How to See a Doctor in Greece as a Tourist

While Greece doesn’t have a formal, widespread “urgent care” clinic model like you might find in the U.S., several practical alternatives serve the same purpose:

• Public Hospital Emergency Departments (EDs): These are the backbone of urgent care in Greece, open 24/7 and equipped to handle everything from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Tourists can go directly to the ER, where patients are triaged based on urgency. Expect longer wait times especially for non-critical situations unless systems like the newly introduced QR-code wristband prioritize care efficiently. This is said to have cut down waiting time from nine to about five hours, thanks to this system.
  • Pros for tourists: Always open and widely available, affordable (or free with EHIC for EU citizens).
  • Cons for tourists: Long waits for non-critical issues, English not always guaranteed, and hospitals can feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the system.
• Private Mobile Clinics & Home Visits: In tourist-heavy areas and large cities, doctors can come directly to your hotel, Airbnb, or residence for urgent needs.
  • Pros for tourists: Convenient (no need to navigate hospitals), often English-speaking, faster access than public care.
  • Cons for tourists: More expensive, and availability may be limited in rural areas or smaller islands.
• Telemedicine & Online Platforms: Greece has embraced e-health, with telemedicine providers offering quick online consultations and electronic prescriptions that can be filled at any pharmacy. This is a great option for minor illnesses, medication refills, and if you’re in need of quick electronic prescriptions.
  • Pros for tourists: Easy to access from anywhere, useful for simple illnesses or prescription refills, often available in English.
  • Cons for tourists: Not an option for urgent physical exams, tests, or injuries; requires internet and some comfort with digital tools.
• Urgent Care Centers (limited in number): A small but growing number of centers provide non-emergency but same-day care, mostly in urban hubs.
  • Pros for tourists: Shorter waits than hospitals, more focused on immediate but non-life-threatening needs, some geared toward international patients.
  • Cons for tourists: Very limited in number—hard to find outside big cities; not a guaranteed option everywhere.

In essence, Greece’s urgent care system may not mirror the typical urgent care center model, but between public ERs, private on-demand services, and telemedicine, you’ll find flexible, reliable ways to get care quickly, especially if you’re in a major city or touring frequently visited destinations.

You need to see a licensed doctor, either in a public hospital, private clinic, or through telemedicine, who can issue an electronic prescription. For tourists visiting Greece, securing a prescription is often easy and straightforward, but in some cases, it requires a doctor’s consultation first since most medicines (even common ones like antibiotics) cannot be purchased over the counter.

Greece uses a nationwide electronic prescription (e-prescription) system. Once your doctor issues your prescription, it’s stored digitally and recognized at any pharmacy across the country.

Here’s what you need to know:

• See a doctor first: Consult a licensed doctor first to obtain a prescription, which you may do through public hospitals, a private clinic, or the more accessible and convenient telemedicine services. Travelers often prefer online platforms because they’re faster and easier to access without navigating the public system. Doctors on Doctorsa can prescribe medication and provide a prescription that you can use at a nearby pharmacy. The prescription is sent to you or directly to your chosen pharmacy within minutes after the consultation. Prescription refills are best handled online since they do not require in-person care, except for restricted drugs like opioids, which necessitate an in-person visit.
• Bring medical documentation: If you’ve already consulted your physician back home, you should present your original packaging, prescription, or a doctor’s note. This helps doctors in Greece confirm your medication, the appropriate dosage, and whether or not it’s available locally because sometimes, brand names differ.
• E-Prescription system: After prescriptions are entered electronically into the national system, you’ll receive a barcode or prescription code (via SMS, printout, or email). You can then present this at any pharmacy nationwide. Pharmacies in Greece are widespread and usually easy to find, even in smaller towns.
• Validity period: Short-term prescriptions like antibiotics or pain medications must be filled within a few days. On the other hand, chronic prescriptions such as those for hypertension and diabetes can sometimes be valid for up to six months. However, for tourists, doctors typically prescribe only what you need for the duration of your stay.