Greece, with its countless magical islands, turquoise beaches, and rich history spanning thousands of years, is a popular destination for travelers of all kinds – families, couples, and young partygoers.
Whether you are planning a cruise between the Cyclades Islands, a relaxed trip in Athens, or a beach vacation in Rhodes, your trip is likely to be packed with activities and events. Although Greece is considered a relatively safe country, it still carries medical and personal risks. Therefore, it is essential to purchase comprehensive travel insurance and consult with an insurance expert. They can match the perfect policy for you – whether you are diving in Mykonos or hiking in Crete – at the most affordable price.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Greece?
There is no one-size-fits-all insurance for a trip to Greece. Basic insurance covers medical expenses in case of illness or accident, but most travelers need more extensive coverage. The best insurance depends on the nature of your trip. If you plan on island hopping, diving, or riding motorcycles/ATVs in Greece, it is mandatory to add an extension for extreme sports or specific coverage for these activities.
It is also important to consider that in the event of trip cancellation (due to illness or a medical condition) or delays in flights and ferries (a common occurrence in Greece), you may lose what you have paid. Therefore, it is advisable to extend the insurance to cover such cases as well.
How Much Does Travel Insurance for Greece Cost?
The cost of standard travel insurance for Greece usually ranges between $5 and $7 per day (depending on age and policy), but it is important to remember that this is only an estimate. The price is influenced by several factors:
- Scope of Coverage: Extensions such as extreme sports, trip cancellation, or special coverage for cameras and expensive equipment will increase the price.
- Age of the Insured: The older the traveler, the higher the daily cost.
- Trip Duration: Typically, long-term insurance has a lower daily rate compared to short-term insurance.
Investing in comprehensive travel insurance is a relatively small part of the total vacation cost, but it is mandatory as it provides a critical safety net in case of a mishap or accident.
Is it Safe to Travel to Greece?
Greece is a Western, modern country with a high level of safety for travelers. However, like any tourist destination, there are various risks:
- Petty Crime: In tourist-heavy areas (such as Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos), pickpocketing and petty theft are common, especially on public transport and at historical sites. Precautions should be taken: do not leave valuables unattended, and keep your passport in the hotel safe.
- Traffic: Driving in Greece, especially on the islands and in city centers, can be intense. It is mandatory to drive with extra caution if renting a car, scooter, or ATV.
- Maritime Transport: When moving between islands, disruptions in ferry schedules due to weather conditions can cause significant delays.
Therefore, travel insurance for Greece not only covers the medical aspect but also provides a solution for financial losses resulting from events such as theft or delays.
Types of Insurance and Extensions for Travelers in Greece
Beyond basic medical coverage, there are several critical extensions that can save you from particularly high expenses in Greece:
Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage in Greece
When traveling between islands, a serious medical event (such as a fracture from a fall or a heart attack) may require emergency medical evacuation from the small island you are on to a major hospital in Athens, Crete, or even medical repatriation to your home country. These operations are extremely expensive (tens of thousands of dollars), so this extension is a necessary component of any travel policy for Greece.
Coverage for Flight and Ferry Delays and Cancellations
Greece is a land of islands, and local transport often depends on weather and strikes.
- Delays: Significant delays in flights or ferries between islands (usually over 6 hours) can be covered by the policy, compensating you for additional expenses for accommodation or food.
- Trip Cancellation: Trip cancellation extension covers the cost of pre-paid tickets and hotels if the trip is canceled for reasons covered by the policy (such as severe illness of the insured or a close family member).
Luggage Insurance Extension
Due to the prevalence of pickpocketing in tourist areas and potential issues with lost luggage on connecting flights (especially flights to the islands), it is important to purchase a luggage insurance extension. It provides compensation in case of loss, theft, or damage to luggage, including specific coverage for valuables such as cameras, tablets, and diving equipment.
Coverage for Extreme Sports Activities
If you plan to scuba dive in Mykonos, kayak, or go on treks in the Olympus area, for example, it is mandatory
to purchase an extension for extreme sports. Without this extension, a medical event caused by an uncovered activity may leave you without insurance coverage. This extension is especially important if you rent motorcycles or ATVs, as accidents with them are relatively common.