Summer Health Check-Up in Athens: A Practical Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Living and working in Athens during the summer can be exciting, but high temperatures, changes in routine, travel, irregular meals and long working hours may affect how you feel.

Fatigue, dehydration, dizziness, low energy and difficulty concentrating are often attributed to the summer heat. However, similar symptoms may also be associated with iron deficiency, low vitamin levels, thyroid disorders, blood sugar changes or other health issues.

A summer health check-up can provide a clearer picture of your general health and help you identify possible problems before they become more serious.

At Genelabs Diagnostic Laboratory in Athens, expats, international residents and digital nomads can complete a wide range of blood and urine tests without Greek health insurance or a doctor’s referral.

Why Consider a Summer Health Check-Up?

Summer can place additional stress on the body. High temperatures increase fluid loss, while travelling, eating out and changing your sleep schedule can affect your energy levels and overall wellbeing.

A preventive blood test may be useful when you experience:

  • Persistent tiredness or weakness
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • Reduced concentration
  • Muscle cramps
  • Unexplained changes in weight
  • Increased thirst
  • Poor sleep
  • Hair loss
  • Shortness of breath during activity
  • General concern about your health

Even when you do not have symptoms, regular blood testing can help monitor important indicators such as glucose, cholesterol, liver function, kidney function, thyroid hormones, iron and vitamin levels.

What Does a General Health Check-Up Include?

The appropriate tests depend on your age, medical history, symptoms and personal health goals.

A general preventive check-up may include:

Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count provides information about red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit and platelets.

It can help identify possible signs of anaemia, infection or other blood-related abnormalities.

Blood Glucose and HbA1c

Blood glucose shows your blood sugar level at the time of testing.

HbA1c provides an indication of your average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months and is commonly used to assess the risk of diabetes or prediabetes.

Cholesterol and Lipid Profile

A lipid profile may include:

  • Total cholesterol
  • HDL cholesterol
  • LDL cholesterol
  • Triglycerides

These tests help evaluate cardiovascular risk and are especially useful for people with a family history of high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease.

Liver Function Tests

Liver tests may include SGOT, SGPT and gamma-GT.

They are used to assess liver function and may be relevant for people who take medication, consume alcohol regularly or want to monitor their metabolic health.

Kidney Function Tests

Urea and creatinine are commonly used to assess kidney function.

Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium may also be useful, particularly during the summer, when dehydration and increased sweating can affect fluid balance.

Thyroid Function

Thyroid tests may include:

  • TSH
  • Free T3
  • Free T4

Thyroid dysfunction may be associated with fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, sleep problems, changes in heart rate and difficulty concentrating.

Iron and Ferritin

Iron and ferritin tests are often recommended when someone experiences tiredness, weakness, hair loss, headaches or reduced physical performance.

Ferritin reflects the body’s stored iron and may reveal low iron reserves even before severe anaemia develops.

Vitamin D and Vitamin B12

Low vitamin D or vitamin B12 levels may be associated with fatigue, muscle weakness, neurological symptoms or reduced wellbeing.

Testing can help determine whether supplementation is necessary. Supplements should ideally be taken according to medical advice and laboratory results.

Urinalysis

A general urine test may provide useful information about urinary health, kidney function, hydration and possible infection.

Check-Up Packages at Genelabs

Genelabs offers preventive health check-up packages for adults who want a convenient and affordable overview of their health.

Basic Check-Up — €28

The Basic Check-Up includes:

  • Complete blood count
  • Glucose
  • Urea
  • Creatinine
  • Total cholesterol
  • HDL cholesterol
  • LDL cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • SGOT
  • SGPT
  • Gamma-GT
  • Uric acid
  • CRP
  • General urinalysis

Full Check-Up — €60

The Full Check-Up includes the Basic package, together with additional tests such as:

  • TSH
  • Free T3
  • Free T4
  • Iron
  • Ferritin
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B12

Mega Check-Up — €80

The Mega Check-Up provides a broader preventive health assessment, including additional metabolic, vitamin and electrolyte testing.

The laboratory team can also provide information about individual tests and personalised combinations based on your needs.

Laboratory testing does not replace a medical consultation. Test results should be evaluated by a qualified doctor, particularly when symptoms are present or results are outside the normal range.

Do You Need Greek Health Insurance?

No Greek health insurance is required for private laboratory testing at Genelabs.

International visitors, expats, Erasmus students, remote workers and digital nomads can pay privately and complete their tests without being registered with the Greek healthcare system.

Do You Need a Doctor’s Referral?

A doctor’s referral is not required for most private blood and urine tests.

However, the laboratory does not provide medical diagnosis or prescribe treatment. When necessary, you should discuss your symptoms and results with a doctor.

Do You Need an Appointment?

No appointment is required for standard blood tests.

You can visit the laboratory during opening hours. For specialised examinations, molecular tests or home blood collection, contacting the laboratory in advance is recommended.

Should You Fast Before the Blood Test?

Fasting may be required for tests such as glucose, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides.

In many cases, fasting for approximately 8 hours is recommended. Water is normally allowed.

Requirements may vary depending on the specific tests, medication and medical history. Contact the laboratory before your visit if you are unsure.

How Quickly Are Results Available?

Many routine blood test results are available within the same day or within 24 hours.

More specialised examinations may require additional time.

Results can be sent by email, making the process convenient for people who work remotely, travel frequently or do not speak Greek.

Blood Tests in English in Athens

At Genelabs, international patients can communicate in English and receive assistance with the testing process.

The laboratory regularly serves:

  • Expats living in Athens
  • Digital nomads
  • International employees
  • Tourists
  • Erasmus students
  • Embassy staff
  • People without Greek insurance
  • International patients undergoing fertility or medical treatment in Greece

Home, Hotel and Airbnb Blood Collection

For people who cannot easily visit the laboratory, blood collection may also be arranged at a home, hotel or Airbnb within Athens.

A mobile blood collection service is especially useful for:

  • Travellers with limited time
  • Families with children
  • Elderly patients
  • People recovering from illness
  • Remote workers with demanding schedules

Home or hotel blood collection is available for an additional fee and should be arranged in advance.

Where Is Genelabs Located?

Genelabs Diagnostic Laboratory is located in central Athens, close to Mavili Square and Ambelokipi Metro Station.

Address:
15 Pasteur Street, 3rd Floor
Ampelokipi, Athens

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 07:00–19:30
Saturday: 08:30–13:30

The central location is easily accessible from Kolonaki, Syntagma, Ilisia, Goudi, Zografou and other areas of Athens.

Book Your Summer Health Check-Up in Athens

A preventive health check-up can help you understand your current health status and make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

At Genelabs, you can complete your blood and urine tests in Athens without Greek insurance, without a referral and, for most routine examinations, without an appointment.

Contact Genelabs before your visit if you would like help selecting a check-up package or confirming fasting requirements.

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