Last Updated on August 17, 2023 by Rodrigo @ OutofYourComfortZone

 

Do I really need travel insurance for a trip to Greece? 

 

 

But do I actually need travel insurance? I don’t usually do any extreme activities or sports!

 

Update regarding travel insurance and the coronavirus (COVID-19)

Given that Covid-19 hasn’t been entirely eradicated, you might understandably have questions regarding the extent of coverage your travel insurance would provide in case you become unwell.

Fortunately, in the current landscape, nearly all travel insurance policies on offer do encompass provisions for illness stemming from Covid-19. Nevertheless, I highly recommend meticulously examining the nuances of your policy prior to finalizing the purchase. Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the precise coverage will grant you the peace of mind essential for your journey.

(Or for more details, you can also take a look at our article here: Does International Health and Travel Insurance cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?) 

 

Observation: These travel insurance options are meticulously crafted to accommodate tourists. However, if your voyage to Greece is intended for educational pursuits, it’s imperative to delve into an international health insurance scheme meticulously tailored for international students. Conversely, should your journey be directed to the United States for employment or as an immigrant, you will necessitate a health insurance package meticulously fashioned for expatriates. You can uncover apt selections for these precise forms of coverage at the culmination of the article linked here. Ensure to conduct a thorough exploration of the available alternatives that seamlessly synchronize with your travel and residency prerequisites.

 

How does the health system in Greece work? 

The healthcare system of Greece is a public healthcare system that provides healthcare services to all citizens and residents of the country. Here are some key features of the Greek healthcare system:

• Universal Access: The Greek healthcare system is based on the principle of universal access. This means that all Greek citizens and legally resident individuals in the country are entitled to healthcare, regardless of their economic situation.
• Funding: The healthcare system is funded through mandatory contributions from workers and employers to the National Organization for Healthcare Provision (EOPYY). Additionally, the government also contributes public funding to ensure the sustainability of the system.
• Health Coverage: Health coverage includes a wide range of medical services, from primary care to hospital care and specialized services. This encompasses medical consultations, tests, surgical procedures, hospitalizations, and treatment for chronic conditions.
• Primary Care: Primary care is provided by family doctors (ophthalmologists) who serve as the first point of contact for patients. They make initial diagnoses, refer patients to specialists when necessary, and manage general healthcare.
• Hospitals: The Greek healthcare system includes public hospitals where patients can receive free or affordable hospital care. General, specialized, and university hospitals exist throughout the country.
• Medications: The system also covers a variety of medications, although there are some co-payment fees for certain medications. Most generic medications are widely available.
• Administrative Structure: The Ministry of Health is the government agency responsible for formulating health policies and overseeing the administration of the healthcare system. EOPYY is the agency that manages the organization and provision of healthcare services.
• Challenges: The Greek healthcare system faces challenges such as resource pressure due to economic crisis, the need to improve efficiency and service quality, and addressing the increasing demands of an aging population.

In summary, the healthcare system of Greece is a public healthcare system that offers universal access to healthcare for all citizens and residents, with services ranging from primary care to hospital and specialized care.

 

 

What are the best travel insurance options for a trip to Greece? 

   1. The well-known, mid-priced travel insurance company:

IMG Global (accepts citizens from most countries!) 

They have one travel insurance plan available for Americans only (Patriot Travel Medical Insurance) and one available for non-American travelers (Patriot America Plus).

You have the flexibility to choose the level of coverage that suits you, ranging from US$50,000 to US$500,000, and deductible options are available from US$0 to US$2,500.

When it comes to pricing, IMG’s rates are generally competitive. However, similar to some of the other options mentioned earlier, specific activities may not be covered under their policies.

To ensure that you have all the essential coverage tailored to your specific needs, I highly recommend thoroughly reviewing the policy details before making a final purchase. This way, you can travel with confidence and assurance, knowing that your chosen policy provides the comprehensive protection you require. Wishing you wonderful journeys ahead!

Travel insurance for seniors (65+): one thing that makes IMG unique is that they offer a travel insurance plan specifically tailored to travelers aged 65 and over, called GlobeHopper Senior. 

 

IMGlobal travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

 

   2. The best, most comprehensive travel insurance company for backpackers and adventurous travelers:

World Nomads Travel Insurance

(5% discount coupon comfort5)

You can get a 5% discount code on your World Nomads travel insurance policy by using the coupon code “comfort5″.

(P.S. If you’re anything like me and are also addicted to sports and adventure activities and want to make sure you have good travel insurance that covers them, here are two other articles you might like: 3 Best International Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities and 9 Tips to Stay in Shape During Your Travels.) 

 

WorldNomads travel insurance and coronavirus coverage

As of writing this article, World Nomads doesn’t explicitly address whether or not their insurance plans cover Covid-19 treatment. However, you can find their most up-to-date position on the coronavirus on their website here. 

 

 

   3. One of the cheapest travel insurance companies you’ll find anywhere:

WorldTrips (formerly Atlas Travel)

WorldTrips travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

   4. The new international travel insurance company for digital nomads and adventure/extreme sports:

 

Safety Wing

One thing that makes Safety Wing stand out is its focus on insurance plans that cover adventure sports and extreme activities. (Like WorldNomads!) 

Plus, their website is fun and allows you to easily and quickly get a quote. 

 

Safety Wing travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

   5. The best place to find & compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

VisitorsCoverage

It’s a bit like Momondo, which lets you compare plane tickets from different companies. Or Rentalcar.com, which does the same rental cars. 

In other words, it makes it much easier to see all your options for travel insurance plans. And then ultimately compare, choose, and buy the best option for your trip. 

 

VisitorsCoverage travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

   6. Another great website to search for and compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

TravelInsurance.com

One nice feature of TravelInsurance.com is that, beyond travel insurance, they also offer insurance plans for immigrants, international students, and expatriates.

 

TravelInsurance.com and coronavirus coverage

 

   7. A final “travel insurance portal” option to search for and compare policies to find the best deal:

AARDY

AARDY travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

Since AARDY itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only a portal that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

Bonus option to find and compare many different travel insurance plans at once:

 

InsureMyTrip

It’s a lot like Momondo, which is an aggregator for airline tickets, or Rentalcar.com, which is an aggregator for car rentals.

InsureMyTrip sets itself apart through its resolute commitment to excellence. They rigorously adhere to a policy of removing any plan or insurance provider from their website if it fails to attain a rating of less than 4 stars, thereby ensuring that exclusively top-tier options are presented to users.

Diverging from some of the other alternatives enumerated here, InsureMyTrip is singularly devoted to travel insurance. Consequently, you won’t encounter insurance plans tailored for expatriates, immigrants, or international students within their platform. This specialization empowers them to furnish a targeted and all-encompassing service, finely attuned to the requisites of travelers, and guaranteeing the availability of the utmost travel insurance selections. It’s a platform characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence, tirelessly dedicated to providing travelers with the paramount travel insurance choices available.

But if you’re looking for a plan like this to complement your travel insurance, check out my article on the 5 Best & Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students or 5 Best International Health Insurances for Expats & Immigrants.

 

InsureMyTrip travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

Since InsureMyTrip itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only an aggregator that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

But wait….you might not even need to buy travel insurance!

Here are two sneaky ways you might be able to get “free” travel insurance 🙂 

 

   1. Buy your return flight ticket with a credit card to (maybe) get free insurance for your trip.  

 

*CORRECTION: As highlighted by an insightful comment from Alex, a reader of the Portuguese version of this article, if you possess a Visa Platinum credit card and opt to utilize accumulated miles for settling ticket taxes and fees, you could potentially become eligible for their global travel insurance.

Nonetheless, I advise taking the initiative to independently verify this information with your credit card provider. This is because the benefits associated with the same credit cards can exhibit variations contingent on the countries where they are issued. I extend my gratitude to Alex for sharing this valuable tip!

Furthermore, thanks to a contribution from reader Ana Luisa, I’ve acquired the knowledge that Visa Platinum insurance typically extends coverage for a duration of 60 days. This duration surpasses the standard 30-day coverage commonly provided by the majority of other credit cards.

However, should your voyage extend beyond this timeframe, it is prudent to supplement the remaining portion of your journey with a conventional travel insurance policy. The Visa Platinum insurance enables you to economize during the initial two months of your trip. Always make certain that you possess the requisite coverage spanning the entire duration of your expedition, guaranteeing a journey devoid of concerns. Being comprehensively prepared and adequately insured throughout the entirety of your travel is of paramount importance.

 

   2. Use your health insurance policy from your home country or country of residence. 

A quick note about travel insurance for cruising: 

Someone recently reached out asking if any of these travel insurance plans could be used for cruise trips, so I did some research.

Based on what I could find, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips will cover you on a cruise.

 

Fraud Warning! As mentioned earlier, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips provide the flexibility of procuring travel insurance even after the commencement of your journey. Nonetheless, it’s paramount to exercise caution against potential fraudulent activities.

 

 Can I use traveling insurance while living abroad as an expat or an immigrant? 

If you’re living overseas or traveling in a country for a short period, you might be okay with just travel insurance. 

But you’re looking for more complete coverage (travel insurance usually just covers medical emergencies), if you’re going to be living abroad long-term, or if you need proof of health insurance for immigration purposes, then what you actually need is an international health insurance plan for expats or immigrants. 

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance, then you can take a look at our article about the 3 Best International Health Insurance for Expats & Immigrants.

Or, you can quote directly with some of these expat insurance companies here:

   Cigna

   IMGlobal

   Now Health International

 

Can I use travel insurance during my international exchange or while studying abroad?

However, if you’ll be needing a student visa, then you’re going to need a health insurance plan that’s designed just for international students or exchanges. 

Again, you can check out directly some of these international student insurance companies here:

   IMGlobal   

   Cigna for International Students

   Now Health International

 

International travel insurance coverage for terrorism

I’ve had a few comments in both the English and the Portuguese article asking if travel insurance covers acts of terrorism. 

I did  a bit of research, and here’s what I found out: 

Although WorldTrip’s basic travel insurance plan doesn’t cover terrorism, their Atlas Premium plan DOES cover “treatment of injuries and illnesses relating from an act of terrorism, up to the limit set forth in the schedule of benefits and limits.” So yes, they do appear to have terrorism coverage. 

In the unfortunate event of finding yourself injured during a terrorist incident while traveling, having WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan can offer vital coverage. This plan is specifically designed to provide protection during unexpected circumstances, offering a crucial safety net during difficult times.

Furthermore, several of WorldTrip’s plans encompass a valuable “Crisis Response Cover,” extending protection in situations involving civil or political unrest, natural disasters, or other crises that travelers might encounter overseas. This extensive coverage even encompasses scenarios like “express kidnapping,” covering expenses related to response, ransom, and relinquished personal belongings.

It’s important to note that while the “Crisis Response” feature is highly advantageous, it might not be accessible in certain countries. These countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba, Sudan, and North Korea. Nonetheless, in most of these countries, your regular travel insurance coverage remains valid, minus the specific “crisis” aspect of the coverage.

As always, carefully review your insurance policy’s terms and conditions to fully comprehend the scope of coverage and any constraints specific to your travel destination. Travel insurance acts as a crucial safeguard, providing assurance and protection throughout your journeys. WorldTrip’s Atlas Premium plan furnishes invaluable protection during unforeseen events, and their Crisis Response Cover adds an extra layer of security for travelers navigating challenging situations abroad. Ensure to verify the availability of the Crisis Response feature in your intended travel destination and possess a comprehensive understanding of your coverage to embark on your travels with confidence and tranquility.

 

General tips to help you get back your travel insurance reimbursement:

All of the travel insurance providers I recommended earlier maintain extensive networks of hospitals, clinics, and physicians. It’s advisable to opt for treatment at one of their in-network facilities.

By doing so, you can avoid having to pay upfront, as the treatment expenses will be directly submitted to the insurer for payment (unless the treatment surpasses the maximum coverage limit).

In the event of unexpected circumstances like illness or accidents, it’s imperative to promptly get in touch with your travel insurance provider. They will provide guidance on which in-network doctor or hospital to visit for medical treatment.

In scenarios where accessing an in-network medical provider isn’t feasible, you’ll need to cover the treatment costs initially and then apply for reimbursement from the insurance company at a later stage.

As you may be aware, dealing with insurance companies, be it for automobiles, residences, health, or travel, can present certain complexities. They often require precise documentation before processing payments.

To aid you in this process, here’s a rundown of the documents that travel insurance companies generally ask for when you file a claim seeking reimbursement for medical expenses incurred during your trip. Presenting the necessary documentation in an organized manner can expedite the reimbursement procedure and ensure a smoother interaction with the insurance company.

 

But first, a few insurance terms to cover:

*make a claim: ask an insurance company for reimbursement for medical expenses

*insurer: the travel insurance company

*beneficiary = claimant = the insured: the person (you) who is asking the insurance company for money/reimbursement

 

List of documents usually requested by travel insurance policies when you seek reimbursement for medical expenses (if you were treated by an out-of-network provider): 

• Copy of the claimant’s national ID (driver’s license or other state-issued ID)
• Copy of Proof of Residency (any current proof – from the last 3 months – with the name of the claimant). If you don’t have this, send a declaration of residence that is completed, signed, and notarized by the insurer.
• For minors, a declaration of residence must be completed, signed, and notarized by the respective legal guardian (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of the claimant’s voucher
• Original registration information form, signed by the beneficiary (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of passport (ID page + page with entrance and exit stamps from the country where the accident happened) or other documentation that shows beneficiary was outside of habitual domicile when an accident happened (aka your home country) – for example: airplane tickets (by the way, you should always keep your boarding pass until the end of your trip, not only for filing a possible claim but also request your miles!)
• Presentation of the original medical report with descriptions of the procedures, provided by the health professional or medical center with a clear indication of the diagnosis, clinical history, and admission form, in the case of hospitalization
• Original prescription (if the pharmacy still has the prescription, send your x-ray or a document showing you picked up your medicine in exchange for the prescription)
• Invoice of the medical procedures or the pharmacy receipt with medications prescribed, which should match the quality and quantity of the provided prescription
• Report of medical care (explaining the reason, what happened and how the treatment went – both from the travel insurance staff as well the health providers), written by the beneficiary 
• A completed list of expenses (form provided by the insurer)
• Your contact phone number, address, and e-mail
• Proof of bank info (copy of bank statement header, check, or debit card)

And here’s the most frustrating aspect – you’ll probably need to send all of these documents through traditional mail!

I completely empathize; it’s an enormous inconvenience. That’s precisely why it’s far more convenient if you can obtain treatment from a healthcare provider within your insurance company’s network. This way, you can bypass the hassle and headaches of assembling all the paperwork.

Nonetheless, if circumstances dictate otherwise, going through the reimbursement procedure doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a touch of organization and ensuring that all the necessary documents are well-prepared, your prospects of successfully filing your claim and receiving a timely reimbursement are quite promising!

If you’ve gone through the process of filing a claim before, kindly share your experiences and any beneficial pointers in the comments section below. Your insights can prove invaluable in navigating the claims process and providing a smoother experience for fellow readers.

To summarize, these as the best travel insurance companies for the Greece:

1. IMGlobal
2. World Nomads Travel Insurance
3. WorldTrips
4. Safety Wing
5. VisitorsCoverage
6. TravelInsurance.com
7. AARDY
8. InsureMyTrip

 

My final advice: Absolutely, make sure not to overlook the importance of acquiring travel insurance before your journey! If you’re already on the road and haven’t secured insurance yet, take action as swiftly as possible. And if you’ve already obtained a policy but require an extension (which both WorldNomads and WorldTrips facilitate), ensure you do so before its expiration.

Planning your next trip?

 

Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, we recommend Booking.com. They have a huge selection of hotels and hostels all over the world. Plus, in most cases, you can cancel your reservation without any costs up to a few days before the check-in date! 

 

Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at Momondo. It’s a flight aggregator that combines several other ticket search websites to make it easier for you to compare prices and make sure you are getting the best deal. 

 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then check out Rentalcar.com to search and compare car rental companies from all over the world in a single website. Then, you can find the cheapest price for the best car!