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

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The warm heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece is a top destination for global travelers every year. If you want hip cafes and bars, a secluded island getaway, preparing for that next big hiking adventure, or maybe you’re in need of a complete historical immersion, picture-perfect Greece has all of these and will surely captivate you.

But there’s always the chance that the unexpected could derail your Greek odyssey, which is why considering travel insurance is crucial.

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


What’s covered?

World Nomads has two levels of coverage – 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. Depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you’ve selected, our policies include coverage for:

Overseas emergency medical: if you’re injured or fall ill during your trip, World Nomads travel insurance may cover your medical treatment, hospitalization and emergency transport including medically necessary repatriation back to your country of residence. However, you must notify our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible. They will confirm if the treatment is medically necessary and advise you on what to do, help locate suitable medical facilities, and monitor your medical treatments if needed to make sure you are given proper care.

Baggage cover: your plan may help with replacing belongings that have been lost or damaged by your travel provider or stolen from under your nose. You’ll need a police report and supporting documents and receipts to submit with your claim.

Activities cover: we cover more than 150 sports and adventure activities, from sailing the Aegean Sea, 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: Global travelers 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).

Halkidiki, Aegean sea
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 ticked the must-see Acropolis off your list you’ll have a plethora of classical wonders to choose from: 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 winding streets of Old Naxos Town without a care, however, if the unexpected happens, a travel insurance plan can support 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. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can also help direct you to the nearest or most appropriate medical facility.

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 traveling 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 all of Greece’s many 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 (or the Tourist Police in major cities and islands) 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 also 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 Greece. If you’re on the Explorer Plan and adverse 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. Both our plans also offer cover if your baggage is delayed by your carrier for more than 24 hours.

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


What’s not covered?

Below is a brief summary of what we do not cover. Please check your policy wording for a full list of benefit limits, exclusions, as well as the terms and conditions.

  • Any pre-existing medical conditions, unless otherwise stated in your policy.
  • Any medical treatment, medication, or hospitalization for a non-urgent condition. Examples could include cosmetic surgery, general check-ups, or other elective surgeries.
  • Traveling to or staying in a country that the US government or the government in your country of residence has declared an official ‘Do Not Travel’ travel ban on or warned against non-essential travel.
  • Being intoxicated as a result of consuming 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.

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.

Travel insurance tip: if any of your belongings are stolen, you must obtain a written police report as soon as you can. Where possible, provide witness details as well as photographs, comply with all conditions of any issuing body and provide receipts for all costs incurred, or we will not pay for any claim that you make.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Protection

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $10,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Overseas Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling overseas.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited, up to 12 months
  • Standard Plan: USD $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

We'll get you to hospital quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $500,000
  • Standard Plan: USD $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: USD $3,500
  • Standard Plan: USD $2,500
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • 24 hour Emergency Assistance
  • Emergency Medical Transport
  • Repatriation & Travel Expenses
  • Pre-Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Resumption of Trip
  • Travel Delay
  • Missed connection (Explorer)
  • Hijacking (Explorer)
  • Baggage & Personal Items
  • Passport & Travel Documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Rental vehicle insurance excess (Explorer)
  • Personal accident (Explorer)
*This is a general summary for all residents except from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Brazil, China and Philippines. 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 assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency 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 assistance right now?
Phone:+353 21 237 8008 or +353 21 237 8003 (calls are not toll free. You can claim your itemised call costs)

Contact the team