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

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With more sunny days than most countries in Europe Greece is a stunning destination for history buffs and adventurous travelers with ancient ruins many of us have only heard of in story books, stark calderas, stunning scenery all lapped by the sapphire seas of the Mediterranean.

But, sometimes, island living can derail our travelers Greek Odyssey with missed connections, tumbles while hiking and more, which is where travel insurance may help.

Athens at night
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.

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 you are in the world. Our gear coverage can help replace 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 mountain biking the shady 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.


Cover for some Coronavirus-related events:

Depending on your Country of Residence and the travel insurance plan you choose, you may have access to Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage for certain events.

To find out what cover applies to you, select your Country of Residence and read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article which has all of the details, including benefit terms, 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).

Sithonia peninsula, Halkidiki
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, 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 Town Naxos 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.

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 the 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 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 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?

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:

  • Existing medical conditions: these may not be covered if you’re sick or injured due to the existing medical condition, unless otherwise stated in your policy,
  • Being intoxicated: that include if you’re intoxicated due to alcohol or any illegal substances.
  • Doing stupid or illegal stuff: if you’re acting in an irresponsible manner or not complying with local laws you may not be covered.
  • Not following doctor’ orders: disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team.
  • Leaving valuables unattended: 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.

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: 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 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 hospital 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 Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour 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 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?

Contact the team