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Health · Greece
Updated September 2026

👨‍⚕️ I cannot find a family doctor who takes new patients — who helps?

Direct answer

GP shortages are real in most of Europe, but you are entitled to primary care, and someone is responsible for finding it. Start with ΕΟΠΥΥ / Προσωπικός Ιατρός (ΕΣΥ) (1557) — your health insurer or the public health service — which keeps the list of practices accepting patients and in many countries must assign you one if you cannot find one. Συνήγορος του Πολίτη — Κύκλος Υγείας (213 1306600) is the official practice finder and advice line. If nothing works, Δήμος — Δημοτική Αστυνομία / ΚΕΠ (1500) has a duty to ensure care in the area and can intervene.

Call firstΕΟΠΥΥ / Προσωπικός Ιατρός (ΕΣΥ)
Report toΣυνήγορος του Πολίτη — Κύκλος Υγείας
If that failsΔήμος — Δημοτική Αστυνομία / ΚΕΠ

🗣️ What to say

"I live at [address] and have been unable to register with a family doctor: [practices] have refused because they are full. I ask you to assign me a practice or to tell me which practices in my area are obliged to accept me."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Use the official finderΣυνήγορος του Πολίτη — Κύκλος Υγείας lists practices with open lists; call in the morning, ask to be put on the waiting list.
  2. Ask the insurer: ΕΟΠΥΥ / Προσωπικός Ιατρός (ΕΣΥ)Many insurers must find you a doctor within a set distance or time; put the request in writing.
  3. Urgent care meanwhileOut-of-hours services and walk-in clinics do not require registration; pharmacies handle minor issues.
  4. Municipality: Δήμος — Δημοτική Αστυνομία / ΚΕΠLocal authorities that fund practices can lean on them; a written request often works.
  5. Register the day a spot opensBring ID, insurance card and, if you have it, your previous records.

📇 All contacts

ΕΟΠΥΥ / Προσωπικός Ιατρός (ΕΣΥ)Personal doctor, coverage, complaintsFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 1557🔗 www.eopyy.gov.gr
Συνήγορος του Πολίτη — Κύκλος ΥγείαςIndependent investigation of complaints about public hospitalsWhen the hospital's office does not respond📞 213 1306600🔗 www.synigoros.gr
Δήμος — Δημοτική Αστυνομία / ΚΕΠNuisances, roads, waste, certificates, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles📞 1500🔗 www.kep.gov.gr
Νομική Βοήθεια (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος)Free lawyer for low incomesWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.dsa.gr

❓ Frequently asked

I am new to the country and not yet insured

Emergency care is always given. Register with the insurer first — the insurance card is what practices ask for.

Can a practice refuse me?

Only for capacity reasons, not because of your condition or origin. A refusal for another reason is a complaint to Δήμος — Δημοτική Αστυνομία / ΚΕΠ or the equality body.

Can I see a specialist without a GP?

In most countries a referral is needed for reimbursement; the insurer explains the exceptions (eye, dental, gynaecology).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “find gp accepting new patients Greece”
  • “no family doctor what to do”
  • “register with doctor Greece”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

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