Practical: care in Greece
Prescriptions in Greece Without an AMKA Number: How It Works With Your Passport
Getting a prescription in Greece without an AMKA: how it works with your passport and email, what it costs, and how to book a psychiatrist appointment online.
Short answer
Yes. In Greece, a doctor can issue an electronic prescription to a foreign patient who has no AMKA (the Greek social security number). At this practice, you need only your passport and an email address. The prescription is sent to your email with a code, and you give the code to the pharmacist. There is no reimbursement from the Greek national health fund (EOPYY), so you pay the full price of the medicine at the pharmacy. A prescription is issued only after a consultation, and only if the doctor decides it is appropriate.
What is an AMKA, and why do some people not have one?
The AMKA is the personal number of people registered in the Greek social security system. Visitors, new arrivals and many foreign residents do not have one. The Greek Ministry of Health has a separate procedure for electronic prescriptions to people in this situation. According to the official government service page, it covers citizens of non-EU countries and EU citizens who are staying in Greece temporarily or on holiday and who do not have an AMKA or a similar number [1]. At this practice, the same steps are followed whether or not you hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You need your passport.
How it works, step by step
Book an appointment. You can be seen online by video call from anywhere in Greece, or in person in Trikala. An appointment costs 130 euro.
Have a consultation. The doctor assesses your situation. A prescription is never promised in advance.
The doctor identifies you with your passport. Your passport details and email address are recorded in the national e-prescription system [1].
If a prescription is appropriate, it is issued electronically and sent to the email address you gave [1].
Go to any pharmacy in Greece with the email (code) and your passport. The pharmacist checks that your details match your document. If they do not match, the pharmacy cannot dispense the medicine and the prescription has to be cancelled and issued again [1].
Pay the full price of the medicine at the pharmacy.
What to bring or have ready
Your valid passport. It is required.
An email address you can open during the appointment and at the pharmacy.
If you already take medicine: a list of what you take, and any earlier prescription or report. A photo is fine.
Cost
Appointment: 130 euro. For an adult ADHD assessment, usually two appointments of 45 minutes (260 euro in total).
Medicine: the full pharmacy price. The price depends on the medicine and is not known before the consultation.
Reimbursement: no EOPYY reimbursement applies to this type of prescription.
Controlled medicines
Medicines that need a special controlled-substances prescription are also issued electronically in this way. The doctor decides case by case, and a prescription is never promised.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an AMKA to see a psychiatrist here?
No. You can book an appointment without an AMKA.
Do I need to be in Greece to get the prescription?
The pharmacy is in Greece, and you need your passport there. The consultation can be online from anywhere in Greece, or in Trikala. If you are outside Greece, please contact the practice before booking.
I have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Is the procedure the same?
Yes. At this practice the procedure is the same, with or without an EHIC. You need your passport, and you pay the full price of the medicine at the pharmacy.
Will I get exactly the medicine I take at home?
Not necessarily. A medicine from another country may have a different name, or may not be sold in Greece. The doctor will explain the options at the appointment.
Can you prescribe without seeing me?
No. A prescription follows a consultation and the doctor’s assessment.
Is the prescription valid in other countries?
A Greek prescription is meant for Greek pharmacies. The rules of other countries differ.
Sources
[1] Gov.gr (mitos.gov.gr): “Application of the e-prescription system (Σ.Η.Σ.) to third-country nationals and European citizens”. Legal basis: Ministerial Decision Δ3(α)/33959/28-6-2024, Government Gazette Β’ 3800/01.07.2024. Page last modified 14/10/2026.
General information, not a substitute for medical advice. In an emergency call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Author: Dr. Georgios Mylonas, Psychiatrist – Psychotherapist. Last updated: 29 October 2026.
