Travel Insurance when in Greece

What you need to know about travel insurance for a trip to Greece

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The warm heart of the Mediterranean, Greece is a top destination for Irish travellers every year. Whether you’re dreaming of secluded Santorini sunsets or a pilgrimage to the Oracle at Delphi, the classical and natural wonders of Greece are sure to captivate you at every port. But there’s always the chance that the unexpected could derail your Greek odyssey, which is why considering travel insurance is a good idea

What’s covered
Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Greece?
What to look out for when traveling around Greece?
What’s not covered?

Athens at night. Photo credit: Getty images / Stanley Chen Xi

What’s covered?

World Nomads has two levels of cover – the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan - that offer different benefits, limits and sub-limits so it’s best to compare them to see which one suits your travel needs. For travellers going to Greece, our policies include cover for:

Overseas emergency medical: if you’re injured or fall ill while hiking pine and fir forests in Mount Ainos National Park, World Nomads offers cover for emergency medical expenses for treatment, prescriptions, doctors’ visits, hospital stays and emergency transport. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can help direct you to the nearest or most appropriate medical facility.

Baggage cover: theft is a risk no matter where in the world you travel. Our gear coverage can help with replacing belongings that were snatched from under your nose.

Activities cover: we cover more than 150 sports and adventure activities, from sailing the Aegean Sea, to snorkelling in Crete's turquoise waters, to mountain biking the forests near Thessaloniki. If your favourite sport isn’t on the list, get in touch with our Customer Assistance Team and they will let you know if we cover it. Be aware that an upgrade for certain activities and sports may be required.

Family Plans: cover for up to 2 adults and 8 dependents on the one policy. If the family doesn’t want to leave the sunshine, you can extend your plan before its expiry date for up to 12 months from when your trip started.

Cover for some Coronavirus-related events: Irish travellers may be covered for medically necessary expenses if they get Coronavirus in Greece. To find out what cover applies to you, read our Coronavirus cover article, which has all the details, including benefit limits, conditions, and exclusions.

If you forgot to buy travel insurance before you left home, you can purchase while you’re travelling (a waiting period may apply for some benefits).

A beach on the east coast of Sithonia peninsula, Halkidiki, Aegean sea. Photo credit: Getty images / Marius Roman

Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Greece?

Once you’ve gazed on the must-see Acropolis you’ll have so much more you’ll want to do: trekking to the towering medieval monasteries in Meteora on mainland Greece, or scuba diving an ancient shipwreck in Greece’s first underwater museum at Peristera.

For the most part, you can wander the streets of Old Naxos Town without a care, however if the unexpected happens, a travel insurance plan can help you when things go wrong. If you fall ill or injure yourself, or your gear is lost or stolen, with a World Nomads’ policy you may be covered for related medical expenses and replacement of your personal items so you can continue your trip.

When you’re trying to navigate a foreign country (and language) in a crisis, it’s good to know you’ll also have access to the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team who can help you find local medical assistance or contact the local authorities.

An old town in Athens — Anafiotika neighborhood and Acropolis in the old town of Athens. Photo credit: Getty images / Cavan Images

What to look out for when travelling around Greece?

Losing yourself in the antique flea markets of Athens or soaking up the secluded beaches on Karpathos, you might think you’re in a world of your own; unfortunately, Greece is not immune to petty crime and tourist scams. It pays to be vigilant in busy ports, metros and markets (anywhere that attracts a big crowd) as crafty pickpockets can try to distract tourists before snatching phones, money and passports.

When it comes to theft, prevention is best, check out our Safety Tips for Greece article before you go. If theft does occur, contact the local authorities to get a written report to submit with your claim along with copies of your items’ receipts.

While travel insurance essentials such as baggage cover, emergency medical cover and trip cancellation are offered on both our plans, the Explorer Plan offers cover for a wider range of activities. For example, the roads in the Greek Islands are renowned for being twisting, narrow and dusty so if you’re planning on hiring a car to explore the stunning coastal drives on Kefalonika, the Explorer Plan offers cover for your hire car insurance excess should you have a car accident, or if the vehicle is broken into, or stolen.

The Explorer plan may also support you as you navigate the numerous flight and ferry connections around the Islands. If you’re on the Explorer Plan and extreme weather affects your connecting transport, or a natural catastrophe occurs and you cannot use your booked accommodation, you may be covered for the related expenses to find other transport or accommodation. Also, both our plans also offer cover if your baggage is delayed by your carrier for more than 24 hours.

Couple looking at Parthenon temple in Athens. Photo credit: Getty images / Matteo Colombo

What’s not covered?

Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything – so make sure you know what you’re covered. Some, but not all, of the events we don’t cover include:

Any pre-existing medical conditions, unless otherwise stated in your policy.
Travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of an Irish government warning of ‘Do Not Travel’ or ‘Avoid Non-essential Travel’.
Being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances.
If you are acting in an irresponsible manner or not complying with local laws.
Disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team.
Stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unguarded.
Expenses recoverable from elsewhere such as your PMI in Ireland.

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

Did you know travel insurance can cover...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

Travel insurance tip 1: Irish residents should have their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when travelling to Greece. This will give you free, or reduced cost, medical treatment. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance as an EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. With World Nomads travel insurance at your side, you may be covered for private medical healthcare costs, costs associated with mountain rescue in ski resorts or being repatriated back to Ireland, or for lost or stolen property.

Travel insurance tip 2: if you are the victim of a theft, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details along with any photographs, comply with all the conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, otherwise your claim may not be paid out.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection

Unexpectedly hospitalised?
Travel buddy unfit to travel?
Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Need meds quick?
Accidentally injured?
Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest suitable medical facility is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation

Banged up abroad?
Need a hospital urgently?
Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear

Passport or tech stolen?
Airline lost your gear?
Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

Trip Disruption
24-Hour Medical Assistance Services

Baggage
And more (depending on your country of residence)

*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024:
Phone: +353 4 69 017 022

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
+353 (0) 90 640 6460