Travel Insurance Considerations for a Trip to Athens

Athens, Greece, is a dream destination for many travelers, blending ancient history with vibrant modern culture. From exploring the over-2,470 year old Parthenon to enjoying leisurely strolls through the charming streets of Plaka, this iconic city offers something for everyone.

One thing to always keep in mind when planning a trip, especially an international one, is that travel rarely goes exactly as expected. From sudden medical issues to last-minute flight cancellations, having travel insurance can help ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

In this article, we’ll dive into how travel insurance can safeguard your Athens adventure and what coverage options are worth considering.

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Athens?

Traveling to Athens is pretty straightforward for most visitors, including U.S. citizens who can enter Greece without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Travelers from other countries however may need a Schengen visa, which can involve mandatory travel insurance covering medical expenses.

Even though insurance isn’t required for many travelers, it’s still highly recommended. Emergencies like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical issues can happen at any time no matter how carefully you have planned. Having travel insurance will ensure you’re prepared for these kinds of situations, offering financial and logistical peace of mind.

Types of Travel Insurance to Consider for Athens

It can help to have a good understanding of the types of travel insurance available before choosing the right plan for your trip to Athens.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most useful coverage types and what to watch out for:

Travel Medical Insurance

Athens offers high-quality healthcare at both public and private hospitals, but medical care for non-citizens can be expensive, especially at private facilities.

On top of that, public hospitals may have long wait times and limited English-speaking staff. Travel medical insurance can help cover illnesses, injuries, doctor visits, and even prescriptions in the event of an unforeseen medical emergency. Most plans offer 24/7 medical assistance, which can be essential if you need help navigating local healthcare options. Just make sure to check if pre-existing conditions are covered, since many plans exclude them without prior approval.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption Insurance

In the event of a personal emergency, sickness, or unexpected event, such as severe weather in Greece or at your departure location, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses like flights, hotels, or tours that you insure.

And if you want more flexibility, Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage provides for partial reimbursement (typically 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip cost) if you want to cancel your trip for any reason at all. This type of upgrade is useful if you think your plans might change for reasons that may not be covered by standard travel insurance policies. Just remember that CFAR coverage must be purchased soon after booking your trip so don’t wait to buy if you may need to cancel your trip.

Baggage and Personal Belongings Coverage

Like many cities, Athens’ bustling markets and busy metro stations can be prone to petty theft. Baggage insurance covers instances where your luggage is lost, damaged or delayed, up to the limit of your policy.

For example, if your luggage is delayed by 12+ hours, many policies will offer compensation up to the plan limit for essentials like clothing and toiletries. If you’re carrying valuables like cameras, laptops, or jewelry, check coverage limits since some policies may cap reimbursement amounts or exclude certain categories of items, meaning you might need supplemental coverage for high-value items.

Rental Car Insurance

Renting a car in Athens can be convenient for day trips to nearby sites or coastal towns. But driving can also be challenging due to narrow streets, busy traffic, and unfamiliar road signs.

Rental car coverage can be handy in the event of an accident, theft of, or damage to the rental vehicle. Some credit cards include rental car insurance as a perk, so it’s always a good idea to check if you need separate coverage. Be aware that rental companies may still charge high excess fees even with coverage, so having additional travel insurance can help manage these costs.

Travel Tips for Your Athens Adventure

Use Public Transit

The Athens metro is reliable, clean, and affordable, with tickets also covering buses and trams. Use it! Uber is available but typically connects you with local taxis rather than independent drivers. Taxis are common, but fares can increase late at night.

Time Your Visits for Fewer Crowds

Check out landmarks like the Acropolis early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid both crowds and the heat.

Explore Neighborhood Markets for Local Flavors

Head to Varvakios Market for fresh produce, meats, and seafood. It’s also a great way to interact with locals and experience authentic Greek street food.

Embrace the Siesta Hours

Between 2:00-5:00 PM, many small shops will be closed for siesta. Use this time to visit museums (though check first to make sure they aren’t closed as well!), unwind at a spa, or relax at a café.

Tap into Free Museum Days and Discounts

Speaking of museums, Athens offers several opportunities for free museum entry throughout the year. On International Museum Day (May 18) and International Monuments Day (April 18), major sites like the Acropolis Museum open their doors for free. You can also get free entry on Melina Mercouri Day (March 6), national holidays, and Sundays from November to March.

Be sure to check the websites’ calendars for more free days. Though you aren’t paying an entry fee, balance that savings with potentially longer wait times and larger crowds to make sure the free entry is worth your precious time in Athens.

Embrace Greek Hospitality

Athenians are well-known for their friendliness and may even invite you to local spots or their homes. Basic Greek phrases like “yia sas” (hello) and “efharisto” (thank you) are appreciated, but don’t worry, English is widely spoken!

Dining Culture

Avoid restaurants with waiters calling you in from the street, as these often target tourists. Instead, research authentic Greek eateries. Note that Greeks dine late and many restaurants serve until well after midnight.

Pedestrian Safety

Traffic in Athens can be unpredictable, and drivers may not always yield, especially at crosswalks. Be careful and wait for a clear path before crossing since road rules can be more relaxed here compared to other European cities.

Respect Cultural Customs

Haggling isn’t really common in Athens anymore, so it’s best to avoid bargaining unless the price seems unreasonable. When in doubt, a polite question is perfectly fine, and keep in mind that friendliness and patience go a long way with local shopkeepers.

Tipping Etiquette

For Americans used to tipping culture, while not mandatory, tipping is always appreciated in Athens. A 10-15% tip is standard for restaurants and small tips for taxis and hotel staff are also welcome. Locals generally round up or leave spare change for simpler services, which is considered respectful and thoughtful.

Pickpocket Awareness in Tourist Zones

Monastiraki, Syntagma Square, and metro lines are known for pickpockets. Wear a secure money belt or carry a crossbody bag and stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas.

Adventure Activity Coverage

If you plan to take part in activities beyond easy-going sightseeing, like hiking Mount Lycabettus or taking a day trip to Delphi, check if your travel insurance covers adventure sports or outdoor activities. Some policies exclude higher-risk activities, so it’s important to read the fine print and add coverage if it’s needed. This ensures that any mishaps, like sprains or minor injuries, won’t derail your trip financially.

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Plan

Choosing the right travel insurance for your Athens trip comes down to a few factors. First, consider the duration of your trip and what activities you have planned. For longer trips or those involving excursions outside the city, comprehensive plans with emergency transportation benefits can give you more security. Your health needs are another priority. Know that some policies do cover pre-existing conditions after a waiting period, so if you have ongoing health considerations, picking a plan with robust medical coverage is important.

Final Thoughts

To make sure you’re getting the best deal, comparison shopping is a smart move. TravelInsurance.com lets you compare plans side-by-side, filtering options by coverage type, budget, and even customer reviews.

With a policy tailored to your trip’s specifics, you can focus on enjoying Athens while knowing you’re covered for unexpected events that may come your way.