High price for health, education

Despite the impact of austerity on their household budgets, Greeks continue to spend a significant portion of their monthly income on private health and education to supplement public services, new research has revealed.

According to the family budget survey for 2017 compiled by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Greek households spent an average of 7.3 percent of monthly expenditure - or 102.44 euros - on health services.

The finding puts Greece near the top of the European Union's chart for private spending on health with Bulgaria next in line with 7.1 percent.

Comparatively households in the United Kingdom paid 1 percent of their monthly budgets on health services, with Spain and Italy following with 3.4 percent and 4.8 percent.

The burden on single-person households in Greece is greater, according to the survey, particularly in the case of...