Cyprus parliamentary health committee reviews overseas treatment program

Since October 2025, when the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) took over the management of patient referrals for treatment abroad under the GHS, 1,234 requests have been submitted. HIO Director Monika Kyriakou reported to the parliamentary Health Committee that 889 requests have been approved, representing a 72% approval rate, with 657 patients having traveled or currently remaining abroad for care.

The HIO implements standardized response times, evaluating life-threatening cases in an average of 42 minutes, urgent cases in one day, and routine cases in six days. Transfer times are similarly categorized, with life-threatening patients typically moving within one day of approval. Despite these metrics, lawmakers and patient advocates expressed concerns regarding administrative hurdles, including difficulties in securing GHS doctors to submit repeat treatment requests and the financial burden placed on families due to delayed reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs. MPs have formally requested that the state provide upfront funding for these expenses.

The HIO maintains that a clear procedure exists for repeat treatment requests, where local doctors can submit foreign medical reports rather than providing independent opinions. The parliamentary committee continues to oversee the program's efficiency and the resolution of these reported logistical and financial gaps.