Athens Health & Safety

Posted on April | 4th | 2008

Posted by admin

Medical

Tap water in Athens is considered safe to drink.

Medical facilities are adequate but expect long waits at surgeries and hospitals to receive treatment. A reciprocal agreement with all European Union member states means that emergency medical and dental treatment is free for all EU citizens and those from Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland on presentation of a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, which replaces form E111 as of January 1, 2006). If you do not already have a EHIC, applications can be made through the post office or department of health in your country. Greece also offers reciprocal healthcare agreements with other European countries. You should check before travelling as to whether any such agreement exisits between your country of origin and Greece.

You will have to pay 25% of prescription costs. You can be refunded for some of this cost but the system is poorly implemented in Greece, and you may face long waits for monies you are owed. It is always advisable to take out travel insurance for additional cover and to pay for any protracted medical treatment, or treatment considered non-urgent, for which you will be liable for the full costs.

To find out where you nearest hospital or clinic is, Tel: 1434. To locate your nearest pharmacy or find out which ones are open Tel: 1434. Alternatively, each pharmacy will display a list of pharmacies that are open out-of-hours.

For advice on medical treatment, call the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers, Tel: +30 210-381-6404.

Hospital treatment can be received at:

Alexandra Hospital
Vas. Sofias 80
Tel: +30 210-338-1100

In an emergency, the tourist police (Tel: 171) can provide details of the nearest medical services, or phone the tourist Information hotline on Tel: 174.

Personal Safety

Incidents of pickpocketing, especially at busy tourist sites and public transport are widespread and can cause a problem for tourists. Ensure that you keep your personal belongings safe at all times and secure your passport and valuables in a hotel safe during your stay. Do not carry any valuables such as your wallet or passport in your back pocket.

You should be wary of walking around the old town alone after dark and should avoid the Piraeus area (away from the well-lit nightspots in the district) at night. It’s traditionally one of the roughest parts of the city. Do not engage in any bargaining for “genuine” antiquities. Firstly it is unlikely that the artefact is genuine and you’ll undoubtedly end up being cheated. If the artefact is genuine you’re going to get in even more trouble, as the sale and purchase of such objects is illegal.

The tourist police office in Athens is located at:

Veikou 43-45, Koukaki
Tel: +30 210-920-0730

Emergency Numbers

Police

Ambulance

Fire