By Angelo Coralini, Doctors Cyprus · Sources checked 1 September 2026.
To get a prescription in Cyprus, speak to an authorised prescriber who can assess whether the medicine is appropriate. Under GESY, contracted personal doctors, outpatient specialists and dentists can issue prescriptions that beneficiaries fulfil at an HIO-contracted pharmacy. A private doctor can issue a private prescription, with the medicine supplied and charged under the applicable private arrangements.
Do not use another person’s medicine, change the dose yourself or rely on an old prescription. If a medicine is urgent, contact the prescriber or pharmacist for the safest available route.
How GESY prescriptions work
A GESY beneficiary first consults an appropriate contracted prescriber. The HIO lists personal doctors, outpatient specialists and dentists as providers who can issue prescriptions within their clinical scope. The prescription is recorded through the system and can be fulfilled at a contracted pharmacy.
Beneficiaries may choose any outpatient pharmacy contracted with the HIO. Some specialised medicines are dispensed only through designated hospital pharmacies because additional monitoring or services are required.
If you are new to the system, follow our guide on registering with GESY and choosing a personal doctor. You can also compare GESY and private healthcare routes.
How much do GESY medicines cost?
The HIO currently sets a €1 co-payment per medicinal product and prescription. If two boxes of the same medicine are supplied because of the prescribed dose, the HIO states that the co-payment remains €1 for that medicine.
A Personal Contribution II may also apply when the chosen product costs more than the alternative fully reimbursed by GESY. This is the difference between the price covered by the system and the price of the selected product. The pharmacist can explain the available reimbursed option and any extra contribution before dispensing.
The HIO applies annual co-payment limits for beneficiaries, but Personal Contribution II is treated separately. Check your beneficiary record or ask HIO when you need a decision about your own cap.
What is a repeat prescription?
For chronic treatment, a GESY doctor can issue a repeat prescription valid for up to six months. The HIO says repeat medicines are normally dispensed at monthly intervals, allowing the beneficiary to collect the next supply without returning to the doctor for a new prescription each month.
A repeat prescription is not permission to change how the medicine is used. Follow the prescriber’s instructions and arrange a clinical review when requested. Contact the doctor or pharmacy before travel so you understand the valid collection window and any documentation required.
Can a pharmacist give a different brand?
The HIO says a pharmacist may substitute a medicine only when the supplied product has the same active substance and pharmaceutical form and is the cheapest product in its category, leaving the beneficiary to pay only the co-payment. Ask the pharmacist to explain the active ingredient, strength and directions if the packaging looks different.
Do not assume that products with similar names are interchangeable. Questions about suitability, allergies, side effects or interactions should be directed to the prescriber or pharmacist.
Getting a prescription from a private doctor
A private consultation is outside the GESY route unless the appointment and prescription are handled through GESY by a contracted provider. Ask the doctor where the prescription can be filled, whether a particular pharmacy is required and what you should expect to pay.
Private consultation charges and medicine prices are not the same as GESY co-payments. Our guide to private doctor costs in Cyprus explains what to confirm before booking.
Can a prescription from another EU country be used in Cyprus?
Cyprus Pharmaceutical Services states that a registered pharmacist may dispense an appropriate prescription issued by a doctor registered in another EU Member State when the pharmacist is satisfied that it is authentic and correct. The original signed prescription must contain the required prescriber, patient and medicine information.
Controlled medicinal products are excluded from this cross-border route and can only be dispensed in Cyprus under the country’s specific rules. Contact a Cyprus pharmacy before travelling if the medicine is essential, controlled, refrigerated or difficult to source.
What to do if a medicine is unavailable
Ask the pharmacist whether the shortage is limited to that pharmacy or affects the wider market. GESY beneficiaries can use another contracted pharmacy, although certain specialised products may be restricted to designated hospital pharmacies.
Do not replace, split, stop or alter a prescribed medicine without professional advice. The pharmacist or prescriber can explain the appropriate next step. Cyprus Pharmaceutical Services provides an official medicinal-product search and safety-reporting services for the public.
Finding a pharmacy in Cyprus
Confirm that the pharmacy is contracted with HIO when fulfilling a GESY prescription. Opening hours and duty rotas can change, so use current official information or call before travelling, especially at night, on weekends or on public holidays.
You can browse pharmacies in Cyprus as a starting point. The directory does not replace the official on-duty pharmacy rota or confirm live stock.
Frequently asked questions
Can I collect a GESY prescription from any pharmacy?
You can choose any outpatient pharmacy contracted with HIO. Some specialised medicines are limited to designated hospital pharmacies.
How much is the GESY prescription co-payment?
The current HIO co-payment is €1 per medicinal product and prescription. An additional Personal Contribution II may apply if a more expensive product is selected.
How long can a GESY repeat prescription last?
The HIO states that repeat prescriptions can be valid for up to six months and are generally dispensed at monthly intervals.
Can a pharmacist change the prescribed brand?
Only under the conditions set by the HIO, including the same active substance and pharmaceutical form and use of the cheapest product in the category.
Can I use an EU prescription in Cyprus?
Certain prescriptions issued in another EU country can be dispensed if they meet Cyprus requirements. Controlled medicines are excluded, so confirm with Pharmaceutical Services or a registered pharmacist.
Sources and medical scope
This guide explains access and payment routes. It does not recommend a medicine or replace advice from a prescriber or pharmacist.
