**MPs Seek Upfront Payments for Overseas Medical Treatment Expenses**
In a recent session of the House health committee, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Cyprus have called for the state to provide upfront payments for travel and accommodation costs incurred by families whose members receive medical treatment abroad. This proposal arises from ongoing discussions regarding the referral of patients to foreign medical facilities when necessary treatments are unavailable within Cyprus's state hospitals.
Currently, patients referred abroad must have their families or escorts cover the costs upfront and subsequently file for reimbursement after the treatment is completed. However, this system has proven burdensome for many families who struggle to afford these expenses while abroad. The MPs argue that the state should alleviate this financial strain by covering a significant portion of these costs in advance.
The discussion also highlighted various challenges associated with overseas patient referrals. One significant concern raised was the Health Insurance Organisation's (HIO) refusal to approve ongoing or repeat treatments for patients who had previously received authorization from the health ministry. Since the HIO took over the management of overseas patient referrals in October 2025, it has implemented new protocols that require patients to resubmit applications for continued treatment, even if they had previously been approved. This change has resulted in delays and, in some instances, outright denials of treatment requests, according to the MPs.
Monica Kyriacou, a senior official at the HIO, acknowledged the issue and stated that the organization is actively working to minimize the inconveniences faced by patients and their families. Additionally, lawmakers noted discrepancies between the theoretical choice of medical centers available to patients and the practical limitations they encounter when seeking treatment abroad.
Data presented during the committee meeting revealed that since October of last year, the HIO has denied approximately 28% of applications for overseas referrals. Out of 1,234 applications received, 889 were approved, allowing 657 patients to either travel abroad or continue receiving treatment. The HIO categorizes cases based on severity: life-threatening, urgent, and normal. For life-threatening cases, an immediate decision is required, with patients dispatched within 48 hours. Urgent cases must be sent abroad within seven days, while normal cases have a window of 30 days for treatment.
Kyriacou provided insights into the average time taken from approval to actual dispatch, noting that life-threatening cases typically see a one-day wait, urgent cases average four days, and non-urgent cases can take up to 22 days.
In addition to the financial and procedural challenges, Disy MP Savia Orfanidou emphasized the need for the state to establish its own means of airborne transport for medical airlifts, underscoring the critical nature of timely medical intervention for patients in need.
The committee's discussions on this matter will continue, with relevant government departments expected to provide written responses to the MPs' inquiries. This ongoing dialogue reflects the government's commitment to addressing the complexities surrounding overseas medical treatment and ensuring that patients receive the necessary support during their medical journeys.