OAY: Increased Validity of Referrals to Specialist Doctors

The Health Insurance Organisation (OAY) announced an extension to the validity of short-term referrals to Specialist Doctors, from six (6) to twelve (12) months. The change will apply to referrals issued from July 31, 2025, onwards.

Referrals issued before this date will retain the original validity period of six (6) months. The number of visits remains two (2) per short-term referral.

The decision was made following requests from scientific societies of Personal and Specialist Doctors and is based on experience from the operation of the GHS. The new regulation aims to improve service and flexibility for GHS beneficiaries.