IN VIEW of the delay in introducing a universal public healthcare scheme in Cyprus, Cyprus remains the only EU state that does not offer free healthcare to all its citizens. Due to the strict income criteria for public healthcare eligibility, many Cypriots are ineligible for free care. A large percentage of the population, however, continues to prefer the private sector, based on a general belief that the private sector offers more personalised care, quality service and convenience.
“Cypriots prefer the private sector because they usually want to have a variety of opinions when it comes to medical issues, and also because Cypriots are impatient – when they want something, they want it done now as they don’t like waiting,” explained Nikos Satrazamis of Nicosia’s Apollonio clinic.
“The private sector offers better and more direct, personal care. The quality of service is better and patients avoid the hassle associated with state hospitals,” Satrazamis added.
Private healthcare professionals also claim that private clinics are in a better position to offer the latest, innovative technology. “The private sector is in a position to offer the most up-to-date, innovative technology. Because of the way public hospitals work and the slow pace characteristic of the state system, it is difficult to introduce these innovations with the same speed in the public sector,” said Stelios Georgiou, Laser Technology Engineer at Ofthalmos Laser Centre.
“For example, we are now introducing the latest technology in cataract surgery which came out six months ago. This could not be done by a private hospital because of the way they work and the process they must follow before purchasing new equipment,” Georgiou added.
Specifically, the Ofthalmos Laser Centre is introducing cataract surgery equipment, which only requires an 1.8mm incision instead of the ‘normal’ 2.8mm-3.5mm incision. “This will be the first machine of its kind in Cyprus. Its benefits include quicker healing and recovery time – a patient can have the surgery in the morning and go back to work in the afternoon. It also avoids complications such as the development of astigmatism which may be induced by larger incisions,” Georgiou said.
Others, however, claim that public hospitals are not lacking in technology and equipment, but in the level of care they offer. “In terms of technology, I don’t believe there is a gap between the public and the private sector. The big difference is in the quality of care and the personalised attention afforded to private patients,” said Satrazamis.
Despite the fact that Cypriots prefer private healthcare, a large percentage of the population does not have private medical insurance cover. “In my experience not many of the patients have medical insurance. I would say less than 20-30 per cent have it,” said Georgiou.
“Many of our clients have medical insurance, but not most. It is only in the last few years that people started getting private medical insurance,” added Satrazamis.
“According to the data available, In Cyprus between 2006 and 2007 there was an increase of the number of people who have medical insurance by approximately 16 per cent. The above increase reflects both the need for private insurance coverage as well as the importance of it,” said Stelios Kaparis, Insurance Consultant at ALICO.
“Due to the steadily rising cost of care, however, it is difficult for the average household to make ends meet without a medical insurance scheme. “An accident or an illness may have a significant financial impact and upset the finances of the family and lead sometimes to unexpected consequences. Therefore, private medical insurance coverage is important in order to have access to medical goods and services.
“This applies especially to Cyprus where the public health sector experiences serious problems (which is also the case in many other countries). Private medical insurance provides financial security against the cost of unexpected or serious illness as well as improved accessibility to innovative treatments both in Cyprus and abroad that otherwise would have been impossible due to the high cost associated with most of the treatments,” Kaparis explained.
In addition to covering the cost of treatment abroad, medical insurance schemes now offer patients more options. “Insurance providers in Cyprus have developed a range of medical schemes that provide for medical expenses, for expenses related to an accident as well as compensation allowance due to a disability,” Kaparis said.
