Cyprus reviews medical support scheme amid complaints from patient families

Families accompanying relatives abroad for medical treatments are facing severe financial hardship due to delays in state assistance, the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations (CyFPA) reported in September 2026. The current scheme forces many individuals to quit their jobs to provide care for sick spouses or children, resulting in an immediate loss of income, while the government continues to assess eligibility based on household income from the previous tax year rather than current financial status.

Many families are forced to take out high-interest loans to cover essential expenses, including international flights, accommodation, food, and local transportation, as official state financial support is typically provided only after these costs have been incurred. The lack of liquidity, combined with ongoing domestic financial obligations, has led to intense economic and emotional strain.

Government officials, including President Nikos Christodoulides, have acknowledged the systemic failure of the current procedures. Following a formal memorandum submitted by the CyFPA, the Health Ministry and the executive branch are currently evaluating potential changes to the support mechanisms to ensure that the scheme effectively serves its purpose as a lifeline for patients needing treatment unavailable within Cyprus.