Do you need travel insurance for Greece?
While it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended that you get travel insurance when planning your Greece holiday. Even though Greece is in the EU, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only gives limited access to state healthcare. It won’t cover private medical costs or things like repatriation. Travel insurance fills these gaps so you can travel without worry.
Why it matters:
- It covers you for lost and stolen belongings. Greece remains one of the most visited global destinations by inbound tourists. In fact, in 2023, the number of inbound tourists in Greece surpassed 36 million, recovering from the impact of COVID-19 and reaching the highest figure to date. More holidaymakers mean a higher risk of lost bags or flight disruptions. Having travel insurance covers you for these mishaps.
- Cover for medical emergencies in Greece. The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends holiday insurance for Greece. Without it, you could face huge medical bills if you have an accident or medical flare-up before or during your trip.
- Covers travel disruptions and cancellations. In 2024, Greece suffered 86 wildfires due to heatwaves. These fires can cause severe delays and problems when it comes to travelling. Travel insurance can protect you financially if your flights or travel plans are derailed because of these events.
How much does travel insurance for Greece cost?
As with any travel insurance price, it depends on a few factors. No trip or holidaymaker is ever the same, and we take time to understand your unique needs and preferences to find you the best policy.
Things we look at when working out your quote include:
- Trip length. Longer stays usually mean higher premiums due to the increased risk that comes with it.
- Type of policy. A single-trip policy is ideal for one-off holidays. If you’re planning multiple trips, annual multi-trip insurance could save you money in the long run.
- Age. Holidaymakers over 65 often pay more due to higher health risks.
- Pre-existing conditions. Declaring medical conditions may raise costs, but ensures you’re fully covered.
- Type of cover. Annual cover costs more upfront but is better value if you take multiple trips throughout the year.
- Activities. If you’re looking to take part in some adventure activities or watersports, these add-ons will also increase the cost.
- Destination within Greece. Remote islands can mean higher medical evacuation costs.
Understanding healthcare in Greece
Greece’s healthcare system includes both public and private hospitals. While public hospitals are available, they can be crowded and have long waiting times. Many locals and tourists choose private care for faster treatment, but it comes at a high cost.
An EHIC gives Irish holidaymakers access to some public healthcare, but it doesn’t cover private treatment or things like getting you home in a medical emergency. An air ambulance from Greece can cost over €23,000 (£19,700).
That’s why travel insurance matters. It helps cover medical emergencies, lost belongings, and cancellations, so you’re protected from unexpected costs, wherever you are.
What does JustCover’s Greece trip insurance cover?
To get the most out of your trip to Greece, travel insurance is a must. Whether you’re planning on relaxing in the sun, diving into some watersports or anything else, be sure to take us with you.
For full details of what is and isn’t included, read our Policy Wording.
What's covered
Emergency medical expenses. If you get sick or injured while abroad, we’ll cover emergency treatment. This also includes getting you back home if needed.
Trip cancellation. If you can’t travel due to something like illness, jury duty, or the death of a loved one, we’ll help recover your costs. You’ll also be covered if you have to cut your trip short.
Lost or stolen belongings. If your bags or valuables go missing or are damaged, you’ll be covered. You can also add gadget cover for things like your phone, tablet, or camera.
Personal liability. If you accidentally hurt someone or damage property while away, we can help cover legal costs.
Legal protection. If you need to claim compensation for something that happened on your trip, we’ll help with certain legal costs.
Travel delays. If your flight is delayed, you may get compensation for the time lost.
24/7 emergency medical helpline. You’ll have access to help whenever you need it, wherever you are.
What's not covered
Undeclared medical conditions. If you don’t tell us about existing medical conditions, we won’t be able to cover related claims.
Cancellations that aren’t covered. We can’t cover cancellations for reasons like simply changing your mind.
Uncovered activities or destinations. Always check your policy. Some sports or destinations may need extra cover.
Travelling against medical advice. We don’t cover trips taken for planned medical treatment or if your doctor advises you not to travel.
Known risks before booking. If you already knew about a problem before buying your policy, you likely won’t be covered.
Claims below your excess. If your claim is less than your policy excess, you won’t be able to make a claim.
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
Black
Gold
Silver
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Find the best travel insurance for Greece
When planning a trip to Greece, the right cover depends on how you travel. Our policies are designed to accommodate all your travel needs and preferences.
Ideal if you’re only heading to Greece once this year. Tailor it to the length of your holiday and the activities you plan to do.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Best if you take more than one trip a year, to Greece and beyond. It usually works out cheaper than buying multiple single-trip policies.
Do Irish holidaymakers need a visa for Greece?
No, Irish citizens do not need a visa to travel to Greece. As both countries are part of the EU, you can enter Greece with just a valid passport or national ID card. You can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.
This means you can stay to visit friends, family or simply have an extended holiday. For anything longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa or residence permit.
Will the EHIC cover me for my trip to Greece?
Yes, but only partly.
An EHIC lets Irish holidaymakers access state healthcare in Greece at the same cost as locals. However, it won’t cover private hospital care, repatriation back to Ireland, or extras like lost baggage or cancellations.
That’s why Greece travel insurance is a must. It ensures you’re covered for emergencies, including pre-existing medical conditions, which the EHIC doesn’t cover.
Why choose JustCover for your Greece holiday insurance?
Greece remains one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. In 2023 alone, it welcomed 33 million visitors, making it the 10th most visited country globally.
To make the most out of your trip, getting cover should be next on your priority list after booking.
With JustCover, we’ve got your back, wherever you’re heading.
- 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’²
- Get up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
- Our 24/7 emergency medical helpline is on hand when you need it
- Up to €10,000 cancellation cover available³
- 98% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends⁴
When is the best time to buy Greece trip insurance?
The best time to book our travel insurance is as soon as you book your holiday. That way, you’re protected straight away if you need to cancel your trip for unexpected reasons.
You can still buy travel insurance up until the day you travel, but waiting means you’ll miss out on cancellation cover before your trip begins. So, if you or anyone you’re travelling with falls ill, or can no longer travel for a legitimate reason covered in our Policy Wording, you’ll lose out financially. Buying early means you’re covered from the moment you buy.
What to do before travelling to Greece
There are a few important things you’ll want to do before jetting off to Greece. These include:
- Checking passport validity. Make sure your passport is valid for the full length of your trip.
- Research each island. Greece is home to several stunning islands. Knowing which one suits your travel needs the most is an important consideration. Islands like Mykonos and Santorini are beautiful, but usually much busier than islands like Amorgos or Kythira.
- Pack the right kinds of clothing. There’s nothing worse than heading to Greece with a bag full of clothes you won’t need! Pack light and logically.
- Contact your bank. Let them know you’re abroad to avoid blocked transactions.
- Get travel insurance. Buy early to cover cancellations as well as medical emergencies.
- If renting a car, get rental car insurance. It protects you against costly damages.
- Travel warnings. Check the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for up-to-date advice.
- Prescription medicines. Bring enough for your trip and check the Greek rules on medications
Driving in Greece
Driving in Greece can be very different from driving in Ireland. Roads are often narrow, mountain routes can be tricky, and traffic in cities is busy. If you plan to rent a car, make sure you’re prepared.
Tips for driving in Greece:
- You need a valid Irish driving licence. An International Driving Permit may be required for non-EU licence holders.
- Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers. Make sure to wear yours, as you could be fined – and your safety comes first!
- Speed limits are strictly enforced. Check signs carefully, as limits change often.
- Many mountain roads are steep and winding. Take your time and drive cautiously. Roads in Greece are not all in great condition.
- In cities, parking can be limited. Fines for illegal parking are common. Make sure to look out for parking signs and become accustomed to how parking works in Greece.
- Toll roads are common on major routes. Keep cash or a card ready. You don’t want to be caught out and hold up traffic at a toll booth.
- Always get rental car insurance. If you were to have an accident without insurance, it could set you back thousands.
Booking water sports and adventure activities
Greece is known for its beaches and outdoor activities like rock climbing in Meteora, hiking the Samaria Gorge in Crete, and mountain biking in the Peloponnese.
These activities can make your trip unforgettable, but they also bring extra risks. Standard travel insurance doesn’t always cover water sports or adventure activities, such as scuba diving, sailing, or hiking.
Standard travel insurance doesn’t always cover these activities. To stay protected, make sure your policy includes cover for the activities you plan to do. If not, add specialist cover. That way, if you’re injured or your equipment is lost or stolen, you won’t face high costs.
Specialist travel insurance for Greece
When planning your trip to Greece, choosing the right cover is essential to your experience. We have several policies to help shape your trip to Greece.
Tailored for older travellers who may need extra protection.
Travel insurance with medical conditions
Cover for pre-existing health conditions, essential for safe travel.
Perfect for group trips to Greek islands or historic cities like Athens.
Ideal if you’re exploring Greece by sea. Plus, you’ll have cabin confinement cover.
Greece travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Healthcare in Greece is generally good. But, like most places, private treatment (often required by tourists) can be very expensive. This is especially true on the islands, where smaller clinics may transfer patients to larger hospitals in Athens or Thessaloniki.
If you’re over 65 or living with a long-term condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues, it’s essential to declare these when taking out your travel health insurance policy. We’ll cover emergency care and get you home if you need it.
Even common health concerns for Irish holidaymakers, like heatstroke, dehydration, or injuries from slips, can lead to costly treatment. By choosing a policy that includes cover for pre-existing conditions, you’ll be covered for your declared conditions.
Common conditions we cover include:
- Asthma
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cancer
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Disability
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
A simple 3-step process to book your Greece travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance recommendations from our team
"Greece is a popular destination for Irish travellers, but the unexpected can still happen. Heatstroke, a fall while out and about or an accident during an activity can all become very expensive without the right cover. We can help you choose the right cover, so if the unexpected does happen, you can continue enjoying your trip"
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“Before I renewed my holiday insurance, I had done some research, so I was very pleased with the value for money from Justcover. The person who dealt with me was very pleasant and very clear when explaining the details of the options open to me, and he made the whole renewal process very easy.”
see full reviewOther Greece travel insurance tips
- Hot climate: Greece can be very hot in the summer. Stay hydrated and make sure to keep to the shade when temperatures exceed 35 degrees.
- Respecting the culture: Many religious sites have dress codes. Bring modest clothing if visiting monasteries or churches.
- What to wear: Comfortable footwear is a must, as many ancient ruins and cobbled streets are uneven.
- Language: Most people in tourist areas speak English, but learning a few Greek phrases can be helpful.
- Dining customs: Meals are relaxed and often late. Don’t be surprised if dinner isn’t served until 9 pm or later.
- Tipping: A service charge may be included, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common.
- Vaccines: While no specific vaccines are mandatory for entry to Greece, always check the latest health advice for routine vaccines before travelling.
- Pickpockets: Be extra careful in busy tourist areas, such as Athens’ Monastiraki Square and on crowded transport.
Risks of travelling to Greece
While Greece is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of.
- Wildfires and hot weather. In recent years, wildfires have affected parts of the mainland and islands during hot summers.
- Earthquakes. Though usually small, they can occur as Greece sits on a seismic fault line. More recently, earthquakes have affected areas including Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
- Terror threats. Like many European destinations, there is also a low but ongoing risk of terrorism. Always check the DFA before you travel to make sure it’s safe to do so.
- Petty crime. Pickpocketing is the most common issue for tourists, particularly in crowded areas of Athens. Keep pockets and bags zipped up and stick to well-lit and busy streets when you can.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Greece
When is the best time to visit Greece?
This depends on what type of holiday you’re looking for.
Typically, the best time to visit Greece is spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). The weather is warm, but not too hot, and tourist spots are less crowded. July and August can be very busy and extremely hot, especially on the islands.
Can you drink tap water in Greece?
In most of mainland Greece and Athens, tap water is safe to drink. On many of the islands, however, it’s recommended to stick to bottled water. Always check locally. If you do end up drinking tap water and get ill, be sure to contact your nearest GP or pharmacy.
Do you tip in Greece?
Yes, but tipping is modest. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common. In cafés and taxis, leaving small change is enough. As with any European country, always be polite and respectful to hospitality staff.
Is healthcare free in Greece for tourists?
No. Public healthcare in Greece is available to EU citizens with an EHIC, but services can be limited. Tourists often need private hospitals, which can be expensive. That’s why travel insurance is essential.
Is Greece in Europe for travel insurance?
Yes. Greece is part of Europe, and it’s included in our European travel insurance policies. That means you don’t need to pay for worldwide cover if you're only travelling to Greece. Just choose a European policy, and you’re good to go.
Do all the Greek islands count as Greece for travel insurance?
Yes. All the islands, from Crete and Rhodes to Santorini and Corfu, are part of Greece. Your travel insurance should cover you across both the mainland and islands, but always double-check your Policy Wording.
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2. Based on 2,000+ Trustpilot responses, as of 12/05/2025.
3. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased. Read our Policy Wording for full exclusions and T&Cs.
4. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.
* Discount applies to the base price only and does not apply to any premium generated to cover medical conditions or optional extras. This discount is automatically applied and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount tiers of 5% for premiums between €0-49, 10% for €50-249, & 20% for €250+ apply. Offer ends at 23:59 on 30/09/25. T&C's apply.