Guidance

Mental health support for British nationals in Greece

Updated 27 March 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/greece-mental-health-support-abroad/mental-health-support-for-british-nationals-in-greece

Disclaimer

The information contained in this note is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. While all due care has been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed and the applicable law and procedures may occasionally change. For these reasons, neither His Majesty’s Government nor any member of the British Consular staff can accept liability for any costs, damages or expenses which might be incurred.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK Government Departments and public authorities.

How the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) can assist you to access help with your mental health and wellbeing

Whenever possible we will seek your permission before taking any action on your behalf.

The FCDO can:

  • discuss with you and help you consider your options
  • help you contact friends, family and/or other support network
  • talk to your travel representative or travel insurance company
  • try to help you find support and advice where you are and give information about local medical facilities and medication suppliers
  • help you find information on any local charities or NGOs, or UK organisations you can contact from overseas, if you need emotional support
  • visit you in hospital or prison, if relevant, in line with our standard procedures
  • help medical staff overseas contact medical staff in the UK who may be able to provide advice on your medical history
  • raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare with the responsible authority (such as a hospital), if relevant

The FCDO cannot:

  • give you medical advice
  • buy or supply medication
  • withhold or remove a passport
  • require you to return to the UK
  • under normal circumstances pay for you to return to the UK
  • under normal circumstances pay for food, accommodation or medical bills
  • get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people

More information on what the FCDO can do more generally if you need assistance is in the Support for British nationals abroad: a guide.

What to do if you need help

Emergencies

In an emergency, you can:

  • call 112 for emergency services and ask for a doctor or an ambulance If calling from a local number, you can call 100 for the police and explain the situation, as police intervention might be needed together with ambulance services; or

  • go to the nearest hospital emergency ward (“epigonta” in Greek: “επείγοντα”). You may be asked to provide some medical background, such as previous mental health history and medication, to assist with assessment and treatment

Less urgent care

Living in Greece

In order to receive non-urgent treatment you will need to have valid health insurance through registering with the Greek national organisation for healthcare services provision (EOPYY). Mental health services and resources in Greece are organised in various types of mental health units (M.PS.Y. - monades psihikis ygeias, in Greek: “Μονάδες Ψυχικής Υγείας”). The facilities and services may vary in different areas of Greece.

More information on how to access public health care in Greece can be found here.

You may be asked to provide some medical background, such as previous mental health history and medication, to assist with assessment and treatment.

If you are registered with EOPPY, you can make an appointment to see an EOPPY doctor and discuss your condition. If necessary, they will prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist at one of the mental health units.

Visiting Greece

If you are visiting Greece and need to see a doctor because you feel unwell or need a repeat prescription, you can do so by visiting a local state hospital or state health centre (“kentro ygeias” in Greek “κέντρο υγείας”). You can get state healthcare when you are on holiday or travelling to Greece.

If you cannot get state healthcare coverage, you will need to pay for treatment in full.

It is important to also have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes healthcare cover for your condition before you travel.

You may also wish to visit a private doctor – please see list of English-speaking doctors in different areas of Greece.

Prescriptions

If you are on holiday or have recently moved to Greece and need a repeat or replacement prescription, you can contact a local state or private doctor. More information on how to access public health care in Greece can be found here.

Carrying a copy of your prescription can help doctors to find the same or similar medication. You must check your prescriptions are legal in Greece.

The Greek government has introduced a platform for ordering prescriptions online, for those registered with the Greek health system. Read a step by step guide here on how to access the service (some information in Greek). This platform is only accessible within Greece.

Involuntary hospitalisation

People with mental health needs and diagnosed mental health disorders may be hospitalised and detained at a psychiatric hospital or clinic without their consent. This is comparable to the UK’s “sectioning” procedure, but there are also significant differences in process and law.

According to Greek law, the only authority that can order an involuntary hospitalisation of a person is the Public Prosecutor in each area. In order for this to happen:

  • a member of the family or someone in the close environment of the person with the mental health needs submits a request at the Public Prosecutor’s office
  • the Public Prosecutor orders an initial assessment to be carried out and signed by two state psychiatrists in a public hospital
  • based on this assessment, the Public Prosecutor may order the involuntary hospitalisation of the person in a psychiatric state hospital or clinic. An involuntary hospitalisation does not exceed 3 months, without a further assessment by the hospital doctors.

The criteria of involuntary hospitalisation are described in Greek law. They must all apply for this decision to be taken into consideration.

In order for a person to be hospitalised without their consent, they must:

  • be suffering from a mental health disorder without access to appropriate medical care and medication
  • not be able to decide in the best interest of his/her own health
  • run the risk of not receiving treatment or have his/her condition worsened if they are not hospitalised
  • be prevented from acts of violence against him/herself or others

It is common for the Police to be involved to assist in the transfer of a person with mental health needs to a state hospital. Once admitted, the patient is assigned a psychiatrist who will make decisions about assessment, treatment, discharge and ongoing care. The cost of involuntary hospitalisations is covered by the Greek state.

Guardianship

If you live in Greece and the Greek health authorities decide you are unable to care for yourself due to poor health and lack of mental or physical capacity, the court may appoint a legal guardian (curator) to look after your interests.

Following appropriate mental and physical evaluation, the local Greek magistrate will usually try to appoint someone close to you, a spouse or other family member. If this is not possible due to absence of a family environment, an order will be issued to a community social service department to investigate what the most suitable solution for your care is.

Returning to the UK

Your travel insurance company may cover repatriation costs, if you have a valid claim. Neither the Greek nor British authorities can fund repatriation, but hospitals might help with the arrangements. We can help you contact travel care services at UK airports who may be able to support you on return to the UK. See medical repatriation companies in the UK for more information on specific medical repatriations.

Additional information

UK help and services in Greece

If you need urgent help, please contact us on +30 210 7272 600 (available 24/7).

If you need advice, you can use our contact form to send us your enquiry.

Information about the services you can access if you are visiting, studying, working or living in Greece can be found here.

GHIC and how to apply

Emergency care is covered in state hospitals in Greece with a UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Greek nationals.

Read more information on the GHIC and how to apply for one. If you do not have a GHIC but are receiving or have received emergency treatment in the EU, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

Support in the UK

Support in Greece

24hr Helplines in Greece

Back to top