Insurance for entry into Greece: who needs it, rules for obtaining it for different categories of visas, and where to purchase it?

For travel to Greece for purposes such as employment, study or tourism, a valid medical insurance policy is usually required. Familiarise yourself with the compulsory medical insurance requirements for entry into Greece, the criteria for choosing a reliable insurance company and the procedure for obtaining a policy in accordance with the requirements of different visa categories

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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Are you planning a trip to Greece? This article will be your reliable guide to the world of medical insurance and key aspects of visiting this country, ensuring you peace of mind and confidence during your trip.

You will learn about the mandatory requirements for obtaining a residence permit or long-term visa to avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure smooth entry. If you are planning a short trip without visa obligations, we will provide comprehensive recommendations on how to obtain medical insurance for your peace of mind and safety during your stay in Greece.

We pay special attention to medical support for refugees, as their needs require specific attention and assistance in the field of healthcare. We will also consider all the nuances of the mandatory ‘Green Card’ for motorists, without which it is impossible to cross the border in your own vehicle, ensuring that you are fully prepared for your trip.

Planning a trip to Greece? Make sure you have reliable insurance.

Who needs insurance to enter Greece?

According to current Greek legislation, medical insurance requirements for entry into the country depend on the nationality of the person and the purpose of their stay.

For whom is medical insurance mandatory for entry into Greece?

For citizens of Ukraine, as for most citizens of countries that are not members of the European Union (EU) or the Schengen area, medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for entry into Greece, as well as for obtaining certain types of visas (in particular, Schengen type C visas and national type D visas).

Insurance for entry into Greece is mandatory for:

– Citizens of Ukraine who need a Schengen visa (for short-term trips).

– Citizens of Ukraine who need a national visa type D (for long-term stays, study, work, family reunification, etc.).

– Citizens of third countries for whom Greece is the first country of entry into the Schengen area and who are subject to visa requirements.

Follow the link to find out in which cases Ukrainians need a visa to Greece and how to apply for one.

For whom is medical insurance for entry into Greece desirable?

1. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland who have access to healthcare based on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

2. Persons who already have Greek public health insurance (e.g. employed in Greece).

3. Persons arriving under temporary protection may have special conditions for access to medical services, which are regulated by separate programmes, but it is often recommended to have insurance at the initial stage as well.

Even if you are not formally required to have medical insurance to enter the country, it is strongly recommended that you take out insurance for your own safety and financial protection, as medical services abroad can be very expensive.

What medical assistance is provided to refugees in Greece?

Medical assistance to refugees (asylum seekers and persons under temporary protection) in Greece is provided in accordance with national legislation and international obligations.

Access to the public health system

For asylum seekers (ασυλούμενοι): After registering their application for international protection, asylum seekers receive an Αριθμός Μητρώου Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης (AMKA) – a Greek social security number. Having an AMKA gives access to the public healthcare system (ESY – Εθνικό Σύστημα Υγείας). This means that they are entitled to medical care in public hospitals and clinics under the same conditions as Greek citizens (which may include free services or discounts on certain types of treatment and medication).

For persons under temporary protection (Ukrainians): Ukrainian citizens who have been granted temporary protection status in Greece are also entitled to an AMKA. Through the AMKA, they have access to the public healthcare system. This includes access to primary healthcare, specialist services, hospitalisation in emergencies, and access to prescription medicines (partial or full payment may be required, depending on the category of medicine).

Emergency medical care:

Even before receiving an AMKA, emergency medical care must be provided to all persons, including refugees, without any preconditions regarding insurance or registration.

Primary medical care and prevention

Persons with an AMKA have access to primary medical care at local health centres (Κέντρα Υγείας) and public outpatient clinics.

Specialised care

Access to specialist consultations and secondary medical care (hospitalisation, surgery) is possible with a referral from a primary care physician.

Psychosocial support

In addition to physical health, some organisations and government programmes provide psychosocial support to refugees, taking into account the traumatic experiences associated with their displacement.

Role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Many international and local non-governmental organisations (e.g. Médecins Sans Frontières, Red Cross, UNHCR) actively cooperate with the Greek authorities, providing additional medical assistance, psychosocial support, information and translation services to refugees, especially in camps or reception centres. They are often the first point of contact for newly arrived persons.

What car insurance policy should I choose for entering Greece?

When planning a road trip to Bulgaria, you must obtain an international insurance policy ‘Green Card’. This document is mandatory and certifies your civil liability in the event of a traffic accident caused by you on Bulgarian territory, providing coverage for damages to the injured parties.

Make sure that your Green Card for Bulgaria is valid and that its validity period corresponds to the planned period of your stay. If you do not have a valid policy, you will have to purchase one directly at the border crossing point, which usually involves higher costs and less comfort. It is recommended that you obtain a Green Card in advance.

Driver's guide for Greece can be found on the Visit Ukraine portal.

General requirements for insurance policies for short-term and long-term trips

According to Greek law and entry regulations, the requirements for medical insurance policies depend on the purpose and duration of your stay. The main provisions are based on information from the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the Greek Ministry of Health, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Greece, and the Greek National Public Health Organisation (EODY).

According to Greek law and the requirements of the Schengen Area (which Greece, as an EU member, is obliged to comply with), there are clear requirements for insurance policies for foreigners entering the country. These requirements are listed on official resources such as the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Centres and Greek consulates.

Minimum coverage

The policy must have a minimum insurance coverage of at least 30,000 euros (EUR). This coverage must be sufficient to cover the possible costs of emergency medical care, treatment and hospitalisation.

Territory of validity

The insurance policy must be valid throughout the Schengen area, not just in Greece. This is important because Greece is part of this area and the policy must be valid in all countries participating in the Schengen Agreement.

Validity

The policy must cover the entire planned period of the foreigner's stay in the Schengen area (for short-term visas) or the first period of stay until local insurance is obtained (for long-term visas). For Schengen visas, the policy must be valid for the entire duration of the visa, even if the actual period of stay is shorter.

Risk coverage

The policy must cover the costs of emergency medical care, urgent hospitalisation, emergency medical evacuation/transport, and repatriation in the event of death.

It should be noted that the coverage must be ‘without excess’ or with a minimum excess that does not reduce the effectiveness of the coverage.

Reliability of the insurance company

The insurance policy must be issued by an insurance company that is duly accredited/authorised to operate and recognised within the Schengen area. This means that the company must be licensed to provide insurance and be able to make payments abroad.

Find out all the details about obtaining a digital nomad visa in Greece on the Visit World portal.

What kind of insurance can you get in Greece?

When planning a trip to sunny Greece, regardless of its purpose — whether it's for leisure, work or study — the issue of medical insurance is one of the key factors for your peace of mind and financial security. It is strongly recommended that you take care of obtaining the appropriate insurance policy before leaving your country. Although it is theoretically possible to purchase insurance after arriving in Greece, this step can create a whole range of inconveniences and potential problems.

Risks of purchasing insurance abroad

Limited geographical coverage: A policy purchased directly in Greece is often limited in scope, covering only that country. This is a significant disadvantage if your plans include further travel to other countries in the Schengen area or Europe. In this case, you will have to take out new policies for each subsequent country, which is extremely inconvenient and unprofitable.

Higher financial costs: As a rule, the cost of medical or travel insurance purchased abroad is significantly higher. The price of similar programmes offered by Ukrainian insurance companies is much more attractive, allowing you to save money without compromising on the quality of coverage.

Difficulties in understanding and application: The language barrier can be a serious obstacle when taking out insurance abroad. Not knowing Greek and not understanding the specifics of local insurance laws can lead to misunderstandings about the terms of the contract, coverage exceptions, and the claims settlement process, which can negatively affect your ability to get help.

The clear advantages of getting a policy from a Ukrainian insurance company

Extremely convenient online registration: Most leading Ukrainian insurers have long offered a wide range of travel and medical insurance programmes that can be easily and quickly registered online. This allows you to choose the best option, compare terms and prices without leaving your home, saving you time and effort.

Deep understanding of the needs of Ukrainians: Domestic insurance companies have unique experience and are well aware of the specifics of Ukrainian citizens' travel, as well as the potential risks they may encounter abroad. This allows them to develop policies that take these features into account as much as possible and provide adequate coverage for most unforeseen situations.

Economically attractive offers: The cost of insurance policies offered by Ukrainian companies is usually much more competitive than foreign counterparts. This allows you to get reliable protection at an optimal price.

Support for the national economy: By choosing a Ukrainian insurance company, you are not only taking care of your own safety, but also making a direct contribution to the development of the national insurance market, supporting Ukraine's economic growth, especially in these difficult times.

Transparent and simple settlement of insurance claims: Ukrainian insurers have well-established and understandable mechanisms for interacting with domestic customers. This greatly simplifies the process of submitting documents, communicating and, ultimately, receiving payments in the event of an insured event, eliminating potential language and bureaucratic barriers.

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Insurance policies on Visit Ukraine: comprehensive protection

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase medical or travel insurance policies that will provide you with reliable protection.

What are the advantages of a medical insurance policy on Visit Ukraine?

A standard medical policy covers basic medical cases, including:

– initial examination by a doctor and diagnostics.

– outpatient and inpatient treatment.

– emergency medical care and hospitalisation.

– compensation for the cost of prescribed medication.

– payment for transportation to the hospital.

– emergency dental care.

For maximum protection, choose an extended medical insurance package, which can additionally cover:

– vaccinations and emergency surgery.

– repatriation of the body in case of death.

The extended policy may also cover other travel risks:

– flight delays or cancellations.

– loss or damage to luggage.

– payment for emergency phone calls.

– compensation for damages in a traffic accident involving you.

Ensure your peace of mind and safety on every trip – choose medical insurance at Visit Ukraine!

What are the advantages of a travel insurance policy from Visit Ukraine?

A travel insurance policy provides financial protection in the following cases:

– payment for treatment (outpatient, inpatient) and emergency dental care;

– organisation and coverage of evacuation, transportation, and repatriation of the body or burial abroad;

– compensation for losses in case of cancellation or significant delay of a flight, as well as loss of luggage;

– provision of legal advice;

– financial protection in case of a traffic accident.

Ensure yourself a carefree trip – get travel insurance on Visit Ukraine today!

How much does insurance cost?

Medical insurance

Travel insurance

On the Visit Ukraine portal you can choose a policy for travelling to any country in the world!

Advantages of purchasing from Visit Ukraine

Instant decision: Get the services you need quickly and effortlessly.

Favourable terms: Enjoy flexible payment options and optimal prices.

Convenience and reliability: Registration is instant, ensuring maximum security for your data.

Solutions tailored to your needs: Get a service tailored to your individual requirements.

Constant support: We are always available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take out an insurance policy and travel to Greece safely!

Reminder! Earlier, we told you how Ukrainians can emigrate to Greece in 2025.

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