Health Insurance Organization announces reforms to physician payment structures in Cyprus

The Health Insurance Organization (HIO) of Cyprus is initiating significant adjustments to physician payment models within the General Healthcare System (GeSY). For personal doctors, the HIO aims to implement a new compensation scheme by the first quarter of 2027, transitioning to an allocation of 70% based on beneficiary registration and 30% linked to quality performance indicators. This adjustment returns to the system's original design, shifting away from the current approximate 80/20 split, following requests from physicians for a re-evaluation of existing data. The HIO plans to present its final proposal to the Cyprus Medical Association and scientific societies within October.

Simultaneously, the HIO has reformed payment structures for specialist physicians effective September 1, 2026. The previous two-tier unit pricing model, which penalized doctors for exceeding specific claim thresholds in 22 specialties, has been abolished. All units are now compensated at a single, unified rate. The HIO clarifies that this change redistributes the existing specialty budgets without reducing the total funding available, aiming to standardize the reimbursement process following consultations with the medical community.