Compare travel insurance for Greece
The rich and ancient culture, the landscape, the food, the nightlife. It’s no surprise Greece is on so many holidaymakers’ wish lists. Here’s how to make the most of that Parthenon promenade, island escape or taverna treat with the right travel insurance.
The rich and ancient culture, the landscape, the food, the nightlife. It’s no surprise Greece is on so many holidaymakers’ wish lists. Here’s how to make the most of that Parthenon promenade, island escape or taverna treat with the right travel insurance.
Do I need travel insurance for Greece?
It isn’t compulsory, but a good travel insurance policy for Greece 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. Travel insurance for Greece can cost from as little as £6.25 for a week’s holiday[1].To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.
Compare travel insuranceAs always, the exact cost of your travel insurance will depend on several factors, including:
- Your age – older travellers tend to pay more as they’re higher risk.
- The level of cover you need for your trip – for example, do you need a multi-trip policy or single-trip cover? If you travel regularly, you might find that an annual travel insurance policy saves you money overall as you won’t have to buy a separate policy each time you go away.
- What activities you’re planning – if you need to add cover for sports and higher-risk activities, you’ll usually pay more.
- Any pre-existing health conditions – to get cover for these, you may need to take out a specialist policy, which will likely cost more
[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 January 2025.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, you should always declare any medical conditions and tell your insurance provider the truth, because if you give false information your claim could be rejected. When you declare medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers that may be able to offer quotes.
What does travel insurance to Greece cover?
A travel policy for Greece will typically include cover for:
- Emergency medical care and repatriation costs – travel insurance with healthcare cover can protect you against the high cost of medical bills if you’re sick or injured during your trip. 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 – pickpockets often target wallets, handbags and passports in crowded tourist spaces and on the metro. If your belongings are lost, stolen or damaged, they’ll usually be covered under a standard travel policy.
- Holiday cancellation cover – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened for a reason covered by your insurance, you could claim to recover any resulting costs.
- Flight cancellations and delays – your travel insurance may 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, if this might affect you.
Of course, travel insurance can vary greatly between policies and providers, so always check the details before choosing which product to buy.
What won’t travel insurance for Greece cover?
Before buying your holiday insurance for Greece, there are a few exclusions to watch out for. Insurance providers typically won’t cover:
- Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions – you may need a specialist policy if you have any health issues. At Compare the Market, any medical conditions you declare will be covered in your quote.
- Incidents related to drug or alcohol use – Greece is popular among travellers seeking party holidays. However, claims made due to alcohol consumption could be rejected.
What activities will I be covered for?
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 take out a specialist policy.
Activities you’ll need to make sure you’re covered for include:
- Extreme sports – fancy a spot of rock climbing in Kalymnos or paragliding in Corfu? Always check the small print on policies because a wide range of activities – even some you might think are relatively tame – can be classed as ‘extreme sports’ by insurance providers.
- 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. Make sure you’re covered for any water sports you do.
- Winter sports – a wintry wonderland probably isn’t the first thing you picture when you think about 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. However, if you’ve visited any other Schengen-region countries in the 180 days leading up to your visit, these count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date from Greece. It also needs a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before your arrival.
Does the EHIC/GHIC still cover travel to Greece?
If you still have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can use it in Greece to access state-provided medical care.
The same is true of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which has now replaced the EHIC. You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.
However, the EHIC/GHIC only covers basic medical care and doesn't include private treatment or repatriation to the UK. This is where travel insurance becomes crucial.
Healthcare
Greece operates a mixed healthcare system. Public healthcare services in Greece are available to residents and EU citizens, but British travellers will need an EHIC or GHIC to access state-provided medical treatment.
Be aware, though, that an EHIC/GHIC is no substitute for travel insurance. It won’t cover repatriation, baggage loss or flight disruptions, for starters.
In the event of a medical emergency in Greece, you can dial 112, the European emergency number, which is free to call from any phone.
Risks of travelling in Greece
While Greece is generally a safe destination, it’s important to be aware of potential risks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- Crime – petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can be an issue in tourist hotspots such as Athens. Always be vigilant in crowded areas, keep your belongings secure, and avoid displaying valuables.
- Natural disasters – Greece can be prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes and wildfires. In recent years, significant earthquakes have affected areas including Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Wildfires are also a concern, particularly during the hot, dry summer months. The island of Kos was hit by wildfires in July 2024.
- Terrorism – while the threat of terrorism in Greece is relatively low, it’s not non-existent. There have been isolated incidents, such as the 2010 bombings in Athens.
Driving
Driving in Greece can be a great way to explore the country's beautiful landscapes and hidden gems. However, there are some key differences and rules to be aware of if you're a British traveller:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road – this can take some getting used to, so it could be a good idea to familiarise yourself with the layout of the car and practise in a quiet area before heading out onto busier roads.
- Drink driving – Greece has strict drink-driving laws. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, lower than the UK's 0.08%. For new drivers (those with less than two years’ driving experience) and professional drivers, the limit is even lower at 0.02%. It could be best to avoid drinking entirely if you plan to drive.
- Documentation – you’ll need to carry your UK driving licence, insurance documents and vehicle registration when driving in Greece. If you’re hiring a car, keep the rental agreement and contact details for the rental company with you.
- Tolls – some Greek motorways are toll roads. You can often pay by cash or card, and some cars may have a transponder fitted which allows you to pay electronically.
Nightlife
Greece is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. It offers something for everyone, from lively clubs to laid-back beach bars. Popular party destinations include Kavos, Zante and Mykonos, which attract young travellers from all over Europe.
It’s important to be aware of your limits, though, as incidents related to alcohol or drug use won’t normally be covered by your travel insurance.
Other travel tips
Here are a few more tips and travel facts about Greece to help you enjoy your trip:
- Climate – Greece is popular thanks to its hot summers and mild winters. Take care to drink plenty of water and slap on the SPF to protect yourself.
- Time difference – Greece is two hours ahead of the UK (GMT)
- Currency – Euro
- Tipping – tipping is appreciated in Greece. In restaurants, it’s common to leave around 5-10% if you’re happy with the service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is usually sufficient.
- 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 your knees and shoulders.
- Public indecency – Greek police won’t tolerate public indecency or rowdiness. You can be arrested, fined and even jailed for lewd behaviour, especially when alcohol is involved.
- Language – while many Greeks speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning a few basic Greek phrases can go a long way in showing respect and making your interactions smoother. Words such as ‘kalimera’ (good morning), ‘efharisto’ (thank you), and ‘parakalo’ (please/you're welcome) are appreciated.
- Electricity – Greece uses the standard European two-pin plug (types C and F) and operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Make sure you bring a suitable adaptor for your devices.
- Water – tap water is generally safe to drink in most parts of Greece, but on some islands it’s advisable to stick to bottled water. Always check local advice.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Greece?
If you’re able, you might want to dodge the summer crowds (and heat) by jetting off to Greece between April and June or September and early October. It’s usually 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 might need backpacker insurance which is designed for those travelling for long periods of time. If your holiday is likely to include adventurous activities, you might also need extreme sports or water sports cover. Check what’s included as standard, though, as some backpacker cover assumes you’ll be doing these types of things anyway.
What cover do I need for a group holiday to Greece?
The Greek islands are popular with large groups of friends keen to let their hair down after studying or working hard. If you’re travelling as a group of 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.
Is Greece in Europe for travel insurance?
Yes, Greece is considered part of Europe for travel insurance purposes. When you purchase a European travel insurance policy, it will typically cover all countries within the European continent, including Greece.
Do the Greek islands count as Greece for travel insurance?
Yes, the Greek islands are all part of Greece, so any travel insurance policy that covers Greece will cover its islands too.
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Kate Hughes - Insurance and finance expert
As an award-winning journalist, author and broadcast commentator, Kate has been writing about personal finance for more than 20 years. She’s the former Money Editor for The Independent. Her work has appeared across the UK broadsheets as well as a number of international titles. Kate brings her financial expertise to inform her readers on ways to save money. She’s also written a book. ‘Going Zero: One Family’s Journey to Zero Waste and a Greener Lifestyle’ is available now.
This article is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.