Living in Greece: A Complete Guide to Healthcare and Education for Expatriate Families

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Introduction: Why Greece Appeals to Expatriate Families

Contemplating a life-changing move to Greece with your family? You’re not alone. The allure of breathtaking landscapes, rich historical heritage, and the celebrated Mediterranean lifestyle has increasingly drawn expatriate families to Greece’s shores. But beyond the postcard-perfect scenes lies the practical reality of establishing a new life in a foreign country.

The decision to relocate your family internationally isn’t just about finding the perfect seaside view or houses for sale in Athens—it’s about ensuring your children receive quality education and your family has access to reliable healthcare. These two pillars form the foundation of a successful expatriate experience.

Greece, with its blend of ancient tradition and modern European infrastructure, offers unique advantages for international families. The country has weathered economic challenges in recent years but continues to provide comprehensive social services while maintaining its signature warm culture that embraces family values.

In this guide, we’ll navigate the intricacies of both the Greek healthcare and education systems, providing you with actionable insights rather than vague reassurances. We’ll examine how these systems work for non-Greeks, what documentation you’ll need, associated costs, and practical strategies for integrating successfully into Greek society.

The Greek Healthcare System: What Expats Need to Know

Greece’s healthcare landscape presents a dual reality that expatriate families should understand before making their move. The nation operates a universal healthcare system that has faced significant challenges during the economic crisis, yet simultaneously hosts world-class private facilities particularly in urban centers.

Navigating Public Healthcare

The Greek public healthcare system (ESY or ΕΣΥ – Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας) provides universal coverage to legal residents, including qualifying expatriates. If you’re relocating to Greece with proper residency permits, here’s what you need to know:

• AMKA Number: This social security identification number is your key to accessing public healthcare. You’ll need to register at a Citizens’ Service Center (KEP) with your residency permit, passport, and necessary documentation.
• Coverage Scope: The public system covers most medical services including hospitalization, prescription medications, and specialist consultations—though often with modest co-payments.
• Regional Variations: Quality and waiting times vary significantly between urban centers and rural areas. Athens and Thessaloniki offer the most comprehensive services.
• Language Considerations: While major hospitals in tourist areas may have English-speaking staff, many public facilities operate primarily in Greek. Having a translation app or Greek-speaking friend can be invaluable.

Maria, an American expat living in Paros with her family for three years, shares: “The public healthcare system has been surprisingly efficient for routine care. However, for my daughter’s specialized allergy treatments, we found the language barrier challenging and ultimately opted for a private specialist in Athens who could communicate with us clearly about treatment options.”

Private Healthcare Options

Many expatriate families in Greece choose to supplement public coverage with private healthcare options, which offer several advantages:

• Reduced Wait Times: Private facilities typically offer immediate appointments compared to potential weeks or months in the public system.
• Language Accessibility: Major private hospitals and clinics, particularly in Athens, Thessaloniki, and tourist areas, employ multilingual staff and provide services in English.
• Modern Facilities: Private hospitals often feature state-of-the-art equipment and more comfortable accommodations.
• Specialist Access: Direct access to specialists without primary care referrals is standard in private healthcare.

The Athens Medical Group, Hygeia Hospital, and Metropolitan Hospital represent some of the premier private healthcare options in the capital, with internationally trained doctors and comprehensive services designed with expatriate needs in mind.

Health Insurance Considerations

For expatriate families, health insurance presents several strategic considerations:

1. EU Citizens: If you’re coming from another EU country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to the public system, though typically only for temporary stays. For permanent relocation, you’ll need to register with the Greek system.
2. Non-EU Expats: Comprehensive private health insurance is often a requirement for residency permits. This insurance must cover both emergency and routine care in Greece.
3. International vs. Local Insurance: Many expats maintain international health policies from providers like Cigna, Allianz, or Bupa, which offer wider coverage but at premium prices. Local Greek insurance providers offer more affordable options but may have network limitations.

When selecting insurance, consider your family’s specific healthcare needs, your location in Greece, language preferences, and how frequently you’ll travel outside the country. Most expatriate families find that a hybrid approach—utilizing public services for routine care while maintaining private insurance for emergencies and specialized needs—offers the best balance.

The Greek Education System for International Families

Education represents one of the most significant considerations for expatriate families. Greece offers several pathways, from full integration into the Greek system to international curricula that maintain global educational standards.

Greek Public Schools

The Greek public education system is free for all legal residents, including expatriate children. It’s structured into three levels:

• Nipiagogeio (Preschool): Ages 4-5, now mandatory before primary education
• Dimotiko (Primary School): Ages 6-12, six years of education
• Gymnasio (Lower Secondary): Ages 12-15, three years
• Lykeio (Upper Secondary): Ages 15-18, three years

Public schools teach primarily in Greek, which presents both challenges and opportunities for international students. While the language immersion can initially be difficult, children typically adapt quickly and achieve fluency—a valuable lifelong skill.

The Greek Ministry of Education offers reception classes (Τάξεις Υποδοχής) in some schools specifically designed for non-Greek speaking students. These provide intensive Greek language support while gradually integrating students into mainstream classes.

“Our children struggled for the first semester,” explains Thomas, a British expatriate in Thessaloniki, “but by the end of the first year, they were conversing comfortably in Greek. The cultural immersion has been invaluable—they’ve developed a genuine connection to Greek heritage that wouldn’t have happened in an international bubble.”

Required documentation for enrollment includes:

• Family residency permits
• Passports
• Birth certificates (translated and apostilled)
• Previous school records (translated and certified)
• Vaccination records
• Proof of local address

International and Bilingual Schools

For families seeking educational continuity or those planning shorter-term stays in Greece, international schools offer curricula familiar to expatriate students. Athens and Thessaloniki host the majority of these options, with limited availability in other regions.

International schools in Greece typically offer one or more of these curricula:

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Offered at schools like St. Catherine’s British School and Campion School in Athens
• British Curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels): Found at the Byron College and St. Lawrence College
• American Curriculum: Offered at the American Community Schools of Athens
• French Curriculum: Available at Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix
• German Curriculum: Provided at Deutsche Schule Athen

These schools typically feature smaller class sizes, extensive extracurricular activities, and high university placement rates—but come with substantial tuition costs ranging from €7,000 to €20,000 annually depending on the school and grade level.

Higher Education Opportunities

Greece hosts several universities offering programs in English, particularly at the graduate level. The American College of Greece (Deree) and several public universities have developed international programs specifically designed for non-Greek speakers.

EU students typically pay the same tuition fees as Greek nationals (often minimal for public universities), while non-EU students face higher but still competitive rates compared to Western European or North American institutions.

Finding a Family Home in Greece

Educational and healthcare considerations often dictate where expatriate families choose to settle in Greece. For those prioritizing international schools and specialized healthcare, Athens and Thessaloniki offer the most comprehensive options.

Athens, particularly its northern suburbs like Kifisia, Psychiko, and Glyfada, hosts numerous international schools and private healthcare facilities. These areas feature family-friendly amenities alongside houses for sale in Athens with gardens and pools—rare commodities in the densely-packed city center.

Thessaloniki offers a more manageable urban environment with a growing international community, while islands like Crete and Rhodes have developed enough infrastructure to support year-round expatriate families, particularly those working remotely.

Housing options range from traditional stone homes in historic neighborhoods to modern apartments and suburban villas. Property purchase by foreigners is straightforward, though non-EU citizens should be aware of restrictions in certain border regions and islands for security reasons.

Real Expat Experiences: Case Studies

The Johnson Family: Full Integration Approach

When Canadian educators Michael and Sarah Johnson moved to Heraklion, Crete with their two children (ages 7 and 10), they made the bold choice to fully integrate into the Greek public system. “We wanted authenticity over convenience,” explains Sarah. “The first six months were admittedly tough. Our children received three hours of weekly after-school Greek tutoring, which accelerated their adaptation.”

For healthcare, the Johnsons registered with the public system but maintained international insurance for emergencies. “We’ve found local public healthcare surprisingly efficient for routine needs, though we travel to Athens for annual specialist check-ups our youngest needs for a minor heart condition.”

Three years later, both children are fluent Greek speakers who have formed deep friendships with local peers. The family pays approximately €3,500 annually for supplemental health insurance while enjoying free public education.

The Meyer Family: International Pathway

German executives Claudia and Thomas Meyer relocated to Athens for a four-year assignment with their teenagers (ages 14 and 16). Prioritizing educational continuity, they enrolled their children in the German School of Athens.

“The transition was nearly seamless academically,” notes Thomas. “Our children continued their German curriculum while adding Greek language classes. This approach maintained their educational trajectory for university in Germany while still providing cultural exposure.”

The Meyers purchased comprehensive family health insurance (approximately €6,000 annually) and primarily use private healthcare facilities. “The concierge service through our insurance has been invaluable—they coordinate appointments with English-speaking doctors and handle translation of medical records.”

Their experience demonstrates how families anticipating a time-limited stay might prioritize continuity and convenience, albeit at higher financial cost.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Expatriate families in Greece typically encounter several recurring challenges:

Language Barriers

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and international settings, administrative processes and many healthcare interactions occur primarily in Greek.

Practical Solutions:

• Invest in family language classes before and after arrival
• Use translation applications like Google Translate’s camera feature for documents
• Build relationships with bilingual locals who can assist with important matters
• Hire professional translators for critical healthcare consultations or legal meetings

Bureaucratic Complexity

Greece’s administrative systems can involve complicated paperwork and processes that seem contradictory to newcomers.

Practical Solutions:

• Connect with expatriate groups online for current guidance (Facebook groups like “Expats in Greece” offer valuable peer advice)
• Consider hiring a relocation consultant for the initial setup period
• Prepare document portfolios for each family member with notarized translations of essential records
• Schedule appointments through KEP (Citizens’ Service Centers) when possible, as they often provide more streamlined service

Remember that administrative procedures may require multiple visits and considerable patience. The concept of “σιγά-σιγά” (slowly-slowly) reflects a cultural approach to processes that differs from the efficiency-focused systems many expatriates are accustomed to.

Your Greek Journey: Practical Next Steps

Establishing your family in Greece requires thoughtful planning, but offers remarkable rewards. The combination of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and strong family-oriented values creates an environment where many expatriate families thrive. To maximize your family’s transition success, consider this practical roadmap:

6-12 Months Before Relocation:

• Research and shortlist potential schools based on your children’s needs and your expected location
• Investigate health insurance options and understand how your existing coverage translates to Greece
• Begin basic Greek language learning as a family (even simple greetings will be appreciated)
• Research residency permit requirements and begin organizing necessary documentation

3-6 Months Before Relocation:

• Schedule virtual tours or in-person visits to potential schools and neighborhoods
• Secure health insurance that will be valid from your arrival date
• Gather and translate essential documents (birth certificates, vaccination records, academic transcripts)
• Connect with expatriate communities online to ask specific questions about your destination

Upon Arrival in Greece:

• Register for tax numbers (AFM) and social security numbers (AMKA) promptly
• Complete school enrollment processes in person
• Identify your local healthcare providers and register with the system
• Join local groups (school parent associations, sports clubs, language exchange meetups) to build your support network

The intersection of healthcare and education forms the foundation of successful family life in Greece. While navigating these systems requires initial effort, most expatriate families report that the Mediterranean lifestyle and rich cultural experience more than compensate for the administrative challenges.

As you embark on this journey, remember that flexibility and cultural openness will serve your family well. Greece’s greatest treasures—its warm people, rich traditions, and family-centered values—become most accessible to those willing to adapt and integrate.

What aspects of Greek family life are you most looking forward to experiencing? How might your family’s transition to Greece become not just a relocation, but an opportunity for meaningful growth and cultural enrichment?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to speak Greek to attend public schools in Greece?

No, Greek language proficiency is not a prerequisite for enrollment in public schools. Many schools offer reception classes (Τάξεις Υποδοχής) specifically designed to support non-Greek speaking students. However, instruction will be primarily in Greek, so children typically require 3-6 months to develop basic communicative abilities. Many expatriate families arrange additional language tutoring to accelerate this process. Schools in areas with larger expatriate populations may have more resources for linguistic integration.

How does healthcare coverage work for digital nomads or temporary residents in Greece?

Digital nomads and temporary residents typically cannot access the public healthcare system without formal residency status and AMKA numbers. If you’re staying for less than 90 days as an EU citizen, the European Health Insurance Card provides basic coverage. For longer stays or non-EU citizens, comprehensive private health insurance is essential and often required for visa approval. Several insurers offer specific “digital nomad” policies that cover healthcare in multiple countries. The Greek government has recently introduced a digital nomad visa program that includes specific insurance requirements.

What are the main differences between real estate options in Athens versus Greek islands for families?

Athens offers greater proximity to international schools and specialized healthcare facilities, with northern suburbs providing family-friendly amenities and larger properties. Housing in Athens ranges from neoclassical apartments to modern suburban developments with more space. Island properties typically offer better value per square meter and often feature outdoor space, but access to international education and specialized healthcare may require travel to the mainland. Year-round island living works best on larger islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Corfu, which maintain consistent services outside tourist seasons. Consider seasonal changes carefully—islands that feel perfectly sized in summer may have limited resources during winter months.

Article reviewed by Devon Bergnaum, Residential Property Consultant | Helping Clients Find Dream Homes, on April 29, 2025