Is Healthcare Good in Northern Cyprus?

🏥When considering moving to or visiting a new country, healthcare is often a top concern.

The good news is that Northern Cyprus offers a reliable and affordable healthcare system, with both public and private options.

🏛 Public Healthcare

Northern Cyprus has a network of state-run hospitals and clinics, primarily located in larger towns such as Nicosia (Lefkoşa), Kyrenia (Girne), and Famagusta (Gazimağusa).

✔️ Pros:

• Free or low-cost care for Turkish Cypriots and residents with work permits

• Emergency services generally well-equipped

• Hospitals are modernizing steadily

⚠️ Things to Know:

• Wait times can be long

• Limited English spoken in some public facilities

🏥 Private Healthcare

Many residents and expats prefer private hospitals and clinics for faster access and English-speaking doctors.

💡 Highlights:

• Affordable compared to the UK, EU, or US

• Walk-in appointments often available

• Clean, modern facilities with up-to-date equipment

• Specialist services in cardiology, dentistry, orthopedics, dermatology, and more

👩‍⚕️ English-Speaking Doctors

In private healthcare settings, English is widely spoken — especially in tourist areas like Kyrenia and Iskele. Some doctors have trained in the UK, Turkey, or other EU countries.

💊 Pharmacies

Pharmacies are plentiful and well-stocked. In fact, many medications that require a prescription elsewhere can be purchased over the counter here.

🕘 Most are open 9 AM – 7 PM (Mon–Sat)🌙 Night pharmacies (nöbetçi eczane) operate in shifts for emergencies

💳 Cost of Healthcare

Here are a few examples:

Service	Typical Cost (Private)
GP consultation	£15 – £30 GBP
Dental cleaning	£25 – £40 GBP
Blood tests	£20 – £50 GBP
Emergency hospital visit	£40 – £100 GBP

🔔 Note: Prices can vary depending on location and clinic.

🛡️ Health Insurance

• Residents: Private health insurance is recommended for full coverage

• Tourists: Travel insurance with medical cover is advisable

• Expats: Some long-term residents opt for pay-as-you-go private care due to affordability

🚑 Emergency Numbers

• Ambulance: 112

• Near East University Hospital (Nicosia): One of the top private hospitals

• Dr. Suat Günsel Hospital (Kyrenia): Highly regarded by expats

✅ Final Word

Northern Cyprus offers good-quality, low-cost healthcare, especially in the private sector. For peace of mind, many foreigners pair local care with private insurance or travel health coverage.

Here are some highly recommended English-speaking clinics and doctors in Northern Cyprus, ideal for expats, tourists, and anyone seeking quality care:

🏥 Major Hospitals & Specialist Clinics

1. Near East University Hospital (Nicosia)– A large, modern teaching hospital with 209 private rooms, advanced diagnostics, and an International Patient Coordination Centre.

   
   

2. Kolan British Hospital (Nicosia & Girne)– Well-equipped, trained English-speaking staff, 24‑hour GP/ambulance services (especially in Girne GP Medical Centre with Dr Güncha Derviş).

   
   

3. Elite / Cyprus Life / Magusa Tip Merkezi (Famagusta)– Popular private hospitals in Famagusta with high standards and English-speaking personnel.

🩺 Recommended GP Clinics & Doctors

• UNIC Medical Centre (Nicosia) Called out by a Reddit user for being “responsive” and fully part of GESY. 

  
  

• Dr V. Atamyan – Located above Coffeehouse on Armenias St, Nicosia. Described as “thorough, the only GP... who has asked for details of family medical history”.

  
  

• Medcare Clinic (Pindarou, Nicosia) Busy Redditers strongly recommend its GPs as “exceptional”.

🧠 Mental Health & Psychiatrists

• In Nicosia, several students have connected with English-speaking psychiatrists, including one at Cyprus Central Hospital for ADHD and related treatments 

Summary Table

Provider/Doctor	Location	Specialty / Notes
Near East University Hospital	Nicosia	Advanced diagnostics, international patients
Kolan British Hospital / GP	Nicosia & Girne	24/7 GP, ambulance, English-speaking staff
UNIC Medical Centre	Nicosia	GESY accepted, responsive care
Dr V. Atamyan	Nicosia (Armenias St)	Detailed GP attention
Medcare Clinic	Nicosia (Pindarou)	Highly praised English-speaking GPs
Famagusta Medical Centre	Famagusta	English-speaking staff, modern facilities
Europe Central Hospital Psych	Nicosia	ADHD & psychiatric care in English

✅ What to Do Next

• For emergencies: Call 112 and ask for ambulance transport to an English-friendly hospital.

  
  

• For non-urgent needs: Contact private clinics directly to book appointments—walk-ins often accepted.

  
  

• Verify GESY compatibility if using public system or insurance.

  
  

• Bring your insurance and passport to all appointments for better coordination.

Northern Cyprus offers high-quality, accessible healthcare, especially in the private sector. Whether you need general health services or specialist care, you now have a strong starting point. Let me know if you'd like contact details, booking help, or info on specific specialties!