Medical information for North Cyprus

Health care in North Cyprus is of a reasonable standard, with good hospitals and adequate numbers of beds. There are both government and private hospitals and doctor's surgeries, most of them situated in bigger cities. The Central State Hospital is in Nicosia and there are smaller hospitals in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Güzelyurt and Lefke. Many of the private-sector doctors now practicing in the TRNC speak English as they have been trained in the United Kingdom or the United States. The prices for medications can range from well below UK price to very much more..

Ambulance call: 112

Medical insurance
Although visitors to Northern Cyprus do not require any medical treatments prior to entry, health insurance should be arranged before travelling. Check with your provider that the TRNC is covered. Accident and emergency facilities are available at local hospitals.

Pharmacies
In North Cyprus pharmacies sell the majority of prescription drugs over the counter and a course of antibiotics, other than for a serious illness, you can simply buy from the pharmacy instead of visiting a doctor. Furthermore many of the pharmacists, provided they speak English, (many do) willingly advise you which drug to take depending on the state of your condition.

Dental and eye treatment
Most dentists follow the government scale of fees, but the charges should be requested prior to treatment. Dental treatment in the TRNC is of high standard and prices are much lower than the UK. Professional eye tests are available in all towns of the TRNC. Although contact lenses are of comparable price, there is a wide range of designer spectacles which are often cheaper than in the UK.

Healthcare Basic Precautions
* Do not drink the water coming from the taps as it may be mixed with harmful particles. Bottled water is widely available.
* Most stomachaches are caused by a mixture of too much sun, alcohol and a change in the diet. Imodium quickly disposes of the problem.
* Jellyfish are not as common as sea urchins. If you are unlucky to tread on one, a sterilized sewing needle, scalpel and olive oil are effective aids for removing spines. Wear a pair of swim goggles and footwear for walking over rocks to avoid them.
* To prevent a nasty reaction to mosquito and sand fly bites try rubbing anti-histamine cream on the affected part.
* A good sun block lotion and a hat should be used to avoid the danger of sunstroke and direct sunlight on the head should be avoided. Take plenty of non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
* Snake bites are rare but should the worst happen, cover the bite with a cloth and seek medical attention immediately.

Hillcrest Property Consultants
Kyrenia
Northern Cyprus
TRNC
Tel: (0044) (0)1634 778344
Email: info@hillcrest-cyprus.com