Compare travel insurance for Greece

The rich and ancient culture, the landscape, the food, the people, the nightlife. It’s no surprise Greece is on so many wish lists. Here’s how to make the most of that Parthenon promenade, island escape or taverna treat with the peace of mind that can only - we reckon - come with the right travel insurance.

Written by

Kate Hughes

Insurance expert

Last Updated

15 JULY 2024

6 min read

Do I need travel insurance for Greece?

The truth is, it isn’t compulsory. But travel insurance for Greece can provide financial cover for unexpected events while you’re away so you’re not left out of pocket.

A good policy will protect you if you need medical assistance, lose your luggage or have to cancel your trip. This means you can get on and enjoy your holiday, safe in the knowledge that you’re covered if something goes wrong.

How much is travel insurance for Greece?

For a holiday to Greece, you’ll need European travel cover. A travel policy can cost from as little as £5.97 for a week’s holiday^[1] in Europe.

As always though, the exact cost of your travel insurance will depend on your age, the level of cover you need for your trip, what activities you’re planning and any pre-existing health conditions. 

If you travel regularly, you might find that an annual travel insurance policy saves you money overall as you won’t have to organise a separate policy each time you go away.

^[1]Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of June 2024.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, always declare any medical conditions and never lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean your claim is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call MoneyHelper on 0800 138 7777.

What should my travel insurance policy for Greece include?

A travel policy for Greece will typically include cover for:

Medical care – travel insurance with healthcare cover can protect you against the high cost of medical bills if you’re sick or injured during your trip, which can be eyewateringly expensive. Medical cover may also include repatriation back to the UK for treatment, which could otherwise cost you thousands of pounds.
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage – theft is one of the most common risks that holidaymakers in Greece are vulnerable to. Pickpockets target wallets, handbags and passports in crowded tourist spaces or on the metro. No-one wants their stuff swiped, but if your belongings are lost, stolen or damaged, they’ll usually be covered under a standard travel policy.
Holiday cancellation cover – you can make a claim to recover your holiday costs if you need to cancel it or even abandon it while you’re away because of a medical emergency or family bereavement, for example. It’s important to arrange your travel insurance at the time you book your holiday.
Flight cancellations and delays – your travel insurance may also provide cover if you have to cancel your flight or it’s cancelled by the airline. Check the policy to make sure cover for missed connections is also included. Keep all your receipts and proof of travel to support a claim – even for things like food you’ve had to buy because of the wait.

What won’t Greece travel insurance cover?

Before buying your holiday insurance for Greece, there’s a few exclusions to watch out for. Insurance providers typically won’t cover: 

Pre-existing medical conditions – you may need a specialist policy if you have any health issues. At Comparethemarket, any medical conditions you declare will be covered in your quote. 
Risky adventure activities – check your policy to see what activities are excluded. You’ll probably have to pay extra to cover sports like rock climbing and white-water rafting.
Incidents related to drug or alcohol use – Greece is popular with young travellers looking for a party holiday. Zante, Corfu and Mykonos are all famous for their wild nightlife, but things can quickly spiral out of control with too much alcohol. Your claim could be thrown out if the insurance provider decides the incident happened because you were under the influence.
Travel to regions against government advice – this may be because of disease epidemics or terrorism threats. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) doesn’t currently advise avoiding travel to Greece.
Terrorism, natural disasters and civil unrest – Greece is prone to forest fires during the height of summer, while it also experiences earthquakes and other tremors. You should seek advice on what to do in an emergency. Depending on your level of cover, you may not be covered against natural disasters.

What travel insurance do I need for Greece?

As with any destination, think about what activities you’ll be doing on your trip to Greece to make sure your insurance policy covers you for them. If it doesn’t, you might be able to add them on at an additional cost or, if this isn’t possible, look for a specialist policy.

Activities you’ll need to make sure you’re covered for include:

Extreme sports – this could cover you for rock climbing in Kalymnos or paragliding in Corfu, for example. Always check the small print on policies because some surprisingly tame sports fall into this category, as well as the high-risk stuff.
Water sports – Greece is popular for water sports, including kayaking and scuba diving, as well as the popular banana boats that can be seen bouncing along the waves. So make sure you’re covered for any water sports you do.
Winter sports – a white-out wonderland probably isn’t the first thing we associate with Greece, but don’t dismiss the skiing and snowboarding on offer among the snow-covered peaks of Mounts Parnassus and Helmos if you’re all about winter sports fun.
Golf travel insurance – move over Algarve. With its stunning natural landscapes, Greece is a great choice for a golfing holiday. Top courses include the Bernhard Langer-designed Dunes Course in Costa Navarino. If you’re planning to tee off, make sure you’re covered.

Do I need a visa for Greece?

No. If you’re a British citizen with a valid passport, you don’t need a visa to travel to Greece and can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Any other tips for travel to Greece?

Actually, yes. Here’s a few more tips and travel facts about Greece to help you enjoy your trip. You’re welcome...

Currency: euro
EHIC/GHIC: remember to take a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This will give you access to state-provided medical treatment in Greece on the same terms as a local. But you’ll need travel insurance to cover any other costs linked to a medical issue, including repatriation to the UK. You can apply for a GHIC here.
Clothing: Greece is generally a modern, liberal country, but some areas can be quite conservative due to the culture of the Orthodox church. When visiting churches or monasteries, it’s respectful to cover up, avoiding skimpy shorts and tops that reveal your shoulders.
Public indecency: Greek police won’t tolerate public indecency or rowdiness. You can be arrested, fined and even jailed for lewd behaviour, especially where too much alcohol is involved.
Smoking: smoking is illegal in all indoor public places and is punishable by a large fine.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Greece?

Dodge the summer crowds (and heat) by jetting off to Greece between April and June or September and early October. It’s still warm but not overbearing, and resorts and attractions are a bit quieter.

What cover do I need for backpacking in Greece?

If you’re heading to Greece as part of a backpacking holiday, you’ll typically need backpackers insurance. This is designed for people who travel for long periods of time and will ensure that you have the right level of cover for your full itinerary. If your holiday is likely to include adventurous activities, you might also need extreme sports or water sports cover – although check what’s included as standard, as some backpackers cover assumes you’ll be trying out fun stuff anyway.

What cover do I need for a group holiday to Greece?

The Greek islands are always popular with large groups of friends keen to let their hair down after studying or working hard. If you’re travelling as a group, with up to 10 people, it might be worth getting a group travel insurance policy. As well as often being cheaper and simpler to arrange, it also means everyone will be covered if the trip is cancelled.

Do the Greek isles class as Greece travel insurance?

Yes, the Greek islands are all part of Greece, so any travel insurance policy that covers Greece will cover its islands.

Greece is popular for many reasons, but its large collection of islands offer a fantastic variety of holiday options, with many people returning year after year to explore each one. So, whether you’re seeking the Acropolis in Athens, the beautiful white houses of Santorini or the beaches of Crete, Greece offers something for everyone.