Travel insurance mainly covers medical expenses abroad, repatriation, trip cancellation and baggage. For companies that travel often, an annual group policy for all travelling employees is usually simpler and cheaper than separate policies per trip.
Why the European Health Insurance Card is not enough
The EHIC (issued by e-EFKA in Greece) gives access to medically necessary care in the public healthcare system of other EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, on the same terms as residents. It does not cover:
- Private hospitals and clinics
- Air ambulance or repatriation to Greece
- Trip cancellation or curtailment
- Non-EU countries (USA, Asia, Middle East, etc.)
So the EHIC is useful as a supplement, not as your only cover.
The main covers
| Cover | What it covers | When it is critical |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and hospital expenses | Hospitalisation, emergencies, medicines abroad | Always; especially USA, Canada, Switzerland, Japan |
| Repatriation / air ambulance | Transport to Greece with medical escort | Long-haul destinations |
| Cancellation / curtailment | Non-refundable costs if the trip is cancelled for a covered reason | Expensive tickets, conferences, trade fairs |
| Baggage and baggage delay | Loss, theft, purchase of essentials | Any trip with checked baggage |
| Business equipment | Laptops, samples, instruments | Sales staff, technicians, exhibitors |
| Personal liability | Damage to third parties | Work at client premises |
| Legal protection / 24/7 assistance | Phone support, interpreting, legal help | Countries with language or bureaucratic barriers |
When insurance is mandatory
- Schengen visa: for partners from third countries who need a visa to come to Greece, the EU Visa Code requires travel medical insurance with cover of at least €30,000.
- Some destination countries require proof of medical insurance for a visa or entry. Check country by country.
- For Greeks travelling to the USA on ESTA, insurance is not mandatory, but it is practically essential given the high cost of healthcare.
Exclusions to read
- Pre-existing conditions: often excluded or must be declared.
- Countries with “do not travel” advisories: many policies do not cover trips to areas where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel.
- Manual or hazardous work: technicians on construction sites or platforms need special cover.
- Maximum trip duration: annual policies set a maximum number of days per trip (e.g. 30, 60 or 90).
Insurance through a travel agency
Travel agencies may sell travel insurance as an ancillary activity under the insurance distribution legislation (Law 4583/2018). Always ask for the policy terms (IPID) before buying. Separately, every package travel organiser must have an insolvency guarantee under P.D. 7/2018, which protects travellers’ money and their repatriation.
Travel agency tip
If your company has more than ten trips a year, compare an annual group policy with the sum of individual ones. Give every employee a card or PDF with the policy number and the 24/7 assistance phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need travel insurance for a trip within the EU? It is not mandatory, but the EHIC does not cover private hospitals or repatriation.
How much cover is needed for a Schengen visa? At least €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation.
Sources: Your Europe – European Health Insurance Card · Regulation (EC) 810/2009 – Visa Code · P.D. 7/2018 – e-nomothesia.gr
Validity: This article reflects the legislation in force at the date of writing (01/10/2026). Covers and exclusions differ by insurer; the policy terms always apply.
Photo: Olu Eletu / StockSnap.io, CC0 – free to use (source)