The number of registered beneficiaries in Cyprus’ General Healthcare System reached 1,036,681 in its seventh year of operation, according to figures released by the Health Insurance Organisation.
In a statement marking seven years since the launch of the system, the organisation said the data showed broad use of healthcare services and a gradual shift towards a new phase focused on quality, efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Between June 2025 and May 2026, a total of 839,955 beneficiaries visited their personal doctors, 676,458 visited specialist doctors, 541,456 underwent laboratory tests and 335,380 used services provided by radiology and diagnostic centres.
A further 726,044 beneficiaries received medicines or medical devices through pharmacies participating in the system, while more than 90,000 surgical procedures were carried out.
The organisation also said more than 900 requests for patients to receive treatment abroad were assessed, of which more than 450 concerned beneficiaries who have already received or are currently receiving healthcare services outside Cyprus.
New medicines and expanded services
During the seventh year of operation, 120 new innovative medicines were added to the system, while 105 additional innovative treatments were introduced or treatment protocols were revised to cover more categories of patients.
The system also added 230 new innovative or equivalent medical devices, while one more hospital joined its network.
The organisation said progress had also been made in the reimbursement process for cross-border healthcare, as well as in expanding coverage for physiotherapy services. Consultations are also under way for the full inclusion of occupational therapy and counselling psychologists in the system.
Focus on quality and oversight
The Health Insurance Organisation said improving the quality of services remained a top priority. It said the link between provider remuneration and quality performance indicators had been expanded, while new clinical guidelines for hypertension and osteoarthritis had been fully implemented.
Registers for chronic patients were also strengthened, with the most recent addition covering patients with multiple sclerosis. The system’s IT platform was also upgraded with new functions for beneficiaries.
In terms of oversight, the organisation said around 850,000 checks were carried out on compensation claims worth a total of €180 million. These checks identified issues in claims worth €19 million, which were recovered through offsets and adjustments.
The IT system itself also prevented the submission of 2.2 million incorrect claims worth more than €200 million. In 46 cases, fines totalling €200,000 were imposed, while one case was referred to the Police.
Sustainability secured until 2033
On the financial side, the organisation said the fourth actuarial study by the International Labour Organization confirmed the sustainability of the health fund until 2033.
Based on unaudited financial statements for 2025, the fund’s reserves stood at €787 million, covering around 4.8 months of expenditure. The organisation said this was well above international best practice, which provides for reserves covering three months.
Health Insurance Organisation Director General Ifigeneia Kammitsi said that seven years after its launch, the system was now “maturing and stabilising”.
She said the organisation’s priority was its targeted development, through systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of services and the implementation of necessary improvements.
Kammitsi added that the organisation was continuing to examine the inclusion of new services and providers on the basis of their real added value for beneficiaries, with the aim of maintaining a modern, people-centred healthcare system.
Health Insurance Organisation Board Chairman Stavros Michael described the General Healthcare System as one of Cyprus’ most important social achievements.
He said its new phase of development required responsibility, consistency and continuous adaptation to emerging needs and challenges.
The organisation said the system would continue to evolve through targeted interventions and reforms, while remaining committed to universal access, equality and social solidarity.
Source: CNA
