Greece Travel Insurance Requirements
Last updated: 05/05/2025
Key Takeaways
- Our analysis of 100+ unique policies shows that Travel Insured International, IMG, and Tin Leg offer the best travel insurance for Greece
- U.S. travel insurance is not accepted throughout Greece, which is why many travelers prioritize plans that include strong travel medical coverage
- Greece is generally safe for tourists, but high medical expenses, pickpockets, extreme weather, and transportation strikes can lead to unexpected expenses
- Travel medical insurance for Greece can be purchased for as little as $4.50 per day
- Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369
Our Top Recommended Greece Travel Insurance Plans
- Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX because it offers well-rounded coverage with numerous ways to enhance your trip protection through add-ons and upgrades.
- IMG – iTravelInsured Choice because it offers high coverage for medical and non-medical evacuations, which can be helpful for those visiting remote parts of Greece.
- Tin Leg – Gold because it offers among the highest international medical coverage of any comprehensive plan found on Squaremouth.
Do I need travel insurance for Greece?
Greece does not currently require travel insurance for entry for most U.S. visitors. However, U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, is not accepted in Greece, meaning travelers without international coverage will have to pay medical expenses out-of-pocket.
While Greece is a safe and popular destination, travelers can still face unexpected challenges, including medical emergencies, theft, transportation strikes, and ferry delays, especially when visiting one of the country’s 6,000+ islands. Wildfires and extreme weather can also disrupt travel plans during the summer months.
A comprehensive travel insurance plan can help protect you from these unexpected and potentially costly disruptions.
Reasons you may need travel insurance for Greece
Medical and Hospital Costs
Private hospitals in major cities like Athens or Thessaloniki can provide great care, but can be very expensive for tourists. Healthcare can be limited in rural areas, especially if a medical emergency occurs on one of the country’s remote islands.
✅ Travel medical insurance covers emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and doctor visits, helping you avoid high out-of-pocket expenses. Most policies also include Emergency Evacuation coverage that can transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if necessary.
Pickpocketing and Petty Theft
Tourist-heavy areas like Athens’ Monastiraki Square, the Acropolis, and popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos are common targets for pickpockets and petty thieves. Theft from rental vehicles and beach bags is also common in places that tourists frequent.
✅ Baggage loss coverage can reimburse you for stolen personal items like passports, electronics, and cash. All plans listed on Squaremouth also feature 24/7 emergency assistance services, which can also help you replace important documents quickly if needed.
Strikes and Demonstrations
According to the U.S. Department of State, domestic strikes, demonstrations, and work stoppages are common throughout Greece and can become violent. These strikes can occur with little warning and may impact your travel plans.
✅ Trip delay coverage can reimburse you for additional lodging, meals, or alternate travel if a strike disrupts your plans. Some plans include Non-Medical Evacuation coverage if emergency transportation services are needed to get you to a place of safety.
Extreme Weather and Island Access Issues
Natural disasters like earthquakes or wildfires are relatively rare in Greece, but have been known to impact travel in the region. Windy conditions in the Aegean Sea can also cancel or delay ferry services, stranding travelers on or off islands.
✅ Travel insurance can cover delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, and can cover unused trip costs if extreme weather conditions force you to return home early from your trip.
Rental Vehicle Accidents
Greece has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the European Union, due in large part to narrow mountain roads, aggressive local drivers, and loose traffic enforcement. Accidents are more common to tourists that are not used to driving in such conditions.
✅ Travel insurance with emergency medical and evacuation coverage ensures you get the care you need after an accident. Some policies also include Rental Car Damage Protection to cover damage to your rental car during your stay.
More details on the best travel insurance for Greece
Best International Travel Insurance
Travel Insured International
- Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Great for add-ons and coverage upgrades
Best Travel Insurance for Evacuations
IMG
- Recommended Plan: iTravelInsured Choice
- Emergency Medical: $100,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Includes up to $100,000 in Non-Medical Evacuation coverage
Best International Medical Insurance
Tin Leg
- Recommended Plan: Gold
- Emergency Medical: $500,000
- Medical Evacuation: $500,000
- Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
- Covers a wide-range of adventure sports & activities
How much does Greece travel insurance cost?
At the time of writing, the average cost of travel insurance for Greece is roughly $23 per day.
This is based on internal sales data from 10,000+ travelers who used Squaremouth to protect their trips to Greece over the last 12 months. The average traveler spent $390 on Greece travel insurance with an average trip length of 17 days.
Travel insurance premiums are based on a variety of factors, including your age, trip length, travel expenses, and coverage needs.
Greece visitors can purchase less expensive trip protection by opting for a travel medical insurance policy that does not include cancellation coverage. Medical-only travel insurance for Greece costs roughly with plans averaging $4.50 per day.
What travel coverage do you need for Greece?
A comprehensive travel insurance policy is the best way to protect your trip to Greece from unexpected disruptions, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple islands, rent a vehicle, or travel during peak tourist season.
You should consider the following coverage when comparing plans for your upcoming Greece trip:
Travel medical coverage
While Greece provides adequate healthcare, especially in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, medical facilities do not accept U.S. health insurance. English-speaking staff may be limited in public hospitals, and private clinics can be expensive.
A travel medical insurance policy helps cover unexpected medical expenses from injuries and illness. We recommend choosing a policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.
Medical evacuation coverage
If you suffer a serious injury on a remote island or in a rural part of Greece, you may need emergency transportation to a hospital on the mainland. Serious medical emergencies may even require repatriation back to the U.S., which can often cost $50,000+.
We recommend selecting a plan with at least $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage. This can also include repatriation to the U.S. if needed for further treatment or in the case of a serious emergency or death.
Trip cancellation & interruption insurance
Greece, like other European countries, can be an expensive place to visit, especially during peak tourist season. According to Squaremouth data, Greece visitors spend over $8,500 on flights, hotels, and other prepaid trip expenses on average.
Trip Cancellation plans reimburse up to 100% of your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses for cancellations due to covered reasons. If your trip is interrupted after departure, some policies may reimburse up to 150% of your unused travel costs, including the price of last-minute return flights.
Insurance for baggage and personal items
Pickpocketing and theft can occur in crowded areas like Athens’ metro, tourist sites, and busy beaches on islands like Mykonos or Santorini. Losing valuables like a passport or phone can seriously disrupt your trip.
Baggage Loss insurance can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings. Pay attention to coverage limits and exclusions, especially for electronics or valuables, and avoid traveling with items that are difficult to replace.
What isn’t covered by Greece travel insurance plans?
Travel insurance can provide crucial financial protection while away from home, however there are some key exclusionsyou should know before visiting Greece.
Most standard Greece travel insurance policies do not cover:
- Known events: If a ferry strike, wildfire, or airline disruption is publicly announced before you purchase your policy, any related claims may be denied.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Unless you purchase a pre-existing condition waiver, most plans won’t cover medical care related to existing health issues.
- Adventure sports: Injuries from activities like ATV riding or windsurfing may be excluded from coverage unless your plan specifically includes protection for adventure sports.
- Government travel advisories: If the U.S. government issues a travel advisory or restriction for Greece after you’ve booked, disruptions related to that advisory likely won’t be covered.
Tips to finding the best travel insurance for Greece
Use a Comparison tool
Travelers heading to Greece can save time and money by using an online comparison tool to evaluate multiple travel insurance policies in one place. As the nation’s largest travel insurance marketplace, Squaremouth makes it easy to compare plans side-by-side and find the best coverage for your trip to Greece.
Read the fine print and policy exclusions
Coverage varies between travel insurance plans, so always review the details carefully. Look for exclusions that might impact your trip, such as restrictions on adventure sports or pre-existing medical conditions. Reading the Certificate of Insurance will help you understand exactly what’s covered.
Consider your specific travel risks
Greece presents unique travel challenges, including ferry delays, transportation strikes, pickpocketing, and limited medical access on some islands. Be sure to take into consideration your specific itinerary and travel plans when comparing coverage.
Determine how much coverage you need
We recommend choosing a policy with at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $100,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage when visiting Greece. These limits can help protect you in case of a serious illness, injury, or evacuation from a remote island or rural area where medical care may be limited.
Is travel insurance for Greece worth it?
Yes, while Greece is a stunning and safe destination, it is not prone to disruptions. Visitors are known to encounter unexpected delays, strikes, road accidents, and illness, all of which can detail a trip.
The peace of mind and financial security travel insurance provides makes it a smart investment for any trip to Greece. For less than $5 a day, travelers can protect themselves against unforeseen medical expenses, potentially saving them thousands in out-of–pocked expenses if an accident occurs.
FAQ: Greece travel insurance
Is travel insurance mandatory for Greece in 2025?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens visiting Greece as tourists in 2025. However, no trip to Greece is risk-free. Purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy before departing for your trip can financially protect you from common trip disruptions including delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage loss.
Will my U.S. Health Insurance Work in Greece?
Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, don’t offer coverage outside the United States. Some private plans may offer limited international benefits or reimbursements, but coverage in Greece is typically minimal or nonexistent. To avoid high out-of-pocket medical costs abroad, travelers should consider buying a travel insurance policy with comprehensive medical coverage.
What documents are required to travel to Greece?
U.S. citizens traveling to Greece will need to provide the following documents upon entry:
- A valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay).
- A return or onward ticket – Immigration officials may ask for proof of departure.
- Visa (if applicable) – U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days for tourism.
Starting in 2026, U.S. visitors will also need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa waiver, which will require an online application before departure.
Helpful Resources
Available Topic Experts for Media:
Squaremouth's destination information is free and available for use within your reporting.
Please credit Squaremouth.com for any information used.
Squaremouth's topic experts are on hand to answer your questions. Contact a member of our team for media inquiries about Squaremouth Analytics or to schedule an interview.
Steven Benna, Lead Data Analyst: [email protected]