Patient rights
Patient Rights
Health is a fundamental human right. It is protected by International Organization Conventions and Agreements, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Constitution of Greece, and Greek legislation.
According to the Constitution of Greece:
- Everyone has the right to the protection of their health and genetic identity.
- The state ensures the health of citizens and takes special measures for the protection of youth, old age, disability, and for the care of the poor.
- Torture, any bodily harm, health damage, or psychological violence, as well as any other affront to human dignity, are prohibited and punishable as defined by law.
According to Greek legislation, the rights of healthcare service recipients in the public healthcare system are as follows:
Every person, regardless of nationality, color, place of residence, legal status, religious or philosophical beliefs, sexual orientation, financial status, or insurance coverage:
- has the right to health and a claim from the state to ensure access to quality and safe healthcare services that meet their needs.
- has the right to receive primary healthcare and hospital care with respect for their dignity, freedom, and safety.
- has the right to consent to or refuse any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure (in the case of a patient with partial or full mental incapacity, the exercise of this right is carried out by the person who, according to the law, acts on their behalf).
- has the right to be fully informed about their health condition and to participate in making any decisions that concern them.
- has the right to be promptly informed about any risks that may arise or occur due to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- has the right to the protection of his/her privacy and the confidentiality of personal information.
- has the right to respect for and recognition of his/her religious and ideological beliefs.
- has the right to protest and file objections for any act or omission that occurs in a healthcare facility.
Every patient has the right to know their rights. In case of difficulty in understanding, they have the right to be informed and explained. For this reason, they can contact the Social Service of the Hospital.
For more information, please click here https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/citizen/dikaiwmata-lhptwn-yphresiwn-ygeias/
BENEFITS
For individuals who have been diagnosed with any form of cancer, there are certain benefits/entitlements/rights provided by the state as part of the social protection for persons with disabilities.
A necessary condition for the provision of these benefits/entitlements is that a disability recognition decision must have been issued for the individual, confirming a disability percentage of 67% or higher (except for certain benefits, where a disability percentage of 50% or higher is required).
In all cases of benefits and rights, it is important and necessary for the patient to first contact their insurance provider, as the process of granting benefits may differ slightly from one provider to another. In the case of unemployment or uninsured status, the patient must first make an appointment at the local Community Center of their municipality of residence. In the following cases of benefits and rights listed, it is essential for the patient to have completed the process for obtaining a disability certificate from the Disability Certification Center (K.E.P.A.).
For example, citizens who have been recognized with a disability percentage of 67% or higher can have access to the following facilities and benefits:
- A tax reduction of 200 euros for the taxpayer and their dependents.
- Free transportation on public transportation (MMTs) and a 50% discount on all bus routes of the KTEL.
- Culture Card (free entry to museums, discounts on shows).
- Social tariff for electricity.
- Reduction of municipal fees.
- Parking space.
- The possibility of reduced working hours (public/private sector).
- Granting of sick leave (Articles 54 and 55 of the Civil Servants' Code Law 3528/2007).
- Possibility of early retirement/ disability pension.
- Welfare allowance (for those who are not employed and do not qualify for a pension or other financial assistance).
- Disability allowance (assistance from another person).
- Air therapy allowance (provided to insured individuals of insurance organizations, if they suffer from lung cancer and have a KEPA decision for the period from June 1 to August 31 each year. The amount of 200 euros is paid).
- Provision of a nutritional allowance for transplant recipients (The monetary amount paid to eligible individuals is 362€ per month, without requiring KEPA certification).
- Movement Allowance: This is granted to both uninsured and insured individuals, provided they are assessed by the relevant medical committee as having: a) amputation of both lower limbs, with a disability percentage of 80% or more b) amputation of both upper limbs, with a disability percentage of 80% or more c) paralysis of both lower limbs, with a disability percentage of 80% or more.
- Exclusive Nurse (Article 25 - ECPY) (Government Gazette B/4898/2018)
- The possibility of admission to higher education without the requirement to participate in general exams applies to individuals with severe disabilities, as certified by the Disability Certification Center (K.E.P.A.), who meet specific criteria.
- Those who have a certified disability of at least 50%, or those who have a child, spouse, or sibling, as well as children of individuals with a disability of 67% or more, can claim public sector employment positions with additional points awarded in the selection process.
- Participation in subsidized training programs by DYPA (Public Employment Service) for people with disabilities (AMEA).
- A 40% reduction in the cost of purchasing a passenger vehicle. Patients with a disability of at least 67% are entitled to a 40% reduction in the purchase price of a private passenger car, which is specially adapted for people with disabilities.
- Free legal aid.
Eligibility for Legal Aid: According to Article 2 of Law 3226/2004 (Paragraphs 1 and 3A), citizens with a disability percentage of 67% or higher are eligible for free legal aid, regardless of their income. This applies to citizens of any EU member state. Furthermore, citizens from third countries and stateless individuals who have legal residence or habitual residence within the European Union are also entitled to legal aid if they have a disability percentage of 67% or higher, irrespective of their income.
Useful Webpages:
OPEKA https://opeka.gr/
Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs https://ypergasias.gov.gr/
National Disability Portal https://epan.gov.gr/
Citizen Service - Insurance, Labor, and Social Issues Helpline 1555
EOPYY https://www.eopyy.gov.gr/
Ministry of Health https://www.moh.gov.gr/
National Registry of Administrative Procedures https://mitos.gov.gr/