Chania's major medical needs are served by Chania General Hospital "St. George", a 450-bed facility located just off the National Road, on the outskirts of the city, in the village of Mournies. It opened in 2000 and the quality of health care provided is quite high. Many of the doctors have trained abroad and speak one or more foreign languages. The one drawback is a lack of nursing staff.

Patients are expected to provide their own basic nursing care, either in the form of a family member or a private nurse. A number of British and other European nurses are now working as private nurses in the  Chania area. The hospital also operates out-patient clinics for non emergency complaints.

Public Health Centres are found in most of the larger villages around Chania. There are also a number of private medical clinics in Chania which you may prefer if you have private insurance. They offer modern equipment and technology, good doctors and nursing care, as well as amenities such as private rooms with television and telephone.

For minor medical complaints, it's often enough to go to the local pharmacy. Greek pharmacists are highly trained and many speak English. They are also able to dispense medicines which in other countries would require a doctor's prescription. such as antibiotics, anti inflammatories and painkillers.

Homeopathic and herbal remedies are widely available. British and other EU nationals are entitled to free medical treatment and hospital care with practitioners within the public health system. You are covered if you are working in Greece and contributing to one of the National Insurance schemes or through reciprocal schemes as the European Health Insurance Card or E121 form.

Dentists in Crete, those working in the both public and private sectors, are well trained and can be found in all main towns. With private dentists you must pay for your treatment in cash, but it is worth noting that dental treatment is much cheaper than in Northern Europe.