Travel Insurance Tips for US Citizens Traveling to Greece

What does travel insurance typically cover for international trips?

Travel insurance typically covers unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency evacuation, and accidental death or dismemberment. Additionally, some policies may also cover things like pre-existing medical conditions, car rental coverage, and rental car damage.

Is travel insurance necessary for international travel, or is it optional?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for international travel, as it helps to protect you against the costs if something unexpected happens, such as a flight delay or cancellation. It is not strictly necessary, but it can be a wise investment to give you peace of mind when travelling abroad.

What are the main types of travel insurance available for U.S. citizens traveling abroad?

1. Trip Cancellation Insurance: This coverage reimburses travelers for payments or deposits they made on a trip in the event of cancellation or interruption of the trip due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons.

2. Medical Insurance: This coverage pays for medical expenses incurred due to accident or illness while traveling abroad.

3. Baggage Insurance: This coverage reimburses travelers for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage while traveling abroad.

4. Emergency Evacuation Coverage: This coverage provides financial assistance for emergency evacuation from a foreign country due to illness or injury.

5. Personal Liability Insurance: This coverage provides protection against claims brought against a traveler for causing injury or damage to another person or property while abroad.

6. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: This coverage pays a lump sum in the event of death or dismemberment due to an accident while traveling abroad.

Does travel insurance cover medical expenses, and to what extent?

Travel insurance typically covers medical expenses to some extent, but the exact coverage and limits depend on the policy. Generally, travel insurance will cover emergency medical expenses while you are travelling, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency medical transportation. It may also cover the cost of any necessary medication or medical supplies. Coverage limits vary, so check your policy to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses you may be responsible for.

Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by travel insurance policies?

It depends on the travel insurance policy. Some policies may cover pre-existing medical conditions, while others may not. It is important to read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully so you know what is and is not covered.

Does travel insurance provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation or repatriation?

Yes, many travel insurance policies provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation or repatriation. Generally, coverage will vary based on the policy, so be sure to read the policy documents carefully to understand what specific coverage is included.

What types of trip cancellations or interruptions are typically covered by travel insurance?

Typically, travel insurance covers trip cancellations and interruptions due to illness, injury, or death of the insured traveler, their family member or traveling companion; sudden work-related events; certain natural disasters; and other covered unexpected events. Coverage may also include trip delay, lost luggage, and medical emergency expenses.

Can I get coverage for trip cancellations due to reasons like a change in work plans or unexpected events in Greece?

Yes, you can get coverage for trip cancellations due to reasons like a change in work plans or unexpected events in Greece. You may want to consider buying a travel insurance policy that offers trip cancellation coverage. This type of coverage typically provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Be sure to read the policy details carefully to make sure it covers the specific reasons you may need to cancel your trip.

Are lost or delayed baggage covered by travel insurance policies in Greece?

Yes, in most cases lost or delayed baggage is covered by travel insurance policies in Greece. While the exact coverage of each policy may vary, many policies offer reimbursement for purchased items and additional expenses, such as meals or transportation, if a customer’s baggage is delayed or lost.

Does travel insurance cover trip delays or missed connections due to unforeseen circumstances in Greece?

Yes, travel insurance can cover trip delays or missed connections due to unforeseen circumstances in Greece. Policies vary by provider, so it is important to read the fine print and make sure the coverage meets your needs. Typically, travel insurance covers trip delays caused by flight cancellations or missed connections due to delays in ground transportation such as buses, trains, or taxis. It may also cover medical expenses if you become ill while traveling in Greece.

Are there coverage options for adventure activities or sports I plan to participate in during my trip to Greece?

Yes, there are coverage options available for adventure activities or sports you plan to participate in during your trip to Greece. Depending on the type of travel insurance policy you purchase, you might be able to add additional coverage for activities like mountaineering, bungee jumping, paragliding, cave diving, and other extreme sports. It’s important to double-check the terms and conditions of the policy to ensure the activities you plan on participating in are covered.

How does travel insurance handle travel disruptions caused by natural disasters or political unrest in Greece?

Travel insurance policies vary, but typically, they will cover any financial losses you may incur due to travel disruptions caused by natural disasters or political unrest in Greece, such as unused airline tickets, unused prepaid hotel bookings, and the cost of returning home if you are stranded in Greece. If you are already in Greece, your policy may also cover emergency medical expenses and evacuation costs. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully to ensure that your specific needs are covered.

What is the process for making a claim with a travel insurance provider while in Greece?

1. Collect all relevant documentation. This includes your policy documentation, receipts for any medical treatments, police reports if relevant, and a written explanation of your circumstances.

2. Contact the insurance provider as soon as possible. Depending on the provider, you may need to contact them by email, telephone or even fax.

3. Provide all the necessary information to your insurance provider including your policy number, full details of the incident and a copy of all supporting documents.

4. Be prepared to answer questions from the insurance provider and provide any additional information they may ask for. This could include a detailed description of the incident or even photos to support your claim.

5. Wait for confirmation from the insurance provider that they have received and are processing your claim.

6. Follow up with the insurance provider to make sure that your claim is being processed in a timely manner and that all of the necessary information has been received.

7. Be aware that some providers may require you to return home in order to complete the claim process so be sure to ask about any potential requirements before you travel.

Can I purchase travel insurance for a single trip to Greece, or are there annual policies available?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance for a single trip to Greece. However, it is also possible to purchase annual travel insurance policies that cover multiple trips during the year.

How far in advance should I purchase travel insurance before my trip to Greece?

Most travel insurance policies require you to purchase coverage at least 7 days before you depart on your trip. This way, you are covered for any pre-existing medical conditions or trip cancellation issues that might arise. Some policies may require more than 7 days’ notice, so it’s important to read the policy details carefully and purchase it as soon as possible.

Does travel insurance cover the costs associated with the cancellation of a tour or cruise in Greece?

Travel insurance policies vary, so it’s important to read the fine print. Some policies may offer compensation for tour or cruise cancellations due to certain causes. These may include illness, injury, natural disasters, and other unexpected events. Some policies may also offer reimbursement for non-refundable deposits, trip delays, and emergency medical expenses.

Are there age restrictions or considerations when purchasing travel insurance for Greece?

Yes, age restrictions and considerations may apply when purchasing travel insurance for Greece. For example, some travel insurers may only provide coverage for travelers aged under 75 or 80, or may exclude certain medical conditions or activities from coverage for persons over a certain age. It is important to read the terms and conditions of any travel insurance policy carefully before purchasing and ensure that it meets your needs.

Can I extend or modify my travel insurance coverage while abroad in Greece?

Yes, you can extend or modify your travel insurance coverage while abroad in Greece. Depending on your current coverage, you may be able to add additional benefits and coverage to meet your needs. Speak to your insurance provider to learn more about the options they offer.

What factors influence the cost of travel insurance premiums for Greece?

1. Duration of Trip: The longer the trip, the higher the premium.
2. Age: People over the age of 65 typically pay higher premiums.
3. Destination: Insurance premiums for Greece will be higher than for other less-risky destinations.
4. Health: Those with pre-existing health conditions or taking certain medications may pay higher rates.
5. Type of Coverage: Higher levels of coverage generally result in higher premiums.
6. Number of People Covered: Adding additional travelers to a policy can increase the cost of the premium.
7. Activities Covered: Insurance policies that cover activities such as skiing, scuba diving or rock climbing may come with higher premiums.

Where can I find reputable travel insurance providers for Greece, and what reviews or ratings should I consider?

There are a number of reputable travel insurance providers for Greece, including Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, Seven Corners, Travelex, IMG Global, and AXA Assistance USA. When considering reviews or ratings, you should look into customer feedback from independent review websites such as TrustPilot and Google Reviews. Additionally, you should research the provider’s financial strength ratings from companies like A.M. Best and Moody’s to ensure they have the money to back up their claim payouts should you need to file a claim.