Assuming you are covered by IKA, it will pay for exams/procedures at private hospitals only if IKA specifically sent you to a private hospital because the IKA system could not provide the service you needed. And even then, IKA may pay a very limited amount for a limited number of situations after contacting the hospital/doctor to verify they have an agreement with IKA, what it is and what bureaucracy is involved. None of this applies to your case because there are public hospitals on Crete that handle childbirth.

If you voluntarily choose a private doctor, hospital or clinic in Greece, nothing is covered by IKA and you pay all the expenses.

The Greek Ombudsman handles complaints about IKA in Greek and in English. You can read the article I posted on this Web site called “Greek Ombudsman: Filing a complaint about Greece in Greece.” There is an address, toll-free phone number and Web site address provided for your convenience.

Best of everything to you and your father.

If there is perhaps instances of corruption where can someone seek justice within IKA? Without complicating the situation by involving 3rd parties. The Greek embassy requires documentation but will also take much time.

Please if you have any information it will be much appreciated.

P.S At least I’ll know if anyone reads these comments and if they recieve a reply.

Getting a business license is a different thing than getting TEVE or IKA, starting a business or declaring independent worker status. There is also different legislation in place depending on if you are thinking of setting up a branch or an offshore company.

From the little information I know, it sounds to me like you’d be an American employee. Being self-employed and providing services is not the same as starting a business (which is what you originally said). In Greece, you would be categorized as an independent worker, which you can start up at the eforia. It’s not a weird situation; many people do it (I did for 3 years, just not with an American company, therefore I cannot advise you on logistics). It would be best to consult with the eforia directly or a trusted knowledgeable accountant, which is what I do.

IKA is 30% of your overall salary. So, as I understand it — if a boss offers you 840 gross (not net in your hand), he’s also paying 360 to IKA, so your overall salary is 1200. That’s how it shows on my IKA papers (ensima).

If you start a business as a non-EU citizen without a Greek citizen partner, you’ll need 60,000 euros deposit in a bank to prove solvency and a business plan drawn up in Greek showing how your enterprise will contribute positively to the Greek economy, which must then be approved by the authorities before you’re allowed to open.

I was thinking of starting a business. do you know what percentage IKA or Teve takes from your income?