Private health sector under scrutiny over unjustified costs and price opacity
A new report by Greece’s Competition Commission has revealed a troubling lack of transparency in private healthcare pricing and insurance premiums, raising concerns over financial motives behind medical recommendations.
The findings, made public on Tuesday, come just months after a sharp rise in health insurance premiums sparked public outrage and led to a ministerial intervention. In response, a new law (5170/2025) was passed earlier this year, setting a cap on premium increases. The law mandates the creation of an Annual Adjustment Index for Long-Term Health Insurance, to be developed by the Hellenic Statistics Authority (ELSTAT) by December and applied from January 1, 2026.
In addition, private healthcare providers are now required to publish detailed price lists for services and medical supplies. Despite these measures, the Competition Commission has expressed doubts about the law’s effectiveness and its compatibility with competition regulations.
While the report found no evidence of monopolies or significant barriers to entry in the private health and insurance markets, it did highlight concerns over how services are priced and recommended. Market consolidation—largely through acquisitions of diagnostic centers by insurance companies—is not inherently harmful to competition, according to the Commission, but each case should be evaluated individually.
A key issue raised is the concept of “induced demand,” where doctors allegedly prescribe unnecessary tests and examinations for financial benefit. The report points to a system where patient demand is often driven not by personal choice, but by the influence of doctors and insurance arrangements. In some cases, there appears to be cooperation between physicians and diagnostic centers to profit from excessive or unnecessary testing.
The Commission’s study warns that frequent patient visits and overprescription not only burden the healthcare system but also exploit individuals seeking care, ultimately benefitting healthcare professionals financially.
