So I'm not familiar with the medical system in Greece, I need to visit a hospital in Athens in a couple of days time (13 March) and was hoping somebody could give me some advice.

I just had minor surgery in Santorini (infected, ingrown toenail) and the doctor told me I needed to get it looked at by another doctor in two day's time, at which point I'll be in Athens (well actually he originally said to come back to see him, but I fly out tomorrow).

We're only there for one full day (two nights) so I was going to sightsee during the day and head to a hospital in the afternoon, on the assumption that I'll be sitting around there waiting for quite some time.

In Australia, we have public hospitals, which are free, and private hospitals, which can get quite pricey. I don't know what Greece has, but if that's also the case (my original surgery in Santorini was free) I don't want to accidentally go to the wrong hospital and end up with a huge bill.

I'd really appreciate some advice. If it helps, we're staying at a hotel in Plaka.

I assume you have traveler's insurance anyway, don't you? if not, you are lucky you have only had a toe nail problem. A private doctor will cost less than nay hospital visit. You should get a bill to claim to your insurance company or perhaps notify them before you go so they open a file about your situation.

Your hotel can give you the info for a nearby doctor. Or a podiatrist.

And after you see a doctor in Athens, are you flying home about a half day later? Does the surgery done in Santorini require strict 2 day followup or is it just need to be followed up "soon" enough with some margins? These are the questions meant for your original doctor.

I agree with lincasanova, ask at your hotel. Medical care in Europe isn't prohibitively expensive, probably no dearer than seeing a dr here in Australia and not worth claiming on insurance. I once had an emergency dentist appt in Paris and it cost €70 which was cheaper than I normally pay.

I hope your toe is on the mend. It sounds like a trivial problem, but can be very painful.

Or contact the US Embassy and see if they can give you a list of doctors/hospitals where English is spoken (assuming you don't speak Greek).

Here is there website info: http://athens.usembassy.gov/contact.html

I don't know if your health insurance covers you also in Greece, but going to a public hospital will take a few hours of your time.

There are many hospitals in the center and not far away from Syntagma Square, but you need to know first which one will be on duty on the afternoon that you will be in Athens.

Arriving at the hospital you will first have to be registered and pay a very small fee ( i think it is 5 Euros).
You will have to wait until your name will be called for a first talk with a doctor, who will then send you to to a specialist. ( after some more waiting ).

I can assure you this is not going to be without any charge, but the fees charged will be very low. ( since you are not insured in Greece)

Another option would be to visit a private doctor, you should call the hotel first and arrange an appointment before you get to Athens. A visit to a private doctor should cost between 50 and 100 Euros.This would be also the fastest waym since visiting a public hospital would be time consuming.

On 13/3 a hospital on duty after 14:30 should be Gennimatas ( Metro station Ethniki Amina of the blue line) and on 14/3 there should be Evangellismos ( station Evangellismos, Blue Line)

Double check before your arrival in Athens.

Doctors at both hospitals should speak english, language will not be any problem for sure.