EUROPEAN HEALTH CARD
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD/
EU RECIPROCAL MEDICAL COVER
Since 01 May 2004, any British national who has attained the age of 60 years is entitled to Government Medical Treatment in Cyprus. This coincides with when a female becomes eligible for a UK age old pension at 60, whilst a married man also becomes eligible either when he becomes 65 or when his wife becomes 60 when he can become her “dependant”. Normally the Pensions Office at Newcastle-upon-Tyne will automatically send the two identical E121 forms and it is unusual to have to apply for them.
NOTE: The dependent must be entered on the form by the UK authorities. If your dependant’s name is not on the form then contact Newcastle and they will send amended E121s.
The form is simple to complete and you do not need to send copies of bank statements etc but do need to send a copy of your Temporary Residence Permit. Meanwhile do keep a copy of your E121 form for each person in your household.
Whilst you are waiting to receive your pink medical card, you can receive medical treatment in Cyprus. You cannot be refused. The reason for this is that medical cover starts from the date on the E121 form, which is permanent so long as you live in Cyprus.
The medical card lasts for 2 years and when you come to renew your card you may be told it can be extended by one month, but this is not true because the cover does not run out. You will, however, be asked to sign a form as if you were receiving emergency treatment.
When you have received your E121 form or your pink medical card the recommended routine is fairly simple. It is best if you register at a medical centre. In Pissouri the medical centre is situated just behind St Andrew’ Church (down the steps to the door). The surgery is held every Thursday morning from 0900 until the end of the queue of patients. If Thursday is not a good day, then surgeries are also held at Avdimou on Mondays and Fridays. It is best if you register at one particular place and do not chop about. Drugs prescribed are collected from the pharmacist in the medical centre, although the Ministry is considering giving patients the choice of going to an independent pharmacist, if they wish.
Anyone under the age of 65 years will have to pay £1.20 to register on each visit to see the doctor but drugs are free. When you register you will be given a prescription book, which is just for you. Without it you cannot receive a prescription, so you need to take it with you on each visit. If you need to go to Paphos General Hospital you must take your pink medical card (or E121 form if necessary) and your prescription book with you. Although there are often long queues at the Paphos General Hospital reception the in- patient service is generally quicker than in UK and frequently major non-urgent surgery may be carried out within weeks after the first consultation. It is generally possible to see the appropriate consultant surgeon within days. Urgent treatment is generally carried out immediately.
General healthcare information for Cyprus can be found on the web at http://www.moh.gov.cy/.
Specific healthcare entitlement in Cyprus can also be found under European Union Regulations at:
http://www.moh.gov.cy/moh/moh.nsf/A11/E638B467B67F4CF1C225702A0023717B?OpenDocuments