Redpoint Destinations

Greece

Greece Travel Insurance

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Prepare for your Greece trip with Redpoint

Greece boasts rich history and ancient mythology, as well as a modern-day relaxed island lifestyle that's the envy of the world. For those reasons and many more, it's a hugely popular destination with travelers seeking relaxation, serenity, and an undisputed sense of place and history.

Though it's a relatively small country, Greece has thousands of islands to explore. But before you go island hopping, you'll need to think about travel insurance coverage.

As with any destination, things can go wrong during your time in Greece. Travel insurance ensures that you'll have the tools to recoup any costs that arise, be it from trip delay, cancellation, or medical emergencies — all of which gives you peace of mind and frees you up to enjoy your trip.

Health & Safety in Greece

One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Greece is generally considered a very safe country to visit, and crime rates are low. There are no infectious disease concerns that travelers need to be aware of, and no vaccinations are required for entry.

One thing to note is that protests and strikes do occur with some regularity in Greece. While they are usually peaceful, they can sometimes disrupt public transport and access to tourist sites. In general, it is best to stay informed about local news and avoid large gatherings if possible.

For travel tips and the most up-to-date information on Greek health and safety, you should always consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Greece and the CDC’s health recommendations for U.S. travelers before you leave, just in case.

Greece is known for its beautiful weather and coastlines; however, extreme heat can sometimes be an issue, as can wildfires, which tend to happen during the dry months. If you visit during the summer months, be wary of physical exertion during the warmest parts of the day, stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and always heed local guidance regarding the heat.

Finally, if you decide to drive while you’re in Greece, be aware that the rules of the road are different, and drivers’ attitudes can be quite relaxed. Roads can also be very narrow, and not wide enough for two cars to pass. You will also need an International Driving Permit along with a valid driver’s license to legally drive in Greece.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Greece

The components of any good travel insurance policy are the same. Before you purchase travel insurance, you’ll want to make sure your plan includes each type of benefit listed below so you’ll be covered — no matter what unforeseen circumstances might come your way in Greece.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to Greece is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. For extra trip cancellation coverage, cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance is usually available as an add-on. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, consider tacking on a waiver to your medical coverage.
Travel medical insurance: This covers medical expenses for injuries or illnesses incurred during your trip. Greece has excellent healthcare, but if you fall ill while there, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to receive medical treatment, so travel health insurance is a must. Your health insurance coverage from home will not be accepted for medical care in Greece.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest Greek medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. Medical services in Greece are reliable, but be aware that in more rural areas or on smaller islands, facilities may be more limited than in major cities, like Athens and Thessaloniki, so medical evacuation coverage may come in handy.
Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip.
Trip delay insurance: Travel delay benefits compensate you for additional expenses incurred if your trip is delayed before it starts, or during any connections or transfers.

For adventure travelers looking to explore remote mountain villages and ancient ruins, sail to under-the-radar Greek islands, like Kasos, or hike one of the tougher trails on Crete or Hydra, Ripcord is an extensive travel plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage.

If you’re only delving into Greek culture in Athens and the like, you’d be better off considering Redpoint’s other two policies, Cavalry and Harbor. Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler.

You can buy travel insurance for a single trip to Greece, or purchase an annual policy for multiple visits. Check out our purchase page for a quote today.

FAQs for Greece Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance mandatory for Greece?

Travel insurance is not required to visit Greece if you are an American tourist staying for less than 90 days. That said, it’s a risk to travel anywhere without appropriate travel insurance, even if it's not required.

If you’re applying for a Schengen visa for a longer stay, then you will need to provide proof of travel insurance.

How much is travel insurance for Greece?

Most of Redpoint's travel insurance plans for Greece range from 6% to 15% of the total trip costs.

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Greece?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy for Greece should include adequate medical coverage (at least $100,000 to cover unexpected medical costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Greece?

As of now, there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for travelers to Greece. However, if you are worried about a coronavirus infection upsetting your travel plans and causing you to cancel your trip, then it may be a good idea to include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your travel insurance policy.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Greece?

You can seek medical attention at public hospitals or private clinics in Greece, and public hospitals can provide free or low-cost care to residents and tourists in emergencies. However, wait times can vary, and there is no guarantee that treatment will be free. It’s recommended to have travel insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.

If you need to call emergency services in Greece, dial 112. Redpoint can also be reached for round-the-clock assistance at +1-415-481-0610.

Are the hospitals good in Greece?

Yes, hospitals in Greece — particularly in major cities, like Athens and Thessaloniki — offer a high standard of care. Public hospitals can be busy and may have long wait times, while private hospitals provide quicker service at a higher cost. In smaller towns and islands, medical facilities may be more basic, so it's wise to know where the nearest well-equipped hospital is located.

What documentation is needed to visit Greece?

Fortunately. U.S. citizens traveling to Greece only need a valid passport. The U.S. State Department recommends travelers ensure their passports have six months' validity.

A Greek visa is not required for U.S. travelers. Americans are permitted to enter Europe's Schengen zone for tourism or business purposes if they are staying for less than 90 days. Starting in 2025, however, travelers may need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering.

Is Greece safe to visit?

Yes, Greece is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. It has a low crime rate compared to other European countries, and violent crime is very rare. However, petty crime, like pickpocketing, does still occur in crowded tourist areas and transportation hubs, so follow common-sense precautions.

Is Greece safe for female travelers?

Yes, Greece is generally safe for female travelers. The country is accustomed to tourists, and many women travel alone without any issues. However, it's wise to take the usual precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas at night and being cautious of overly friendly strangers.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Greece?

The U.S. Embassy in Greece is located in Athens, where you can seek help with emergencies, legal matters, or passport-related issues. The contact information is as follows:

91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens

Tel: +30-210-721-2951

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Redpoint is known for its comprehensive and easy-to-understand policies, which can suit any type of trip, from laid back island hopping to volcano-exploring. Explore our Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor policy options and get a quote today.