Access to healthcare in Greece: guide for Afghan refugees

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right in Greece. Refugees, migrants and asylum seekers can receive free or very low-cost care in public hospitals and health centres.

This guide explains how to obtain a health number (PAAYPA / AMKA), where to go to see a doctor, how to access medicines, and which organisations can support you.

AMKA and PAAYPA: your health number

To be treated in the Greek healthcare system, you must have a unique health number.

PAAYPA (for asylum seekers)

This temporary number is given when you register your asylum application. It allows you to:

  • go to the hospital
  • get prescriptions
  • have medical examinations
  • vaccinate children

AMKA (for recognised refugees and beneficiaries of protection)

This permanent number is required for:

  • specialist consultations
  • regular treatments
  • access to pharmacies
  • certain administrative procedures (insurance, employment, etc.)

Where can you request or update your number?

You can contact:

  • a KEP centre (ΚΕΠ) – Citizen Service Centres
  • the Asylum Service
  • NGOs such as GCR, SolidarityNow, UNHCR, METAdrasi.

2. Where can you receive medical care?

Public hospitals (Δημόσια Νοσοκομεία)

Free or low-cost consultations. Possible services include:

  • emergency care
  • gynaecology
  • paediatrics
  • radiology
  • specialists

Tip: arrive early, bring your documents (PAAYPA / AMKA, asylum card, etc.) and expect to wait.

Health centres (Κέντρα Υγείας)

These are suitable for:

  • quick consultations
  • renewing prescriptions
  • vaccinations
  • paediatric follow-up

Waiting times are often shorter than in hospitals.

Free social clinics (Κοινωνικά Ιατρεία)

Created for people in vulnerable situations, they offer:

  • basic healthcare
  • gynaecology
  • general medicine
  • dispensing urgent medicines

Medical NGOs

Several organisations provide free care or support:

  • Médecins du Monde (MdM)
  • PRAKSIS ;
  • SolidarityNow (social centres)
  • METAdrasi (psychological support, mediation)
  • Greek Council for Refugees (GCR)

Possible services:

  • general practitioner
  • psychologist
  • gynaecology
  • paediatrics
  • medical orientation
  • social support

3. Vaccinations, children and school health

Children’s vaccinations are free in the public health system. Even without a vaccination booklet, the hospital can create a new one.

Greek schools may ask for proof of vaccination, but they cannot refuse a child if your medical file is still being updated. If you are unsure, ask a doctor or an NGO for help.

4. Mental health and psychological support

Afghan refugees have often experienced difficult situations (war, exile, family separation). In Greece, it is possible to receive psychological support.

Available services

  • psychologists and psychiatrists in public hospitals
  • mental health centers
  • NGOs: SolidarityNow, MdM, GCR, METAdrasi
  • interpreters or cultural mediators (depending on availability)

Appointments can sometimes be offered in:

  • Greek
  • English
  • Dari / Farsi (through NGOs or interpreters)

5. Medicines and pharmacies

Pharmacies (Φαρμακείο) provide the medicines prescribed by a doctor.

With a PAAYPA or AMKA:

  • some medicines are very low cost
  • some treatments may be free, depending on your status

The pharmacist can:

  • explain how to take your treatment
  • give simple health advice
  • direct you to a doctor if needed

Practical tips

  • Always keep your AMKA or PAAYPA number with you.
  • Bring your medical documents to every appointment (prescriptions, results, vaccination booklet).
  • In a life-threatening emergency, call 166 or go directly to the emergency department.
  • Write down your appointments and exams so you don’t miss them.
  • Ask for an interpreter if you don’t understand the explanations given.

Summary

The Greek healthcare system offers broad and often free access to asylum seekers and refugees. With a PAAYPA or an AMKA, you can: see doctors obtain medicines vaccinate your children access psychological support be supported by specialised NGOs

If you need help accessing healthcare, you can contact us via the “Contact & Participation” website.