Travel Insurance for a Greece Vacation (2025)

Greece does not require travel insurance for tourists from the U.S. Because it is part of the Schengen area, which is an alliance of 27 European countries that allows border-free travel, visitors can stay for 90 days without pre-arranging a visa or meeting other conditions.

Even though it is not a legal requirement, tourists need travel insurance to avoid paying for emergency health care in Greece, and if they wish to receive reimbursement for interruptions, cancellations, lost baggage, or other travel problems that could ruin their trip.

Trip cancellation insurance offers protection before you arrive in Greece. Labor strikes are very common at European airlines and airports. Workers often choose the busiest travel season in the hope that it will increase their employers’ willingness to bargain. Cancellation and interruption coverage provides compensation for such delays so that you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Finally, international travel is expensive. If you buy travel insurance, you can avoid sunken costs by getting reimbursement for the pre-booked portions of your vacation if you become ill or injured and are unable to travel.

Here are five coverage types you could include on your travel insurance policy.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Standard trip insurance allows you to cancel your plans and receive reimbursement for the trip cost. However, to receive compensation, the cancellation must be due to unpredictable circumstances beyond your control.

Standard travel insurance plans have exclusions, which are unacceptable reasons for cancellation. The insurance company will not reimburse you if you cancel because of an appointment or event, a change in relationship status or financial problems.

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance does not require you to prove the reason for the cancellation. CFAR coverage may increase premium costs, but the higher fee could be worthwhile if you book your trip far in advance and wish to protect against scheduling conflicts or other issues.

Gear Theft Protection

Gear theft protection covers valuables like phones, cameras, computers and other tech devices. It may also be useful for insuring equipment, such as diving gear, that you use in Greece.

Even though robbery is relatively rare in Greece, bag snatching is commonplace, and pickpockets often target phones or other small tech devices. These petty crimes make gear theft protection a good idea.

Comprehensive travel plans often include theft. However, you need to check the limits of the policy. Some insurance providers only cover gear up to $1,000 (or even less). This amount won’t pay for the replacement of expensive devices. Insurers may offer stand-alone policies or add-ons to provide additional gear coverage.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical emergency insurance is essential for travel in Greece. According to the State Department, private hospitals in the country will not admit patients without health insurance. Public hospitals will offer care but require cash payments before discharge.

Since most U.S. insurers, including Medicare, do not cover overseas treatments, even in an emergency, travel health insurance is necessary. It is the only option for most travelers to get medical care without paying out of pocket.

In addition to protecting you from high medical bills, policies often include evacuation insurance coverage. This type of travel medical insurance pays for transport to the U.S. if you need long-term care or procedures unavailable in Greece. It will also pay for repatriation if you pass away during your vacation.

Medical coverage is available in single-trip policies or as an annual or multi-trip package. All insurance covers necessary treatments for illnesses or injuries, but it may exclude certain pre-existing medical conditions. If you have pre-existing conditions, you should check the policy details and confirm coverage before departing.

Rental Car Protection

Car rental agencies in Greece usually require collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. This policy pays for damage and often comes in two varieties: a cheaper version that requires you to pay a portion of repair costs and a more expensive variety that covers all damage.

You have several options for additional coverage.

• A credit card may offer auto insurance for rental cars if you use it to pay for the rental.
• Stand-alone auto insurance could be useful if you plan to drive extensively in Greece.
• A comprehensive travel insurance plan could include auto coverage, or the insurer may offer it as an add-on.

You should only rent from reputable agencies and use insurance when renting a vehicle in Greece.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance covers the cost of your Greece trip if it gets canceled due to unexpected circumstances.

Common reasons for cancellation can include the following:

• Selection for jury duty
• A subpoena to appear in court
• Military deployment
• A verifiable illness that you do not recover from before your departure date
• An injury that keeps you from traveling
• The death of a close family member
• A natural disaster or unexpected conflict in your destination
• Other duties you are legally required to complete

These policies do not cover cancellations due to social engagements, weddings or other events you are not legally obligated to attend.

Many cancellation policies also include trip interruption insurance. This coverage is for delays and cancellations after you depart from your home. It will pay for the costs incurred during delays from airport labor strikes, canceled flights or natural disasters.

Even if you feel the chance of cancellations is small, this policy can give you peace of mind knowing you won’t lose your travel investment if the worst happens.