The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Greece in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Greece
- Current Travel Safety in Greece
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Greece?
- Why take out travel insurance for Greece?
- What Travel Insurance for Greece Should Cover
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Greece
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Greece
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Greece?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Greece: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Greece covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and your personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians, but it is strongly recommended by the government.
3. Healthcare cost: A hospital stay in Greece can cost over AUD 1,500 per night for tourists.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Greece typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Always carry a form of photo ID, such as a copy of your passport.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Greece.
The best travel insurance plans for Greece
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Our recommendation for travel to Greece. - high medical cover - repatriation included - flexible and broad guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | A solid option for city visits and summer trips. - 24/7 medical hotline - cancellation included - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Practical for leisure travel in Greece. - good medical ceiling - emergency help - reliable for everyday incidents |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Strong contract for peace of mind on longer stays. - hospital and ambulance costs - repatriation cover - wide coverage |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Basic but solid medical insurance for Greece. - medical assistance - civil liability - simple claims policy |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Suitable for short stays and city breaks. - essential medical cover - fast reimbursement - competitive cap |
- high medical cover
- repatriation included
- flexible and broad guarantees
- 24/7 medical hotline
- cancellation included
- no deductible
- good medical ceiling
- emergency help
- reliable for everyday incidents
- hospital and ambulance costs
- repatriation cover
- wide coverage
- medical assistance
- civil liability
- simple claims policy
- essential medical cover
- fast reimbursement
- competitive cap
Current Travel Safety in Greece
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises visitors to exercise normal safety precautions in Greece, according to the latest official assessment. No widespread travel bans or special restrictions are currently in place for Australian nationals on short stays.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty theft and pickpocketing are common, especially in busy tourist hotspots like Monastiraki and Syntagma Square in Athens. There have also been incidents of bag snatching on public transport.
- Health risks: measles outbreaks and the spread of West Nile virus have increased over the last year. Hospitals, while generally good in urban areas, may lack some supplies and have limited nursing care, particularly outside Athens and Thessaloniki.
- Environmental hazards: earthquakes and wildfires occur regularly, especially in summer and near coastal or forested zones, such as the islands or around the Peloponnese. Dust storms from the Sahara may also reduce air quality, mainly in spring.
- Public demonstrations: protests and strikes arise frequently and can turn violent without warning, especially in central Athens and near government buildings. These events may disrupt transport, including ferries and trains.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Greece.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Greece?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens entering Greece for stays of up to 90 days.
It is still strongly recommended, as medical costs, repatriation, and unplanned incidents can lead to significant expenses for visitors. The Australian Government advises all travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance with medical and emergency coverage for the entire trip.
According to our data, 50% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Greece, mainly because of the local health system's limited resources and the risk of unexpected costs.
Why take out travel insurance for Greece?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Greece.
In Greece, public hospitals such as Evangelismos Hospital in Athens or Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki may lack nursing staff and medical supplies, especially for foreign visitors. Access to private clinics like Hygeia in Athens can be very expensive, with upfront payment required for treatment.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Greece.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hygeia Clinic Athens | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 1,800 EUR (approx. 2,940 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,600 EUR (approx. 4,250 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 30,000 EUR (approx. 49,000 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 7,500 EUR (approx. 12,300 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions. It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Greece Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, and prescribed medication. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least 1,000,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Pays for medically necessary evacuation to another city or back to Australia. Recommended limit: unlimited or at least 300,000 AUD. |
| 💉 Repatriation | Covers costs for returning you to Australia due to illness or accident. Recommended limit: at least 150,000 AUD. |
| 🧳 Luggage and personal items | Compensation if your baggage or valuables are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. Recommended limit: minimum 5,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Covers prepaid expenses if you cancel due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen events. Recommended limit: 5,000–10,000 AUD. |
| 💸 Personal liability | Protects against claims if you injure someone or damage property. Recommended limit: at least 2,000,000 AUD. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease and pandemic | Covers additional costs related to illnesses like measles or West Nile virus. Ensure coverage is included, especially during outbreaks. |
| 🏝 Natural disaster coverage | Provides assistance or compensation if your travel is affected by earthquakes or volcanos in Greece. Recommended: coverage included without low limits. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least 1,000,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: unlimited or at least 300,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: at least 150,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: minimum 5,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: 5,000–10,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: at least 2,000,000 AUD.
Ensure coverage is included, especially during outbreaks.
Recommended: coverage included without low limits.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited coverage, lower limits and many exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer with comprehensive protection. Compare top plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online to receive your certificate instantly.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Greece
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 55 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 95 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 140 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 255 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Greece depends on key factors: your age, trip duration, chosen level of cover, any pre-existing medical conditions, and selected add-ons like cancellation protection. Considering these elements is crucial for finding a policy that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you're properly covered for your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Greece
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Greece while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Length of stay | Price rises with duration, especially for stays over one month in Greece. | Shorten the insured period to only cover your time in Greece. Do not add extra days before or after your trip. |
| 🧑💼 Traveller's age | Premiums generally increase significantly after 60, especially for travel to countries like Greece. | If you are over 62, check Heymondo as they keep prices stable. Compare insurers with age-based pricing structures. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Some extras increase the cost but may not always be useful in Greece, depending on your planned activities. | Remove extras you do not need such as extreme sports cover or valuable items not being taken. |
| 👩👩👦👦 Group/family cover | Buying a plan for everyone in one policy can save more compared to individual policies. | Look for insurers offering free cover for children or family/group discounts. |
| 🌍 Worldwide or region-only | Worldwide cover is more expensive. For Greece, “Europe only” is usually sufficient coverage. | Select a Europe-only or Greece-specific coverage where possible. Avoid unnecessary multi-country plans. |
| 💳 Payment type | Online plans may have additional discounts compared to buying in person in Australia. | Compare online-only offers from insurers and finalize your purchase online. |
| 💼 Multi-trip annual plan | Valuable if you travel several times a year, including to Greece or elsewhere in Europe. | Consider an annual policy if you take 2 or more international trips per year. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Greece?
It is natural to consider whether your current insurance—including credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Greece. Unfortunately, this coverage is almost always limited or insufficient for international medical expenses or travel disruption. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Greece? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No medical expenses overseas, no coverage for evacuation, hospitalisation, or emergency repatriation. | Travel insurance can reimburse up to 1,000,000 AUD for medical costs, evacuation, and much more. No support from Medicare in Greece. |
| Private health insurance (Australia) | Limited coverage | Some policies reimburse emergencies overseas, typically capped at 20,000–50,000 AUD. No cover for theft. | Travel insurance can cover medical bills up to 1,000,000 AUD, lost luggage, liability, delays, evacuation, and trip disruption. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, NAB Low Rate, Westpac Lite) | Limited coverage | May cover emergency medical up to 100,000 AUD. Excludes pre-existing conditions, valuables and evacuation. | Travel insurance covers up to 1,000,000 AUD medical, as well as repatriation, liability, sports, and theft, usually not on these cards. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, NAB Premium, Westpac Altitude Black) | Limited coverage | May cover medical up to 250,000 AUD, limited to cardholder and exclusions for valuables or family claims. | Travel insurance can cover 1,000,000 AUD medical and provides full protection: family, delays, lost baggage, and cancellation benefits. |
Example
While riding a scooter in Mykonos, Chloe had a crash, resulting in a severe leg fracture. The private hospital bill and emergency medical flight home totalled AU$95,000. Her CommBank card's complimentary insurance had a low limit, and Medicare offered no cover, leaving her with a massive out-of-pocket expense.
Expert advice
Don't get caught out! Many bank card and health insurance policies exclude crucial cover, like trip cancellation for a relative's illness. Scrutinise your policy's PDS before you go. In all cases, subscribing to dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
No, Australians do not need a visa to visit Greece for tourism purposes if the stay is 90 days or less within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. Always check for the latest updates before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Greece?
Purchase travel insurance for Greece by following these steps. First, compare options online using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check cover details and exclusions, including medical and theft protection, which are especially important for Greece. Then, buy your chosen policy online. You will receive your insurance certificate instantly by email.
What are the medical risks when travelling to Greece?
Travellers to Greece may face medical risks such as measles, West Nile virus, and heat-related illnesses during summer. Air quality may deteriorate in spring due to dust storms from the Sahara. Public hospitals may have limited supplies or care, so comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover private medical treatment and emergency repatriation.
Does travel insurance for Greece cover theft and lost belongings?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies for Greece cover theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings and baggage. This is particularly valuable as petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas in Athens and on public transport. Always check the policy limits and exclusions for valuable items or high-value electronics.
What should I do if I have a medical emergency in Greece?
If you have a medical emergency in Greece, contact your insurer immediately for support and instructions. Seek treatment at the nearest hospital or clinic, keeping all bills and medical reports for your claim. The Australian Embassy in Athens can provide assistance for serious incidents, and local emergency numbers are 112 (ambulance) and 100 (police).
How much does travel insurance for Greece typically cost?
For a two-week trip to Greece, travel insurance from Australia usually costs between AUD 100 and AUD 220 per person, depending on cover level, age and medical history. Premiums may increase for senior travellers or if you add extras such as sports cover, cancellation or higher medical limits. Comparing offers is the best way to find competitive pricing.
Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?
No, Australians do not need a visa to visit Greece for tourism purposes if the stay is 90 days or less within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. Always check for the latest updates before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Greece?
Purchase travel insurance for Greece by following these steps. First, compare options online using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check cover details and exclusions, including medical and theft protection, which are especially important for Greece. Then, buy your chosen policy online. You will receive your insurance certificate instantly by email.
What are the medical risks when travelling to Greece?
Travellers to Greece may face medical risks such as measles, West Nile virus, and heat-related illnesses during summer. Air quality may deteriorate in spring due to dust storms from the Sahara. Public hospitals may have limited supplies or care, so comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover private medical treatment and emergency repatriation.
Does travel insurance for Greece cover theft and lost belongings?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies for Greece cover theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings and baggage. This is particularly valuable as petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas in Athens and on public transport. Always check the policy limits and exclusions for valuable items or high-value electronics.
What should I do if I have a medical emergency in Greece?
If you have a medical emergency in Greece, contact your insurer immediately for support and instructions. Seek treatment at the nearest hospital or clinic, keeping all bills and medical reports for your claim. The Australian Embassy in Athens can provide assistance for serious incidents, and local emergency numbers are 112 (ambulance) and 100 (police).
How much does travel insurance for Greece typically cost?
For a two-week trip to Greece, travel insurance from Australia usually costs between AUD 100 and AUD 220 per person, depending on cover level, age and medical history. Premiums may increase for senior travellers or if you add extras such as sports cover, cancellation or higher medical limits. Comparing offers is the best way to find competitive pricing.
