Doctor in Greece Without AMKA: What You Can Do
Medically reviewed by: Dr Nikolas Simon-Kousouris, General / Family Physician
If you are in Greece but do not have an AMKA, you can see a doctor in Greece without AMKA through DocNow and speak with a licensed doctor by video from your phone or tablet.
Seeing a doctor in Greece without AMKA
You do not need an AMKA to book a private medical consultation in Greece. With DocNow, you book a video consultation scheduled for 15 minutes and pay privately.
AMKA is Greece's social security registration number. It links you to the public system and the care the state pays for. Without one, you can still pay privately to speak with a doctor.
This suits tourists, expats, digital nomads, international students and anyone who has recently moved to Greece. You can book from anywhere in the country, including the islands, as long as you have an internet connection.
How to book a doctor without AMKA
You arrange the consultation through the DocNow app in three steps.
- Download the DocNow app on your phone or tablet.
- Create your account and choose an available doctor and appointment.
- Join the video consultation through the app and explain what is wrong.
You are not asked for an AMKA at any point in booking.
What you can be seen for
Many everyday health problems can be assessed by video. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started and your medical history.
This includes:
- cough, sore throat and other respiratory symptoms
- urinary symptoms
- stomach and bowel problems
- rashes and skin problems
- allergies and insect bites
- minor infections
- follow-up of an existing health problem
You can also book for a child of any age. A parent or guardian books and stays for the whole consultation.
Blood tests and scans
If the doctor thinks you need further investigation, they can request blood tests or a scan for you to arrange privately. You pay the laboratory or imaging centre directly.
Sick notes and letters for your insurer
The doctor can issue a sick note or a medical letter when appropriate. If your travel or health insurer asks for documentation, a letter can describe the assessment. Whether the insurer accepts it or pays anything depends on your policy.
What it costs
A DocNow video consultation costs a flat €20. There is no subscription. You pay by card in the app, through Viva, when you book.
The €20 pays for the medical assessment. It does not guarantee a test request, sick note or any other particular outcome. Those decisions belong to the doctor.
Tests, scans and any in-person care are paid for separately.
Getting an AMKA if you are staying longer
If you are living or working in Greece, you may be able to get an AMKA and use the public system. EU citizens and non-EU residents with a residence permit usually apply through a KEP citizen service centre or e-EFKA, with a passport and proof of address.
Some people who cannot get a standard AMKA are given a temporary number instead, called PAMKA.
EU visitors may also have rights through a European Health Insurance Card. That covers public healthcare and is separate from a private DocNow consultation. Our guide to finding an English-speaking doctor in Greece covers the other options for visitors.
When you need in-person care
Call 112 or 166, or go to the nearest emergency department, for severe chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking.
You may also need to be examined in person if the doctor needs to listen to your chest, examine an injury by hand or carry out a procedure. The doctor will tell you if your symptoms cannot be safely assessed by video.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a doctor in Greece without an AMKA? Yes. You can pay privately for a DocNow video consultation without an AMKA.
Can a tourist use DocNow? Yes. You can book from anywhere in Greece, including the islands.
How much does the consultation cost? €20 for a consultation scheduled for 15 minutes, with no subscription.
Can I get blood tests without an AMKA? The doctor can request them where clinically appropriate. You arrange and pay for them privately.
Can I use DocNow for my child? Yes. Children of any age can be seen, with a parent or guardian present.
If you are in Greece without an AMKA, you can still speak with a doctor privately. Download the DocNow app, book an appointment and say what is wrong. The doctor will assess you and explain the appropriate next step, at their clinical discretion.
Appointment availability depends on doctor availability at the time of booking.
The information above is provided exclusively for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your treating doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.
