Financial struggle for families of patients traveling abroad for medical treatment

Families of patients in Cyprus who must travel abroad for life-saving medical procedures are facing significant financial hardship due to systemic delays in state support. As of September 2026, many parents and spouses are forced to resign from their jobs or take out high-interest loans to cover living expenses while accompanying their loved ones, as government financial aid often arrives late or is calculated based on outdated annual income data.

The Cyprus Federation of Patients' Associations has raised these concerns with the President of the Republic. Government officials and the Ministry of Health have acknowledged the failures of the current support program and are currently reviewing procedures to ensure that financial assistance is provided more effectively and timely to those in need of medical care not available within the country.