Is Travel Insurance Necessary For Greece?

Greece is part of the EU, meaning EHIC or GHIC holders are covered. However, comprehensive travel insurance is still essential to cover all emergencies. Most places don’t accept cards, so it’s important to carry cash as most places don’t accept cards. As a Schengen country, it’s mandatory to buy travel insurance for Greek citizens.

Top travel insurance plans for individuals, senior citizens, and students include plans for an individual of 30 years old traveling to the USA for 15 days. While Greece does not require travel insurance for tourists from the U.S., it can provide financial cover for unexpected events while away, such as medical assistance, luggage loss, or trip cancellations.

Post Office Travel Insurance offers coverage for medical emergencies, baggage loss, damage, delays, and cancellations. For medically necessary state healthcare in Greece, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Although travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it’s essential to be prepared for any expensive trip to Greece.

A solid travel insurance policy can protect your investment and act as a financial safety for problems during travel. Greece is a popular holiday destination, but foreigners are not eligible for Greece’s free healthcare.

Is Greece classed as Europe for travel insurance?

Greece is a member of the European Union, meaning that those with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are covered while in Greece. The EHIC system provides government-run healthcare to UK and EU tourists, offering treatment for free or reduced costs. However, it does not cover repatriation costs. The UK’s EHIC cards will continue to be accepted until their expiry date, and once expired, they will be replaced with the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

It is important to note that an EHIC/GHIC cannot be used onboard any cruise. Just Travel Cover assesses specialized insurers to provide cost-effective coverage tailored to your needs, including coverage relevant to cruise travel, such as missed port departure and cabin confinement cover.

Is Greece part of Europe for travel insurance?

Greece is a member of the European Union, meaning that those with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are covered while in Greece. The EHIC system provides government-run healthcare to UK and EU tourists, offering treatment for free or reduced costs. However, it does not cover repatriation costs. The UK’s EHIC cards will continue to be accepted until their expiry date, and once expired, they will be replaced with the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

It is important to note that an EHIC/GHIC cannot be used onboard any cruise. Just Travel Cover assesses specialized insurers to provide cost-effective coverage tailored to your needs, including coverage relevant to cruise travel, such as missed port departure and cabin confinement cover.

Can I travel to Greece without insurance?

Travel insurance is essential when traveling to Greece, as it ensures you are prepared for any potential risks. The country attracts over 20 million tourists annually, making it a popular holiday destination. The 227 inhabited islands offer a variety of experiences, from delicious food to relaxing on beautiful beaches. Popular island paradises include Santorini, known for its blue dome buildings, Mykonos for its luxury and nightlife, Crete for its beautiful beaches and mythological history, and Naxos for a perfect family getaway.

The variety of activities in Greece is overwhelming, but the food is a must-try. Fresh tastes, generous portions, and friendly staff make for unforgettable meals. Despite not being a legal requirement, it is essential to consider travel insurance when traveling abroad.

Does Greece fall under EU?

The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 countries that operates an internal market, allowing free movement of goods, capital, services, and people between its member states. The EU includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. The European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, allows them to be part of the EU’s single market.

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Greece?

In Greece, the average cost of a doctor’s appointment without insurance in public clinics is 30 EUR. The cost of narrow specialist consultations is even higher, ranging from 45 to 100 EUR.

Do I need health insurance in Greece?

To access medically necessary state healthcare in Greece, individuals need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The NHS’s webpage provides information on applying for a GHIC, obtaining temporary cover, qualifying for a new EHIC, and medically necessary treatment. However, GHIC or EHIC are not an alternative to travel insurance, and may not cover costs such as changes to travel and accommodation bookings, additional standard treatment costs, medical repatriation, non-urgent treatment, private healthcare, and private clinics.

Can I buy travel insurance after departure?

Travel insurance can be purchased after leaving home for a trip, but it won’t cover any medical issues that happened before the purchase. The insurance usually provides coverage after a waiting period. If you have a medical crisis but didn’t buy it earlier, it’s too late to get coverage. Travel health insurance only covers illness or injury that happens after the purchase, and you can’t buy a plan when you get sick or injured to get those expenses covered.

Some insurers may also not sell health insurance after the trip has started or place limits on coverage for pre-existing conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to buy medical travel insurance before you need it.

What do I do if I get sick in Greece?

In the event of a life-or-death emergency, the appropriate course of action is to contact the emergency services by dialing 112. This number can be used to reach the medical list in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities in Greece, or alternatively, the U. S. Embassy can be contacted in the event of a serious emergency.

Do tourists get free healthcare in Greece?

Greece has universal healthcare, with most citizens signing up with the ESY, receiving an AMKA number, and signing up with a social insurance provider. A 2016 law change allows even Greek citizens and refugees who cannot afford social insurance fees to receive public healthcare, including basic emergency care. Most care through Greek social insurance is free or low-cost, and citizens can make their own appointments with doctors or specialists. Covered care includes eye care, eye exams, and contributions towards glasses.

However, Greece has privatized its dental care, making it more expensive for citizens. Up to 17 of Greek people pay for private health insurance, which opens up private clinics and doctors, providing faster access, multi-lingual doctors, and better services overall.

Is insurance required to travel to Greece?

Greece, a popular European travel destination, does not require travel insurance for US tourists due to its Schengen area status. Visitors can stay for 90 days without visa pre-arrangement or other conditions. The country boasts historic attractions like the Acropolis in cities like Thessaloniki and Athens, as well as beautiful beaches and lively party scenes on Greek islands like Santorini, Corfu, and Mykonos.

Over 29 million tourists visited Greece in 2022, often combining their trip with stops in Italy and Croatia. However, the unregulated travel industry can make it difficult to choose reputable operators and potential disruptions to travel schedules.

Does it matter when you get travel insurance?

When planning your travels, it’s essential to buy travel insurance to protect against cancellations or travel incapacity. However, it’s crucial to understand what coverage you’ll be covered for, such as a drink-related incident, scooter accident in Thailand, wallet loss during a stopover, or COVID-19 isolation. It’s essential to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) to ensure you’re covered for various potential risks, such as a drink-related incident, a scooter accident, or COVID-19 isolation. This ensures you’re adequately covered for your trip.