- The best travel insurance for Greece
- Is it currently safe to travel to Greece?
- Is travel insurance required for the visa to Greece?
- Why take out travel insurance for Greece?
- Travel Insurance Coverage for Greece
- The cost of travel insurance for Greece
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Greece
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Greece?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Greece: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Greece covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unexpected travel mishaps.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for US citizens, but your domestic health plan likely offers no coverage abroad.
3. Healthcare cost: A private hospital stay in Greece can easily exceed $1,000 per night for foreign visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Greece typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Many Greek islands have limited medical facilities, making medical evacuation coverage extremely important.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Greece.
The best travel insurance for Greece
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.0M | A comprehensive solution for trips to Greece. - high medical ceiling - repatriation included - modern guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.0M | Strong support for most travelers to Greece. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $0.5M | Appropriate for tourism with solid value. - good medical provision - emergency assistance - competitive rates |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.7M | Ideal for wider European travel including Greece. - repatriation included - hospital costs covered - broad reach |
| Globe Partner | $0.3M | Reliable for longer stays or multiple trips. - global medical cover - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $0.5M | Suitable for short, low-risk visits to Greece. - essential medical benefits - fast reimbursement - clear limits |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation included
- modern guarantees
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- good medical provision
- emergency assistance
- competitive rates
- repatriation included
- hospital costs covered
- broad reach
- global medical cover
- repatriation
- civil liability
- essential medical benefits
- fast reimbursement
- clear limits
Is it currently safe to travel to Greece?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State maintains a level 1 advisory for Greece, meaning travel is considered safe and normal precautions are advised. No regions are subject to special warnings and recent updates confirm the stability of the situation for US travelers.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime is the main concern, especially pickpocketing and purse-snatching in popular tourist areas and on public transportation. For example, Syntagma Square in Athens and metro trains are known locations for such incidents.
- Health risks: no vaccines are required, and public and private medical facilities in Athens and other cities provide high-quality care. In remote islands, however, access to specialized care and emergency evacuation may be limited or delayed.
- Legal constraints: an International Driver’s Permit is required for car rentals, and driving under the influence is rigorously enforced with heavy fines. In addition, proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket may be requested on arrival.
- Environmental hazards: Greece is subject to natural disasters, notably forest fires during summer and occasional earthquakes, especially on islands like Crete or in western regions. The risk of disruption can be significant during these events.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Greece.
Is travel insurance required for the visa to Greece?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens to obtain a visa or enter Greece.
However, travel insurance is highly recommended by US authorities because unexpected medical expenses, emergency evacuation, or theft can result in significant financial loss. Travel insurance helps cover hospitalization, medication, repatriation, and other unforeseen costs, which are not covered by US health plans overseas.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Greece, reflecting both the safety of the destination and the desire to avoid out-of-pocket costs for emergencies.
Why take out travel insurance for Greece?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Greece.
In Greece, public hospitals in Athens or Thessaloniki may have long wait times and limited English-speaking staff, while foreigners are usually referred to private hospitals like Hygeia Hospital in Athens, where costs can be significant. Private clinics require payment upfront and emergency transport between islands or to major cities can be expensive.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization costs, medications, ambulance transportation, and emergency repatriation to the US if a serious health issue occurs.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Greece.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hygeia Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 1,200 EUR (about $1,300 USD) | up to 100% after deductible |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 900 EUR (about $970 USD) | up to 100% after deductible |
| I need to be repatriated | 35,000 EUR (about $38,000 USD) | up to 100% after deductible |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 3,500 EUR (about $3,800 USD) | up to 100% after deductible |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel Insurance Coverage for Greece
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency care, hospitalization, medication, surgery, and doctor visits. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 for care in Greece. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for air and ground ambulance or airlift to the US if needed. The limit should be at least $250,000, especially for island travel. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds non-refundable expenses if you cannot travel due to illness, accident, or emergency. Ensure coverage matches your total trip costs, ideally $4,000 or more. |
| 🧳 Baggage and belongings loss | Offers compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, after a police or airline report. A minimum of $2,000 is recommended for valuable items during trips in Greece. |
| 👨⚕️ 24/7 assistance services | Provides English-speaking helpline for medical, legal, or travel emergencies. Essential for US travelers, with no specific reimbursement limit. |
| 📝 Personal liability | Covers unintended damage or injury you cause to others, except while driving. We suggest a minimum coverage of $100,000. |
| 🏨 Additional accommodation | Pays for extra stays if hospitalized or if travel home is delayed by an incident. Look for at least $1,000 in accommodation benefits. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 for care in Greece.
The limit should be at least $250,000, especially for island travel.
Ensure coverage matches your total trip costs, ideally $4,000 or more.
A minimum of $2,000 is recommended for valuable items during trips in Greece.
Essential for US travelers, with no specific reimbursement limit.
We suggest a minimum coverage of $100,000.
Look for at least $1,000 in accommodation benefits.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers very limited benefits, low reimbursement limits, and numerous exclusions. For the best security, opt for a reputable insurer with comprehensive coverage. You can quickly compare leading plans and subscribe directly online on HelloSafe for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Greece
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $30 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $52 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $85 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $170 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance varies based on several key factors. These include the traveler's age, the duration of the trip, the destination, the amount of coverage, and any optional add-ons like trip cancellation. It's important to keep these elements in mind to select the best policy for your needs and budget.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Greece
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Greece while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of medical coverage | European hospitals can be expensive for uninsured non-EU travelers, especially in private facilities. A solid level of coverage is important. | Compare plans with coverage at least $50,000, but compare several insurers for best value. |
| 👵 Traveler’s age | Insurers often increase premiums for older travelers. Age impacts risk, which is relevant for Greek vacations involving walking or excursions. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. For others, check age surcharges. |
| 🧳 Baggage coverage | Tourists in Greece face occasional losses due to theft or transportation problems, especially on ferries and in large cities. | If you carry few valuables, select minimal baggage coverage or exclude it to reduce your premium. |
| 🕒 Trip duration | Longer trips increase total insurance costs. Most U.S. travelers to Greece stay less than 2 weeks, so single-trip policies are usually cheaper. | Match insurance dates to your exact stay and avoid unnecessary coverage periods for extra savings. |
| 🚗 Rental car coverage | Many rent cars to explore Greece, but international driving and accidents are a risk. | Consider stand-alone rental car insurance if not included in your travel policy, or compare bundled pricing. |
| 🏨 Trip cancellation | Strikes and demonstrations are common, affecting travel plans. Cancellation coverage can add cost if you have few non-refundable expenses. | Only select cancellation if bookings are non-refundable. Otherwise, keep this coverage low for savings. |
| 🛡️ Deductible amount | A higher deductible means you share more risk, lowering what you pay upfront for your Greece insurance. | Increase your deductible if you can pay a higher amount in case of a claim, lowering your premium. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Greece?
It is normal to wonder if your existing coverage—such as your private or public health insurance, or credit card insurance—might protect you during a trip to Greece, but these options are often limited or insufficient.
Travel insurance is not required for US travelers to enter Greece, but only specific travel insurance will meet embassy requirements if they change.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Greece? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage for health expenses or hospitalization abroad. | Travel insurance reimburses up to $100,000–$500,000 for medical and hospital care in Greece, including emergencies. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) | Yes, partly | Some emergency medical care abroad, often with reimbursement limits under $50,000. No repatriation. | Travel insurance covers higher limits and emergencies, with $150/day for hospital stays and medical evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity, Capital One Platinum) | Yes, partly | Medical emergency or accident cover below $10,000. No baggage, trip cancellation, or repatriation included. | Travel insurance reimburses $100,000+, and covers trip cancellation, lost baggage, and medical evacuation. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Mastercard World Elite) | Yes, partly | Medical up to $100,000. Some coverage of trip delay (up to $500) and lost luggage. | Travel insurance adds $5000+ cancellation cover, real-time support, and no prepayment for most hospital stays. |
Example
Riding an ATV in Santorini, Mark suffered a complex leg fracture. The required medical flight to Athens and surgery cost $25,000. His US health insurance denied the foreign claim, and his Chase Sapphire card’s travel benefit only covered $2,000. Without proper travel insurance, he was left with a $23,000 bill.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Greece of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must travel with a valid U.S. passport that has at least six months of remaining validity. Greece is a Schengen Area country, so the same rules apply throughout most of continental Europe.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Greece?
To buy travel insurance for Greece, start by comparing plans using a trusted travel insurance comparison tool such as HelloSafe. Check the coverage details carefully, paying attention to exclusions and any Greece-specific considerations like medical evacuation. Choose your plan and complete your purchase online. Once you’ve paid, you’ll receive your insurance certificate, usually by email.
What should I look for in Greece travel insurance coverage?
When selecting insurance, look for policies that include emergency medical coverage, hospital care, and medical evacuation. Coverage for trip cancellation, luggage loss, and personal liability can also be valuable in Greece. Confirm that your policy provides 24/7 assistance and reimburses expenses in U.S. dollars.
Are there any travel risks unique to Greece I should consider?
Greece is generally safe, but petty theft such as pickpocketing occurs in crowded tourist sites and on public transport. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt travel, and natural hazards like wildfires or earthquakes are possible. Insurance that includes trip interruption and evacuation can help protect you against these risks.
Do I need special coverage if I plan to drive in Greece?
If you intend to rent and drive a car in Greece, ensure your travel insurance includes adequate rental car coverage. You’ll also need an International Driver’s Permit along with your U.S. driver’s license. Verify whether your insurance covers accidents since Greece has higher traffic accident rates than many other European countries.
Will my travel insurance cover health care costs in Greece?
Most travel insurance plans will reimburse emergency health care costs in Greece, including hospital stays and doctor visits. Private medical facilities may require payment up front, so ensure your plan allows for direct billing or offers a fast claims process. Medical evacuation coverage is especially recommended for travelers to Greece.
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Greece of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must travel with a valid U.S. passport that has at least six months of remaining validity. Greece is a Schengen Area country, so the same rules apply throughout most of continental Europe.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Greece?
To buy travel insurance for Greece, start by comparing plans using a trusted travel insurance comparison tool such as HelloSafe. Check the coverage details carefully, paying attention to exclusions and any Greece-specific considerations like medical evacuation. Choose your plan and complete your purchase online. Once you’ve paid, you’ll receive your insurance certificate, usually by email.
What should I look for in Greece travel insurance coverage?
When selecting insurance, look for policies that include emergency medical coverage, hospital care, and medical evacuation. Coverage for trip cancellation, luggage loss, and personal liability can also be valuable in Greece. Confirm that your policy provides 24/7 assistance and reimburses expenses in U.S. dollars.
Are there any travel risks unique to Greece I should consider?
Greece is generally safe, but petty theft such as pickpocketing occurs in crowded tourist sites and on public transport. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt travel, and natural hazards like wildfires or earthquakes are possible. Insurance that includes trip interruption and evacuation can help protect you against these risks.
Do I need special coverage if I plan to drive in Greece?
If you intend to rent and drive a car in Greece, ensure your travel insurance includes adequate rental car coverage. You’ll also need an International Driver’s Permit along with your U.S. driver’s license. Verify whether your insurance covers accidents since Greece has higher traffic accident rates than many other European countries.
Will my travel insurance cover health care costs in Greece?
Most travel insurance plans will reimburse emergency health care costs in Greece, including hospital stays and doctor visits. Private medical facilities may require payment up front, so ensure your plan allows for direct billing or offers a fast claims process. Medical evacuation coverage is especially recommended for travelers to Greece.
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