of housing In Greece, in addition to the widespread private senior residences, there are also isolated assisted living facilities and communal living projects for seniors. These offers are available regionally and should be researched individually.
General recommendations
Create a power of attorney and a written care plan early on
Check and adjust insurance coverage in good time
Seek personal and professional advice – for example via soliswiss.ch
.