A long stay in Cyprus is a compelling prospect for many: sunshine, the sea, a gentle climate, and a high quality of life draw not only holidaymakers but also digital nomads, remote workers, and prospective emigrants. If you intend to spend longer on the island, your planning should extend beyond accommodation, residence formalities, and finances to include your health. Only those who are medically well prepared can enjoy their fresh start without avoidable worries.
A comprehensive health check before moving is, therefore, more than a formality; it is an investment in your safety. Preventive examinations, a careful review of vaccinations, taking essential medicines with you, and a clear plan for managing chronic conditions are all crucial to avoiding unpleasant surprises abroad. This article sets out, step by step, what to consider before beginning your new life in Cyprus.
A thorough medical review is the first and most important step before relocating to Cyprus. Examinations not only help to identify potential risks early; they also provide the reassurance that you are genuinely ready for your new chapter on the island.
Your GP should be your first point of contact. A comprehensive assessment typically includes blood tests, blood pressure measurement, evaluation of the cardiovascular system, and checks of liver and kidney function, alongside an appraisal of nutritional status and overall fitness. In this way, conditions that could be more difficult to manage abroad can be ruled out or addressed early.
For people over forty, regular screenings—such as lipid profile, fasting glucose, and inflammatory markers—are essential. Those insured in Germany are entitled to specific preventive benefits (for example, the “Check-up 35”). Depending on your risk profile—hypertension, excess weight, or a family history of cardiovascular disease—an exercise ECG or ultrasound examinations may also be sensible.
A careful stocktake with your GP is equally important, so you can take medical certificates and copies of relevant findings with you. Should you need treatment in Cyprus, these documents can be vital, enabling doctors to understand your history immediately and act accordingly.
Dental health is often overlooked, yet dental problems tend to arise suddenly and can be expensive. Before leaving, arrange a full dental check, including X-rays to detect hidden caries or periodontal disease. Have fillings, crowns, or implants reviewed and renewed where necessary. Cyprus has well-trained dentists, but costs—especially in private practices—can be higher than in Germany.
If you have supplementary dental insurance, clarify in advance whether the cover extends to treatment abroad and whether any limitations apply. Good preparation here helps to prevent unwelcome surprises from overshadowing life in the Mediterranean sun.
Depending on age, medical history, and lifestyle, additional specialist visits are advisable. Women should ensure gynaecological screening is up to date, including mammography or HPV testing. Men over forty-five benefit from a urological assessment, particularly for prostate cancer screening.
Ophthalmologists and dermatologists are also important. Given Cyprus’s intense sunlight, skin checks for early detection of skin cancer are strongly recommended before you move. If you have a refractive error, have your prescription reviewed and take spare glasses or contact lenses.
Finally, a travel-medicine consultation is sensible—especially for people with chronic illnesses or those planning to live in more remote regions of Cyprus. This is the moment to confirm which vaccinations need refreshing, whether any special medicines are required, and how to organise emergency care on the island.
A complete and up-to-date vaccination record is not a “nice-to-have”, but the basis for secure and worry-free living in Cyprus. Start with the standard adult vaccines and then add further protection depending on the length of your stay and your lifestyle. Allow sufficient time before departure, as some courses require several doses over a number of weeks. Keep your vaccination records in order—including your vaccination booklet and medical certificates—so you can present them to Cypriot doctors or pharmacists whenever required.
For adults, tetanus and diphtheria should be boosted every ten years; ideally, this should be combined with pertussis (whooping cough) if it has not been given in adulthood. This advice applies regardless of your activity level—injuries happen, and an up-to-date Td/Tdap vaccination offers the best protection. A single booster against polio should be documented in adulthood, particularly for those staying abroad long term. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) should be covered by two doses in anyone not immune; recent outbreaks in Europe show just how quickly measles can resurface.
In addition, the Standing Committee on Vaccination in Germany (STIKO) recommends the annual influenza jab, especially for those aged sixty and above, as well as vaccination against COVID-19, according to current guidance. From age sixty and from age fifty with underlying health conditions, a shingles vaccine (herpes zoster) is also sensible, as it can prevent severe and painful courses of the disease.
There are no compulsory entry vaccinations for Cyprus if you are travelling from Germany or other EU countries. Nevertheless, public health authorities recommend hepatitis A for most visitors, as the virus can be transmitted through food and water. Hepatitis B is advisable for those planning a long stay, for close personal contact, sporting activities, tattoos, or possible medical procedures.
A typhoid vaccine is generally unnecessary, and yellow fever vaccination is only required if arriving from a risk region. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is usually not needed; it is recommended only for those working with animals or living in very remote areas where immediate access to post-exposure treatment cannot be guaranteed. For personalised advice, it is worth consulting a travel medicine specialist at least eight weeks before departure.
Malaria is not present in Cyprus, so preventive medication is unnecessary. Nevertheless, avoiding mosquito bites is important because other mosquito-borne diseases are increasingly appearing in Europe. In 2022, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was detected in Cyprus, and other Aedes species, such as Aedes aegypti, are spreading across the continent. Both species can transmit dengue fever under the right conditions.
The practical takeaway: practice consistent mosquito protection. Use repellents containing DEET or icaridin, wear long clothing during dusk and dawn, and install insect screens where possible—especially during the warmer months and in coastal regions. There is no recommended dengue vaccine for travellers, so prevention remains the best defence. If you develop high fever, severe headaches, and muscle pain following mosquito bites, seek medical care promptly and make sure to mention possible exposure risks.
Having a clear medicines strategy is decisive for how smoothly your start in Cyprus will unfold. Think of it in three steps: preparing the right documents, understanding import limits and legal rules, and planning safe storage and resupply once on the island. In doing so, you will avoid shortages, bureaucratic problems, and unnecessary stress—and maintain reliable therapy even with chronic conditions.
Bring all long-term medication in its original packaging, clearly labelled with your name and dosage. Prepare a current, bilingual medication list (German/English), ideally using international non-proprietary names, with information on dosage, indication, and the prescribing doctor’s contact details. For every prescription-only medicine, a valid doctor’s prescription is advisable. If you will need follow-up prescriptions, ask your doctor about issuing a “cross-border prescription”, which, in principle, can be filled in Cyprus, provided it meets EU requirements and local regulations.
Because electronic prescriptions are not yet accepted everywhere in Europe, it is also important to carry paper prescriptions. Where possible, add a short doctor’s certificate summarising your diagnosis and listing any emergency medication such as an adrenaline auto-injector. A concise patient summary can make all the difference in ensuring continuity of care once you are abroad.
For standard prescription medicines, you may bring a personal supply—usually enough for the first few weeks or months until you are established with local providers. Keep them in your hand luggage to avoid heat damage or loss, and always keep the original packaging as proof.
Controlled drugs, such as certain strong painkillers, sedatives, or ADHD medication, are subject to stricter rules. In such cases, you may need prior authorisation or special documentation from the Cypriot pharmaceutical services. It is essential to clarify this well before departure and carry the required medical certificates with you. If in doubt, contact the relevant office in Nicosia in advance and request written confirmation of the requirements.
Cyprus is hot, sometimes extremely so. Medicines requiring refrigeration—such as certain biologics or insulin—must be kept within a reliable cold chain. Transport them in insulated cooling bags with ice packs, place them in a refrigerator at 2–8 °C immediately upon arrival, and avoid leaving them in direct sunlight. For power outages, keep extra cooling elements ready.
The island has a good pharmacy network, with designated pharmacies on night and weekend duty rotating throughout the cities. Local directories and apps can help you identify which are open. Keep contact numbers handy for emergencies.
Be aware that in the past, antibiotics were sometimes dispensed without a prescription in Cyprus. However, best medical practice requires a doctor’s diagnosis and prescription to prevent misuse and antibiotic resistance. Establishing contact with a GP early on—either within the public GESY system or privately—ensures that repeat prescriptions are managed responsibly.
For people with chronic illnesses, relocating to Cyprus carries a particular responsibility. While healthy migrants may enjoy their new environment with few concerns, a long stay on the island requires those with existing conditions to strike a careful balance between ongoing therapy, a reliable supply of medication, and adaptation to the climate. A well-organised transition is crucial to ensure that health challenges do not overshadow a new beginning.
For those living with diabetes, uninterrupted treatment is essential. Even a few days without medication or insulin can have serious consequences. Travellers should therefore bring not only a stock of insulin and tablets, but also all necessary equipment such as pens, pen needles, test strips, or continuous glucose monitoring sensors. These items are available in Cyprus, usually through private pharmacies, though prices can be higher than in Germany. Many patients, therefore, secure several months’ supply in advance and combine this with building a longer-term provision locally.
Diet also plays an important role. Although the Mediterranean diet—with its emphasis on vegetables, olive oil, and fish—is generally supportive of good health, traditional Cypriot meals often contain large amounts of carbohydrates, white bread, and sweet pastries. To keep blood sugar stable, meals should be chosen carefully, and insulin doses adjusted where necessary. It is also wise to always carry a spare insulin pen and glucose tablets, as well as a bilingual emergency card, so that doctors know immediately how to act in an emergency.
Cardiovascular conditions are among the most common chronic illnesses in Europe and require careful management in Cyprus as well. Medicines such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or statins are available in Cypriot pharmacies, but often under different brand names. Recording the active ingredient is therefore important to avoid confusion.
The island’s climate poses an additional challenge. High temperatures and strong sunlight can place a strain on blood pressure and heart rhythm. Doctors recommend adapting gradually to the heat, limiting strenuous activity to mornings or evenings, and maintaining adequate hydration. Alcohol should be consumed sparingly, as it places further stress on the cardiovascular system. An emergency plan is also essential: a bilingual card listing diagnoses and medication, the contact details of your physician, and the telephone numbers of the nearest hospital could prove lifesaving in urgent situations.
Planning is especially demanding for those with autoimmune or rheumatic conditions, as they often rely on specialised medication not readily available everywhere. Biologics or immunosuppressants are commonly dispensed only in large hospital pharmacies in Cyprus. To avoid shortages, patients should check availability early or arrange for larger supplies in advance. Some continue to travel back to Germany regularly to secure their treatment.
Because immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to infections, it is particularly important to update vaccinations before departure. Boosters against pneumococcal disease, influenza, and COVID-19 are strongly advised. The Cypriot climate can also influence disease progression: while those with rheumatism often benefit from the mild winters, intense sun exposure can worsen conditions such as lupus. Rigorous sun protection is therefore a must. Establishing contact with a specialist in Cyprus before moving is also sensible, ensuring continuous care is in place.
Chronic conditions affect not only the body but also the mind. Relocation can exacerbate psychological illness, as existing support structures fall away, and adapting to a new culture creates added stress. Those taking antidepressants or other psychotropic drugs must ensure that these are available in Cyprus; not all medicines are marketed under the same names, making knowledge of active ingredients vital.
Therapeutic support should not be interrupted. Many patients arrange online sessions with their existing therapist before departure to maintain continuity. In Cyprus’s larger cities, English-speaking psychotherapists are available, though German-speaking services are rarer. Since social isolation is a significant risk factor, it pays to build new contacts early on. Expat meet-ups, German-speaking social groups, and local clubs can provide stability and help to create a new support network.
In addition to individual health preparation, understanding the local healthcare infrastructure is key. Knowing how the system works allows you to act quickly in an emergency and provides reassurance in daily life.
Since 2019, Cyprus has had a national healthcare system known as GESY, offering state-organised care to all residents. Anyone moving to Cyprus who registers a permanent address can enrol, provided they obtain a Cypriot social insurance number. Within the system, patients select a “Personal Doctor” who serves as the first point of contact and arranges referrals to specialists when needed.
Costs within GESY are comparatively low. Visits and treatments usually incur small co-payments ranging from one to six euros. Medicines are heavily subsidised and therefore significantly cheaper than in the private sector. For those planning a long-term stay in Cyprus, registration with GESY is generally worthwhile.
Alongside the state system, Cyprus has a dense network of private doctors and clinics. Many have trained in the UK or other EU countries and speak fluent English; some also offer services in German. Private care provides short waiting times and modern facilities, though at a higher cost than GESY.
Renowned private hospitals include the American Medical Center in Nicosia and the Mediterranean Hospital Group in Limassol. Those with private international health insurance or a supplementary policy can make use of these services and benefit from their advanced offerings.
Pharmacies are widespread across Cyprus and easily accessible. They not only dispense medicines but also provide qualified advice. Particularly convenient is the rotating system that ensures pharmacies are always open for emergencies at night or on public holidays. Lists of duty pharmacies are published online and in local newspapers.
However, regulations differ in Germany. Some drugs that are available over the counter in Germany require a prescription in Cyprus, while certain medicines may be sold without a prescription locally. To avoid misunderstandings, migrants should check in advance which medicines are available and under what conditions.
In an emergency, the Europe-wide number 112 applies in Cyprus. Ambulances operate in all major cities, though response times in rural areas may be longer. Anyone moving to Cyprus should therefore know which hospital is nearest to their home and how it can be reached.
For acute conditions such as a heart attack or stroke, time is the critical factor. Having a plan that includes contact details and directions can save lives. Some private insurance policies also offer additional services such as medical transport or repatriation to Germany, which is an important extra safeguard for those with serious health conditions.
A long stay or permanent move to Cyprus opens the door to many opportunities—sunshine, a Mediterranean lifestyle, and a high standard of living. To ensure this new phase begins smoothly, thorough medical preparation is indispensable.
A comprehensive health check with your GP and specialists provides security, vaccinations protect against preventable infections, and a well-thought-out medicines strategy prevents treatment gaps. For people with chronic illnesses, close coordination with healthcare providers and careful organisation of prescriptions and supplies is crucial. Familiarity with the Cypriot healthcare system—from GESY to private clinics, pharmacies, and emergency services—also gives you the confidence to act decisively should a problem arise.
By following these steps, you gain more than safety—you gain freedom. Freedom to actively shape your new start, to enjoy your surroundings, and to concentrate on what truly matters: a fulfilled life under Mediterranean skies.
©2025 LongStay Cyprus
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