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Do Bangladeshi Expats Get Free Healthcare in Greece?

Do Bangladeshi Expats Get Free Healthcare in Greece?

01 Jul 2025


Greece has become a second home for many Bangladeshi immigrants, students, and workers. While the country offers scenic beauty and economic opportunities, expats often worry about accessing healthcare without incurring significant costs. This becomes especially important when you’re juggling local expenses while continuing to send money to Bangladesh from Greece on a regular basis.  
In this article, you’ll get clarity on whether Bangladeshi expats receive free healthcare in Greece, what healthcare options are available, and how to balance your medical and financial responsibilities. Additionally, you’ll learn how to send money online to Bangladesh from Greece in the most affordable and secure way.

 

Healthcare in Greece

According to Statista, the health insurance market in Greece is projected to reach a gross written premium of US$348.38 million by 2025, with an average per capita spending of US$33.94. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.70%, reaching US$418.60 million by 2029. Greece operates a hybrid healthcare system with both public and private options. However, not every expat is entitled to free access by default. It largely depends on your legal status and the documentation you have.

 

Public vs Private Healthcare?

Greece’s public system, ESY (Ethniko Systima Ygeias), offers free or low-cost services. To use this system, expatriates must have legal residency and an AMKA number (similar to a Social Security ID). On the other hand, private healthcare offers faster and more personalized services but at a significantly higher cost. This is usually the only option for undocumented or recently arrived Bangladeshi expats until they obtain legal status.

 

Key Facts for Bangladeshi Expats

  • Only legal residents with an AMKA can use the public system at subsidized or no cost.
  • Emergency care is free for everyone, regardless of immigration status.
  • Undocumented workers must rely on private care or NGOs.
  • Maternity services, vaccinations, and chronic disease management are covered under ESY for those with AMKA.
  • Interpretation services may be available at larger hospitals, which helps non-Greek speakers.

 

How to Get AMKA

Getting an AMKA number is the first step toward accessing affordable healthcare. You can apply at any KEP (Citizen Service Centre) by providing:

  • Passport or residence card
  • Proof of employment or insurance
  • Valid Greek address  
     

Challenges Bangladeshi Expats Face! 

Healthcare access is often not as simple as holding the right documents. Language barriers, administrative delays, and limited cultural support create ongoing obstacles.

 

Language, Paperwork, and Long Queues

One of the biggest hurdles for Bangladeshi expats is language. Most public hospital staff speak Greek, and translations are rarely available. Additionally, long queues and slow appointment scheduling deter people from using public services, even if they're eligible.  
This leads many to opt for expensive private healthcare, which can eat into the money meant for their families in Bangladesh.

 

Are You Legally Covered or Left Behind?

Even those who are legally working often wait months to complete healthcare registration or face delays in AMKA issuance. This puts them at risk of paying full out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, lab tests, or emergency procedures, especially tough when you need to send money from Greece to Bangladesh regularly.

 

Real Struggles Expats Face

  • Communication issues with doctors and staff
  • Private healthcare bills ranging from €30–€100 per visit
  • Wait times for surgeries or specialist visits are stretching to months
  • Mental stress due to the complexity of the system
  • No access to Bangla-speaking support staff or counselors

 

Stay Healthy and Financially Secure 

Balancing health and finances isn’t easy as an expat, but it’s possible with the right strategies. Here’s how Bangladeshi immigrants in Greece can manage their healthcare needs while continuing their online money transfer from Greece to Bangladesh.

 

 

 

Get Health Insurance Before You Need It

Don’t wait for a medical emergency to think about health insurance. Even a basic private insurance plan can save you thousands of euros in case of illness. It offers faster service and better communication, helping you stay healthy without draining funds meant for your loved ones in Bangladesh. Adjusting to a new culture can be overwhelming, but it’s essential for your well-being abroad. 

 

Use Public Health Services When You Can

Once you obtain AMKA, take full advantage of:

  • Free or subsidized general practitioner visits
  • Vaccinations and routine checks
  • Discounted medication through public pharmacies  
    While public hospitals may experience delays, they provide essential care that helps reduce medical expenses.  
     

Stay Healthy and Keep Sending Money

You can use ACE Money Transfer to send money to Bangladesh online from Greece at competitive exchange rates, making it a convenient and cost-effective option. For your well-being, consider visiting local pharmacies or clinics that offer free health checks—many communities provide basic screenings at no cost. 

Additionally, consider seeking help from NGOs that support immigrants; they often provide guidance on accessing healthcare and other social services. To safeguard yourself further, compare private insurance packages to find the best deal that suits your budget and needs. Finally, make smart lifestyle choices—eat healthy, exercise regularly, and avoid unnecessary health expenses—to reduce your dependency on medical services in the first place.

 

Take Control of Your Health 

Greece offers pathways to affordable healthcare, but Bangladeshi expats must navigate the system smartly. Start by obtaining an AMKA, explore insurance options, and avoid unnecessary spending on private services. Every euro saved on medical expenses is a euro that can go to your family.

Whether you’re a student, worker, or new immigrant, managing your health well ensures you can continue to send money to Bangladesh from Greece regularly, safely, and with peace of mind. If you're already doing your part abroad, let ACE Money Transfer do theirs—providing fast, secure, and low-cost remittance solutions from Greece to Bangladesh. Start today. Stay healthy. Stay connected.

 

FAQs

Do I need legal status to access healthcare in Greece?

Yes, to access Greece’s public healthcare system (ESY), you must have legal residency and an AMKA number. Emergency care, however, is available to everyone.

Can Bangladeshi students in Greece get free healthcare?

Students with legal status and an AMKA can access public healthcare services. Some universities also offer private student insurance that covers basic health needs.

What happens if I visit a hospital without AMKA?

You may be required to pay the full cost of services if you don’t have an AMKA. For emergencies, you will receive treatment, but follow-up care may require payment.

What’s the best way to send money to Bangladesh from Greece?

The best way is to use a reliable platform like ACE Money Transfer, which offers secure, fast, and affordable money transfer from Greece to Bangladesh.

Can I use ACE Money Transfer on my mobile phone?

Yes, ACE offers a user-friendly mobile app and website, enabling you to send money online from Greece to Bangladesh at any time, from anywhere, with just a few taps.


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