What’s the best Schengen travel insurance for Greece?

Written by: Axel Strauss
DATE: 10/17/2025

The population of Greece is roughly 10.5 million people. But the country welcomes, on average, nearly triple that in international visitors each year. And it’s no wonder why. From the Acropolis of Athens to the Parthenon. From ancient archeology, culture, and architecture to breathtaking mountains, valleys, and beaches. From skiing, hiking, climbing, and sailing to island-hopping, wine-tasting, olive-munching, and all sorts of fun in the sun, the cradle of modern Western civilization has plenty to offer any type of traveler. And all of it never more than 137 km away from the sea, mind you!

Do you plan to be one of the dozens of millions to visit this Mediterranean marvel of history and fun in the near future too? If so, then you might be thinking about the proper travel insurance. And especially so if you need a Schengen visa to get there. Well, you’re already in the right place. Because visa or no visa, AXA has you covered with the best possible Schengen travel insurance for Greece below!

Table of Contents

• Is travel insurance mandatory for Greece?
• What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for Greece?
• I don’t need a Schengen Visa. Do I still need travel insurance for Greece?
• Why choose AXA travel insurance for Greece?
• Which AXA travel insurance plan best suits your needs?
• What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Greece?
• What else should I know when prepping for my trip to Greece?

Is travel insurance mandatory for Greece?

Yes and no. That is, whether travel insurance is mandatory or optional for you depends on whether you need a Schengen visa. And that’s because Greece is one of the dozens of countries currently in the Schengen Zone. This means that most of its millions upon millions of visitors require a Schengen visa to enter its borders for stays of up to 90 days*. And to get a Schengen visa, it is indeed mandatory that you have the proper travel insurance (more on that below).

PRO-TIP: AXA can help you understand the (somewhat confusing) 90/180-day Schengen visa rule too!

Meanwhile, whether you need a Schengen visa or not depends on your particular situation, your nationality, and where exactly you’re coming from.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Greece (for stays of less than 90 days)?

For example, you don’t need a Schengen visa for Greece if you are:

• A citizen of one (or more) of the Schengen countries


• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area member country


• A citizen of one (or more) of the non-Schengen European Union member countries


• A national of one (or more) of the 60+ non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU (such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and so on).

Who is required to apply for a Schengen visa for Greece (for stays of less than 90 days)?

Meanwhile, you will need a Schengen visa - and, therefore, travel insurance - to go to Greece if you’re a passport holder from China, India, Russia, all of Africa, most of the Middle East, and nearly a hundred other countries worldwide.

In other words, if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU, you’ll need a visa.

PRO-TIP: The European Commission can help with tons of info regarding its visa agreements - including full lists of the world’s countries both exempt and not exempt from the Schengen visa

And AXA, meanwhile, can help you quickly answer one of the most common European travel questions the world over too, which is: Do I need a Schengen visa?

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for Greece?

So, yeah - one of the mandatory and primary requirements for being granted a Schengen visa (for Greece and any other Schengen country) is that you have a proper travel insurance plan when you apply.

And it can’t be just any plan either. According to the European Commission, all Schengen visa travel insurance needs to meet the following criteria:

• be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries (not just Greece)


• have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation – including in case of death);


• cover you in all the Schengen member countries (again, not just Greece)


• be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Greece (and/or the rest of the Schengen Area).

PRO-TIPS: AXA’s plans, of course, meet all the criteria above! But we can also gladly tell more about the specific travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa (such as the reasons behind them, for example).

I don’t need a Schengen Visa. Do I still need travel insurance for Greece?

Well, as far as legalities go, no — travel insurance is not mandatory if you don’t need a Schengen visa for Greece. However, when traveling abroad, being properly insured is never a bad call.

Yes, Greece is generally very safe and tourist-friendly. However, it does have roughly 6,000 islands (only 200 of them inhabited, though). Plus all that olive oil, pita, and wine. And ancient ruins and whatnot.

Moreover, medical costs abroad can often be surprisingly high.

Not only that, but most official government websites strongly recommend that you do indeed “get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains, and legal costs” when visiting Greece.

And, finally — whether you’re going to just lie on an island beach and enjoy some Mediterranean sunshine for a week, or whether you’re hiking, skiing, climbing, scuba diving, and/or exploring the nooks and crannies where modern Western civilization (including travel insurance) began — life can be pretty unpredictable. And the health and safety of you and those around you should, therefore, always be your top priority.

In short, having the proper travel insurance is the first (and often most crucial step) in ensuring that health and safety. Not only will it save you time, hassle, and (possibly quite a lot of) money. It will also give you that little bit of extra security and peace of mind while guaranteeing that you are well taken care of — 24/7, wherever in Greece you may be — if something does go wrong.

Why choose AXA Schengen for my travel insurance for Greece?

So visa or no visa, there are countless reasons why AXA is a great +1 for all your Greek (and Schengen) travels. To name just a few, all of AXA’s plans:

• Meet the criteria required by the EU for being granted a Schengen visa


• Are accepted by all Greek (and other Schengen) embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide


• Offer a fast and easy online subscription


• Provide a certified, world-renowned travel insurance certificate instantly


• Offer a full refund in case your Schengen visa application is denied


• Have no age limit, zero deductibles, and require no medical exams


• Offer coverage of medical and repatriation costs of up to €2 Million


• Include civil liability and personal liability insurance


• Include death and disability coverage


• Offer baggage insurance (either included or optional - depending on the plan)


• Are customizable, offering multiple upgrade options


• Offer flexibility in terms of duration (as in, plans are available for one day, up to six months, or even as an annual subscription)


• Are valid for the Schengen area + the European Union + the United Kingdom (see plan options below)


• Provide 24/7 emergency assistance


• Offer free remote medical consultation - in English and a number of other languages - with AXA’s unique Doctor, Please! feature


• Can be purchased on behalf of someone else

And, finally, with AXA, you’re not only in good hands from beginning to end while in Greece. But from your Schengen visa interview to your flight home, you have the peace of mind and assurance of knowing you’re supported by an expert, decades-trusted, world-recognized Schengen travel insurance brand!

What travel insurance options for Greece (and/or a Schengen visa) does AXA offer?

So with all this in mind, here’s a general overview of the coverage options AXA has to offer (be sure to click around to learn more about each one!):

• AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: our standard (i.e., basic) coverage meets all the requirements for your Schengen visa and covers you in all Schengen countries + 4 European microstates (i.e., San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City).


• AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL also meets all Schengen visa requirements but offers reliable, complete but still affordable European coverage - all while covering you in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates above, as well as the UK.


• AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM is our complete, all-inclusive, zero-stress, and zero-worry coverage that also meets all necessary Schengen visa requirements, and also covers you in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates + the UK.


• AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: and our annual plan is best suited for holders of multiple-entry visas and/or frequent travelers to Europe. ANNUAL also meets all Schengen visa requirements while providing coverage across all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the microstates + the UK. However, it also offers a single contract for a full year of European travel!

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Greece?

If something does go wrong while you’re enjoying Greece, keep cool and remember that AXA is here for you.

In case of a medical emergency, simply contact an AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Via said number, medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you day and night, 24/7, wherever you are. They’ll also help you find a medical center best suited to your situation (and closest to you).

What to provide when contacting AXA's call center

When contacting the AXA 24/7 call center, you’ll be asked to provide the following:

• The number of your policy (which begins with “SCH”);


• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);


• Your dossier number (communicated at the time of the first call).

PRO-TIP: Always keep all bills/invoices related to medical costs and enclose them with your file. Keep your phone charged too. And stay calm — we got your back!

List of Emergency Numbers in Greece

But along with AXA, here’s a list of traditional emergency numbers to keep on hand when in Greece too.

• General Emergency: 112


• Ambulance: 166


• Fire Department: 199


• Police: 100


• Anti-drug Police: 109


• Coast Guard: 108


• Tourist Police: 171


• Pharmacies: 107


• Hospitals: 106


• Forest Fire Authority: 191


• Traffic Police: 10400


• Weather service: 148


• International Phone Assistance: 139


• General Telephone Information: 11888

What else should I know when preparing for my Greece trip?

And, finally, here’s some more basic helpful info to ensure your trip to the Hellenic Republic is both safe and enjoyable.

Security in Greece

Generally speaking, Greece is a safe country. However, petty crime is not uncommon. Pickpockets and thieves often target crowded and/or popular tourist areas — with central Athens being a particularly hot spot. Violent crime is rare, but it does occur in more desolate and/or isolated areas.

It’s no secret that Greece is also a common destination for young adults to let loose. Some holiday resorts and other destinations frequented by young partygoers, therefore, can see their fair share of illegal behavior too (more often than not due to excessive drinking).

So stay alert, and call the police if something feels off. And speaking of drinking, be aware that drinks served in bars in island resorts can be stronger than you expect.

In other words — no matter the nature of your trip — be diligent, stay cautious, and use common sense. And maybe carry a photocopy of your passport (just in case), leave valuables in a safe place (such as the safe at your hotel or Airbnb), and always have your phone (and charger) with you, along with the emergency numbers above, at all times.

Public transport in Greece

Major Greek cities — including those on the islands — are connected by an intricate bus network known as KTEL. These are generally reliable and relatively easy to navigate.

The Hellenic Train system is also a wonderful way to explore Greece. The Athens-Thessaloniki line, for example, is a particularly scenic 4.5-hr high-speed train ride that covers most of the country’s east coast.

Meanwhile, to get from Athens to the islands, the ferry is your best bet (with three major companies mainly running the show).

Driving in Greece

If you plan to drive, most countries’ licenses are valid in Greece. However, if your home state does not fall under the Vienna Convention, you'll need to apply for/hold a valid international driving permit (i.e., IDP) to drive here legally. And your IDP must be accompanied by your current national driving license.

PRO TIP: For more information, don’t forget to read our article: Which driving licenses are accepted in Europe?

Opening hours in Greece

Stores and shops are usually open from around 9.00 am - but many tend to close around 1.30 or 2.00 pm. Most are also closed on Sundays and holidays, especially in the more remote parts.

And the same often goes for restaurants. However, because the Greeks tend to eat late, restaurants often stay open until around midnight. Traditionally, dinner is served at around 8-9 pm (i.e., the busiest time for restaurants).

And - as with all major tourist destinations - the closer to the epicenter you are (i.e., central Athens, for example), the more options you have. And that includes opening hours.

Related Articles

• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?


• How can I choose the best Schengen travel insurance for my trip?


• Safety tips for traveling to Europe

FAQ

What happens if my travel insurance plan doesn’t meet Schengen visa rules?

If your travel insurance doesn’t meet the necessary Schengen visa requirements, your visa application will be denied. Moreover, your visa fees won’t be refunded.

PRO-REMINDER: However, if your visa is refused, AXA - while fully complying with all Schengen visa rules - does offer a full refund of your insurance premium!

Can I travel to other European countries with a Greek visa?

Yes, but not all of them. That is, a Greek Schengen visa will allow you to travel to the dozens of other Schengen countries in Europe. However, there are roughly 50 countries in all of Europe total - and not all of them are in the Schengen Zone.

PRO-TIP: So to make sure you know where exactly in Europe you’re going, AXA can tell you all about the key differences between Europe, the European Union, the EEA, and the Schengen Zone too!

Can I take out AXA Schengen travel health insurance for Iceland on behalf of someone else?

Yes! With AXA, you can purchase a plan for a loved one, a friend, and/or any visiting guests with ease. To ensure they’re fully covered, you’ll only need to provide their personal info (i.e., their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary).