Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To Greece

Travel Insurance Policies When Travelling To Greece

1.               Travel insurance is often neglected when planning a holiday or business trip. In Britain we are used to a free healthcare system and often forget that in many countries this is not the case.      We tend to not realise that luggage can be lost at an airport and that pick-pockets operate in Lisbon as well as London. Most of the time, travel insurance acts as a peace of mind...right up to the time you need it and then it can be the most important article in your suitcase.

Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

              As we are all aware, accidents can happen at any time and in any place to anybody In the worst of circumstances, this can cause significant injury as well as ruining a holiday or business trip. Unfortunately no-one can predict when these accidents will occur or the severity of them when they do. The only thing to do is to have a high quality travel insurance policy. It may feel like you are gambling against yourself when arranging such a policy, however, nothing could be further from the truth.

              Luggage can be easily lost at airport, this in normally sufficient to ruin a holiday, having to endure a flight and then to traipse around a shopping centre to buy clean socks and shirts. Travel insurance can't make this impossible to happen, but can help pay for your new clothes, which will ease the pain a little.

              Something as innocent as a wet floor or trip down a flight of stairs could lead to a hospital trip, for example, to administer to a broken wrist or ankle. Medical insurance will usually cover the cost but if you need to return early your travel insurance policy may have a clause to allow this to be claimed for.

              When in a foreign country and hiring a car try to know the local traffic laws. We drive on the left in the UK, in Greece they drive on the right which can be confusing for the first few days. If you cause an accident, personal liability may be an issue. A good travel insurance policy will also have a clause that allows travel back to the UK if a medical emergency arises.

What Should I Look For In Travel Insurance

              Travel insurance is a safety net when abroad. A good travel insurance policy should cover you for medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad, 24 hour emergency service and assistance and personal liability cover in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property.

              Other things to consider when purchasing travel insurance are, what is the value of your lost and stolen possessions cover? What's the maximum you can claim on a single piece of your inventory? Are you covered for cancellation and/or curtailment of your flight or ferry? Does your policy have extra cover for activities that are usually not included standard policies, such as jet skiing or adventure activities? Are there any financial insurances in case your carrier airline becomes bankrupt before or during your excursion abroad?

EHIC Cover In Greece

              If you're going on a holiday or a business trip, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which offers you access to reduced-cost medical treatment. EHIC cards are free to any resident of the UK, UK National, a refuge resident, or from part of an EEA state (Country or state within the European Economic Area, i.e. the European Union). Simply collect an EHIC (formally E111) form from your local post office. Complete the short form and return to the post office and await postal delivery of your EHIC card.

              This will allow you reduced or free medical cover in any of the EEA states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. As Greece is part of the EEA, the EHIC card extends to cover the country. An EHIC card grants the bearer the full rights of a national citizen of the country they are in as long as they support the EHIC scheme. It does not give the bearer the same medical cover as they would receive on the NHS. An EHIC card is not regarded as either medical or travel insurance

Socio-political Issues

              There is a low risk from anarchist terrorists in Greece. These attacks are not aimed at tourists or British nationals, however, its possible to be caught up in such an attack. For this reason comprehensive medical and travel insurance is advised

              There is a low crime rate in Greece although it does rise during the traditional tourist season. Travel insurance can cover the cost of any stolen items or belongings.

              There have been isolated incidents of attacks on British nationals at several Greek tourist hotels. These are normally carried out by other British nationals usually in an inebriated state. Therefore the same level of care should be taken in these environments as back in the UK.

Specific Insurances For Greece

              Greece is a staggeringly beautiful country. Steeped in history and culture, stretching back through the mists of time. Evidence of it's glorious past are still evident in such attractions as the Acropolis, Parthenon and the palace of Knossus.

              There are stunning beaches with every conceivable beach and water sports available. If you are planning to take part in any of these activities it is important to confirm that your travel insurance policy covers these events.

              There are also many adventure holidays available both on the mainland and surrounding islands. These include bungee-jumping, caving, mountaineering and off road excursions. Ensure that your travel insurance policy covers these adrenaline packed activities before beginning them.

              Greece suffered with strike action at the end of 2008 and this may continue throughout 2009. This affected many arena's of both public and private sector professions. It is possible that airports will be closed, either prior to leaving or returning to the UK. Travel insurance will cover cancellation or curtailment of your Grecian adventure should this come to pass.

              Travel Insurance will smooth over almost all problems in Greece. However some incidents require more help, therefore the British Consulate contact details are found below:

British Embassy, Athens, Greece

Greece, Athens, British Embassy

British Embassy

1 Ploutarchou Street

106 75 Athens

Telephone: (0030) 210 7272 600

Fax: (0030) 210 7272 743