Cyprus ...
Cyprus streamlines reimbursement for overseas treatment
The Republic of Cyprus’s Cabinet (Council of Ministers) has approved a new policy under which patients, and in certain cases their companions, who are referred abroad for medical treatment will benefit from significantly streamlined reimbursement procedures.
The requirement to provide three flight quotations has been removed, making travel logistics quicker and less burdensome.
Patients now only need to submit their latest tax return or salary certificate to confirm income, instead of more complex paperwork.
For flights, economy‐class tickets will be reimbursed based on receipts. For accommodation, in cases where proof isn’t provided, a flat rate (18% of the standard rate) will apply.
Crucially, reimbursement applies only if the treatment in question cannot be provided by the local public healthcare system (under the national healthcare scheme, GeSY).
The changes take effect immediately for applications submitted from the approval date, there is no retroactive effect.
This move comes at a time when Cyprus’s public health system is under pressure: delays, capacity constraints and referrals abroad have been ongoing challenges. A recent report noted significant delays in approvals for patients and their companions seeking care overseas, and the move to simplify should reduce bureaucratic friction.
However, some caveats remain. The benefit only applies when the service is unavailable or not timely in Cyprus, so patients still need to undergo prior authorisation and justification. Although the policy is simpler, actual execution (e.g., timely reimbursement after treatment) remains to be tested, given past backlog issues with companion allowances and overseas referrals.
This is a significant and positive reform for Cyprus’s healthcare-landscape. Simplifying cross-border treatment reimbursement addresses a real pain point for patients who need services not available locally, making such journeys less cumbersome and financially risky. From a patient’s perspective, removing redundant travel quotations and easing income proof is genuinely helpful. It signals that the government recognises the stress and administrative burden placed on people in vulnerable health situations and is willing to act.
On the other hand, the reform is only as good as the implementation. If payments remain delayed, or if the ability to access foreign treatment is still blocked by hidden criteria or long waiting lists, patients may not feel the benefit. Moreover, it doesn’t address the root cause: why so many patients still need to go abroad. For long-term sustainability, Cyprus must continue to invest in high-end treatments, diagnostics and medical infrastructure locally under the GeSY umbrella.
In my view: This reform is the right step. But it should be paired with stronger efforts to build local capacity and reduce the need for cross-border referrals. If Cyprus can both ease access and also ramp up domestic capability, patients win twice: easier treatment abroad when needed, and better care at home over time.
Market Cyprus - News Service
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