Travel Insurance for Greece

Travel Insurance for Greece
Travel & Safety Tips for Greece
Popular Greece Travel Destinations
Greece Embassy & Consulate Information

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Greece?

Between postcard-worthy islands and fresh feta, it’s no wonder why many travelers seek to experience Greece for themselves. Our travelers often say that they find themselves at home on Greece's golden beaches and vineyard-dotted mountains. Solo travelers find themselves at peace reliving Ancient Greek myths; families race laps around the first Olympic track; couples relax, clinking glasses of ouzo. Whether it be for a holiday, an informational experience, a business trip, or a repatriation trip home, Greece is an up-and-coming destination for many of our travelers.

We often get asked, "Is travel insurance mandatory for Greece?" The simple answer is that it depends. For many travelers, travel insurance for Greece is highly recommended, and most travelers opt to purchase travel protection. Keep in mind, Greece is a Schengen country, so there are specific cases in which travelers are required to have trip insurance. Even if it is not a requirement for all visitors, trip protection helps travelers plan for the unexpected while overseas. Every traveler has unique needs. Those going to Greece can select what coverage plans work best for them.

If you are embarking on a trip to Greece, you may want to consider a travel insurance plan. One reason many tourists and holiday-goers choose to purchase travel insurance is for medical coverage. Primary health insurance providers may offer some coverage, but travel medical insurance for Greece helps protect a traveler and his or her traveling companions from expensive medical bills due to unforeseen injury or illness. Additionally, travelers to Greece often choose to buy another layer of protection in case of emergencies. Emergency medical evacuation coverage provides transportation in the event of illness or injury to an appropriate medical facility when there is little to no adequate local care, all without incurring a hefty financial burden. That way, if you get injured or ill while in the Greek islands or while hiking up to the Acropolis during your stay, you’re covered with the right plan.

Is Greece a Schengen Country?

Greece is one of the Schengen area countries, which means some travelers will require specific travel insurance. U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a Schengen visa to travel to Greece, but citizens of many other countries are. Note that if you are a resident of the U.S. but not a U.S. citizen, you may need to get a Schengen Visa to travel to Greece. It's essential to review the Schengen Visa travel plans before going to Greece.

How Much is Travel Insurance to Greece?

U.S. citizens often ask, "What is the best travel insurance for Greece?" Alternatively, if you live on the other side of the pond, "What's the best holiday insurance for Greece?" Travel insurance is not one size fits all, so the best plan depends on your individual needs and budget. Calculating the cost of insurance varies by traveler depending on party size, length of stay, and type of coverage. Check our cost of travel insurance page to see what variables may factor into the cost of travel insurance for Greece, or use InsureMyTrip's SMART algorithm to start the search for you. Just look to the right of this page. Fill in the information for your trip to Greece to receive a free, personalized quote on the cost of travel insurance for your trip. InsureMyTrip can help you compare different plans to identify which options work best for your Greece trip and your budget.

Do I Need a Passport to Go to Greece?

Yes, a passport is required for entry into Greece. So, when thinking about what you need to travel to Greece, don't leave your passport behind! Your passport is recommended to be within six months or more of expiration. If you bought travel insurance for Greece, also remember your insurance policy document in the case you need to file a claim.

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Greece?

If you are planning to travel to Greece, it’s important to ask, “do I need a visa to go to Greece?” Typically, when traveling to Greece, you will not need a tourist, or visitor’s visa unless you plan to stay for more than 90 days. Note that travelers with tourist visas are required to have travel insurance. As mentioned above, Greece is a Schengen country, so you will need to check whether or not you need a Schengen Visa before you go. Those with U.S. official or diplomatic passports must obtain a Schengen visa prior to arrival in Greece.

Greece Travel Tips & Safety

Money & Currency Exchange

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of Greece. So when you arrive in Greece, you will have to exchange your native currency. You can do this in Greece at a bank, the airport, or a currency exchange office. It's a good idea to have some Euro cash when you travel to Greece. Greeks prefer to make transactions with cash, so try to have enough money on you when eating out or to shop. If you don't, no need to stress. ATMs are everywhere, especially in cities. One pro tip: when buying from shops, ask if there's a discount for paying in cash rather than with a credit card.

Travelers often ask about the tipping custom in Greece. In general, few Greeks leave tips in restaurants, and the Greeks do not expect tips. You can still tip but don't feel obligated to.

Transportation

Taxis, rental cars, buses, subways, trains, ferries – there are a plethora of transportation options available when traveling in Greece.

Taxis

Lines of taxis wait on busy streets, at ports and airports for tourists. Hotels can arrange for transportation.

Rental Cars

Greeks drive aggressively, especially in cities like Athens. If you plan to rent a car, it may be a good idea to get rental car insurance.

Buses

Buses go almost anywhere. The bus system makes traveling between main towns, and even some villages, easy.

Subways

Metro, or subway, systems are available in Greece’s largest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki.

Trains

Although trains only go to popular destinations, Greece’s national rail service is extremely cheap and easy to use.

Ferries

Only 250 of Greece's 6,000 islands are inhabited. Some have airports, but for those islands that don't, you'll have to use a ferry to travel to them. Ferry prices typically range from 10 to 75 EUR.

Other Means of Transportation

Renting a bike is not advised as Greek drivers often hit bicyclists. If you do decide to travel Greece via bicycle, it may be a good idea to look into travel medical insurance or an accidental death policy.

Culture

Greeks encourage you to fill yourself with feta cheese, olives, gyros, and spanakopita. When drinking in the taverna, it's best to be aware that while Greeks drink, they rarely get drunk. Greeks highly disapprove of public displays of drunkenness. Taste the traditional wines and ouzo, but don't go overboard. Not only will the locals disapprove, but if you are injured while under the influence of alcohol, your travel insurance coverage may be affected. Like anywhere you travel, be aware of your actions and surroundings.

There are a few other cultural customs you may want to be aware of before you travel to Greece.

• Greeks enjoy smoking almost as much as they enjoy their wine—nearly 50 percent of Greeks smoke.
• Do not throw toilet paper in the toilets. Instead, use the bin next to the toilet. As in other European countries, Greece does not have the sewage system to process toilet paper.
• Similar to Spain’s “siesta,” Greeks enjoy closing shop for a few hours in the afternoon. Their last meal usually is eaten late, around 10 pm.
• If visiting a church or monastery leave the bathing suits and short shorts at the hotel. Church-goers in Greece are expected to dress respectfully, and Greeks expect that from visitors as well.

Speaking the Language

Most Greeks understand and speak English, as English is taught in schools. As a result, they do not have any problems communicating with tourists. It is still helpful and often appreciated for visitors to learn a few words in Greek.

• Γειά σου (YAH-soo): Hello/Goodbye
• όχι (OH-hee): Yes
• Ναί (neh): No
• Tι κανείς? (tee-KAH-nis)?: How are you?
• Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MER-ah): Good morning
• Καλησπέρα (kah-lee-SPER-ah): Good afternoon/Good evening
• Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE): Thank you
• Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE): Please/You’re welcome
• Στην υγειά μας! (STIN-eh YAH-mas): Cheers!
• Tαξιδιωτική ασφάλιση (TAXI-dio-tiki asa-FAL-si): Travel Insurance!

Risk/Crime

After Greece experienced an economic crash ten years ago, crime rates and violence were on the rise. Our travelers often ask, "Is it safe to travel to Greece?" Over the past few years, as tourists flock to Greece, safety has been increasing. There are still some risks you may want to know about, and precautions you may want to take before traveling to Greece. For the latest information on Greece and safety, review our travel advisories resource page.

Although most of the Greek mainland and islands are safe for tourists, safety in Greece's major cities—Athens, Patra, and Thessaloniki—must be discussed separately. There are some areas travelers ought to avoid in these cities. Downtown Athens and the center of Athens are subject to drug use and political demonstrations, so if you plan to stay in a hotel in these areas or walk through them, be extra vigilant. Use caution when crossing streets in Greek cities, as cars often do not slow down for pedestrians. Pickpockets are also a problem. Pickpockets work in groups to distract passersby. Place valuables in hard-to-reach places when walking around or traveling. Pickpockets often blend into the crowd. Using common sense, you can be safe while traveling in Greece. Nevertheless, be aware of the risks associated with traveling to Greece, as that can be a factor in deciding on travel insurance.

Popular Destinations in Greece

What are the most popular destinations in Greece? There are so many breathtaking places to see in Greece, especially in the sites where Ancient Greece and modern Greece converge. We've compiled a list of our traveler's most popular destinations so you can lounge in front of cerulean seas, wander through olive groves, or relive the whispers of history.

Top 10 Travel Destinations for Greece

Local Favorites in Athens

Athens, Greece is a hotspot for tourists worldwide, so it's no surprise that you find yourself drawn to its ancient ruins, incredible food, great nightlife, and more. If you want a different experience from everyone else heading there, however, you can't go wrong by researching what born-and-raised Athenians love. To help you, we've collected some local favorites in Greece that you can add to your vacation itinerary.

The Plaka Neighborhood

If you're wondering what to do in Athens, the Plaka neighborhood is a good place to start. Considered one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, there's evidence that suggests there could have been folks living there all the way back in prehistoric eras. Now, however, the area is bustling with local artisans crafting traditional gifts, authentic tavernas serving fresh seafood and souvlaki, and street musicians filling the air with melodies to enjoy.

Filopappou Hill

Another one of the local favorites in Greece is Filopappou Hill. Casually stroll one of its many walking trails and take in breathtaking city views from the hilltop. If you have a flair for history, you can also find the Philopappos Monument, a two-story Roman-era tomb made from the same type of marble as the famous Parthenon.

Kolonaki

You'll never be at a loss for what to do in Athens, but if you need one more suggestion, we recommend heading over to Kolonaki, an upscale neighborhood known for its trendy shopping, art scene, and more. Here, you'll find both local and international boutiques, and even antique shops holding unique treasures to bring home. As you make your way through the town, you can also grab a bite at a casual café, try something more high-end at a Michelin-star restaurant, and then try a ride on the funicular rail to the top of nearby Mount Lycabettus.

Protect Your Trip to Athens with Travel Insurance

When you're planning what to do in Athens, you should be focused on enjoying your upcoming vacation, not worrying about the obstacles that could arise during your trip. For that reason, you may want to consider buying Greek travel insurance.

When you have the best travel insurance plans on your side, you can enjoy the local favorites in Greece knowing that you may be financially protected should you run into issues including flight delays, lost or damaged luggage, needs for medical attention, and more throughout your vacation.

One of the best ways to find the right coverage for your needs is by looking at plans on InsureMyTrip.com. As the world's first travel insurance comparison website, we give you the opportunity to build and study the best travel insurance plans from top providers side by side. You can also use our site to learn about different types of coverage and contact our dedicated Customer Care team, with licensed professionals who can answer your coverage-related questions.

U.S. / Greece Embassy and Consulate Locations

U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Greece

• U.S. Embassy Greece
  91 Vasilisis Sophias Ave
  10160 Athens, Greece
  Phone: 30.210.721.2951
• U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki
  43 Tsimiski, 7th Floor
  546 23 Thessaloniki, Greece
  Phone: 30.2310.242.905 / 30.2310.376.300

Greek Embassy and Consulate in USA

• Washington DC — Embassy of Greece
  2217 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.
  Washington DC 20008 United States
  Phone: 1.202.939.1300
• Los Angeles, California — Consulate General of Greece
  12424 Wilshire Blv. Suite 1170
  Los Angeles, CA 90025 United States
  Phone: 1.310.826.5555 / 1.310.826.6032
• San Francisco, California — Consulate General of Greece
  2441 Gough Street
  San Francisco, CA 94123 United States
  Phone: 1.415.775.2102
• Tampa, Florida — Consulate General of Greece
  400 Ν. Τampa Street, Suite 1160
  Tampa, FL 33602 United States
  Phone: 1.813.865.0200
• Atlanta, Georgia — Consulate General of Greece
  Tower Place 100, Suite 1670
  3340 Peachtree Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30326 United States
  Phone: 1.404.261.3313 / 1.404.261.3391
• Chicago, Illinois — Consulate of Greece
  650 North St.Clair St.
  Chicago, IL 60611 United States
  Phone: 1.312.335.3915
• Boston, Massachusetts — Consulate General of Greece
  86 Beacon Street
  Boston, MA 02108 94123 United States
  Phone: 1.617.523.0100
• New York, New York — Consulate General of Greece
  69 East 79th Street
  New York, NY 10075 United States
  Phone: 1.212.988.5500
• Houston, Texas — Consulate of Greece
  2401 Fountain View Drive, Ste. 850
  Houston, TX 77057 United States
  Phone: 1.713.840.7522