🛡️ The Situation

Greece has made significant legal and medical progress — PrEP is reimbursed, Mpox vaccination is available, and the Checkpoint network provides excellent, stigma-free care. The context still matters: Greek public healthcare can be conservative, and knowing which doors to walk through — and which to avoid — makes a real difference.

⚖️ The Golden Rules

1. Start at Ath Checkpoint (or Thess Checkpoint)

Ath Checkpoint (mycheckpoint.gr) is the most reliably gay-affirming, experienced, and practical first point of contact for sexual health in Greece. They offer rapid HIV testing, referrals to the right doctors, knowledge of who in the public system is gay-friendly, and support navigating the healthcare system. If you don't know where to start, start here.

2. Know Your AMKA

Your AMKA (Greek social security number) unlocks free PrEP, free EOPYY healthcare, and covered vaccinations. If you live in Greece and don't have one yet, getting one is the single most important administrative task for your healthcare. Without it, you pay privately — which is still possible, but more expensive. The EOPYY public health system covers those who are employed or insured in Greece. Registration for foreigners depends on citizenship:

  • EU/EEA Citizens: If working in Greece, you must register with e-EFKA to get your AMKA. If visiting temporarily, you do not need an AMKA and can use your EHIC card at public facilities.
  • Non-EU Citizens: You must obtain a legal residence permit (e.g., for work) before you can apply for an AMKA and access EOPYY. Some visas (like digital nomad) require private health insurance and do not automatically grant public system access.

National Health Hotlines: Greece does not have a single general non-emergency medical hotline. For public health threats or infectious diseases, contact the EODY operations center at +30 210 5212054. For medical emergencies, dial +30 112 or +30 166 (Ambulance). To book appointments at public hospitals, call +30 1535 (requires AMKA).

3. Syggros for Emergencies

Andreas Syggros Hospital is the primary public hospital for sexual health emergencies in Athens — PEP, STI treatment requiring specialist care. For everything routine, Ath Checkpoint is better. For emergencies or treatment, Syggros is the destination.

⚖️ The Reality of the System

  • Excellent, stigma-free care and navigation available through the Checkpoint network.
  • PrEP and vaccinations are reimbursed for those with an AMKA.
  • The public healthcare system can be conservative and less affirming outside of specific clinics.
  • Non-EU citizens without an AMKA face higher barriers and out-of-pocket costs to access care.

💬 Anonymous Partner Notification

If you test positive for an STI and absolutely cannot face the direct message (e.g., safety concerns, extreme anxiety), you must still ensure partners are warned.

Greece does not currently have a centralized, public anonymous notification portal. The most effective route is to ask the clinic or doctor who diagnosed you to assist; many local sexual health units or NGOs can facilitate confidential partner notification on your behalf without revealing your identity. It's always better than silence.

🗺️ Guide Map

Testing & Clinics

Prevention

Emergencies & Support

Result Management

Support & System