Greece (GR)
Greece is a southeastern European republic and EU member state, birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, celebrated for its 6,000 sun-drenched islands, ancient ruins from the Acropolis to Delphi, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and a warm culture that draws expats, retirees, digital nomads, and Golden Visa investors from across the world.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Greece, prioritised.
Insurance is less deeply embedded in Greek culture than in Northern Europe, but awareness is growing. Mandatory insurances include motor third-party liability and employer liability for employees. The main gap for expats is private health insurance — the public EOPYY system works but is slow for specialist care. Property insurance (for buyers) and home contents insurance are also important, especially given earthquake risk.
Legally Mandatory
- - Motor Third-Party Liability (Υποχρεωτική Ασφάλεια Αυτοκινήτου) — mandatory for all motor vehicles
- - Employer Liability (through EFKA social contributions) — mandatory for all employers
Private Health Insurance
Covers private clinic visits, specialist consultations, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, and sometimes dental care. Supplements the public EOPYY system.
Who needs it: All expats, especially those who need timely specialist access, English-speaking doctors, or comfortable hospital facilities. Essential for families.
Annual cost: €500–1,500 (individual); €1,800–5,000 (family)
Plans range from basic hospitalisation-only to comprehensive plans including outpatient, dental, and maternity. Buy early — pre-existing conditions may be excluded. International health insurance (Cigna, AXA PPP, Foyer Global Health) is an alternative for those who may relocate again.
Motor Third-Party Liability
Mandatory insurance covering damage caused to third parties (persons and property) by your vehicle.
Who needs it: All car, motorcycle, and vehicle owners in Greece. Legally required to drive or park on public roads.
Annual cost: €150–400 (car); €80–200 (motorcycle)
Minimum legal requirement. Driving without valid motor insurance is a serious criminal offence in Greece (fine €1,000–5,000 + vehicle confiscation). Get comprehensive cover (ολοκληρωμένη ασφάλεια) for newer vehicles.
Property / Building Insurance
Covers structural damage to the building from fire, flooding, explosion, subsidence, and critically — earthquake. Essential in Greece given seismic activity.
Who needs it: All property owners. Lenders typically require it as a mortgage condition.
Annual cost: €150–600/year depending on property value and location
EARTHQUAKE COVER IS CRITICAL in Greece — one of the most seismically active countries in Europe. Ensure your policy explicitly includes seismic damage (σεισμός). Many standard policies exclude it or require an add-on. The 1999 Athens earthquake and multiple subsequent events (2020 Samos, 2021 Crete) caused billions in uninsured property damage.
Earthquake Insurance (standalone or add-on)
Specific coverage for earthquake damage to building structure and contents. Can be standalone or an add-on to standard property insurance.
Who needs it: All property owners in Greece — especially in Attica (Athens), Crete, Corinth area, Epirus, Thessaloniki, and all islands.
Annual cost: €50–200/year as an add-on to standard property insurance
Greece experiences over 50 earthquakes over magnitude 4.0 annually. This insurance is frequently overlooked by new property owners — do not be one of them.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Covers damage to your own vehicle (theft, fire, collision, weather damage) in addition to mandatory third-party liability.
Who needs it: Owners of cars less than 7 years old, those with outstanding car loans, and anyone parking in urban areas.
Annual cost: €400–1,200 depending on vehicle value and age
Greek roads have above-average accident rates. Vehicle theft, especially scooters and motorcycles, is an issue in Athens. Comprehensive cover is standard advice for expats.
Home Contents Insurance
Covers theft, fire, and water damage to your personal belongings in a rented or owned property.
Who needs it: All tenants (especially in Athens, where break-ins occur) and property owners.
Annual cost: €80–200/year for a typical apartment
Very affordable for the protection offered. Include burglary/theft cover (κλοπή). Available through comparison sites (insurancemarket.gr, hellas-direct.gr).
Travel Insurance
Covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies abroad, baggage loss, and flight disruptions for trips outside Greece.
Who needs it: Anyone travelling internationally, especially outside the EU where EHIC does not apply.
Annual cost: €50–200/year (annual multi-trip policy)
Annual multi-trip policies offer better value for frequent travellers. For Schengen zone travel within the EU, EHIC covers emergency medical care, reducing the urgency — but cancellation cover is still valuable.
Life Insurance / Death Benefit
Lump sum payment to beneficiaries on death. Sometimes combined with critical illness cover.
Who needs it: Those with dependants, a mortgage, or family financial obligations.
Annual cost: €200–800/year depending on age, sum insured, and health
Often sold as part of a bundled package with health or pension products. Consider if you have children, a mortgage, or dependent family members in Greece.
Comparison sites
Always read the exclusions section of any insurance policy carefully — what is NOT covered is as important as what is.
For motor insurance, your no-claims history from your home country can reduce premiums — bring official documentation from your previous insurer.
Earthquake insurance is not optional if you own property in Greece — it is a necessity given Greece's seismic profile.
Private health insurance becomes harder and more expensive to obtain as you age — buy it early in your stay.
Compare motor insurance online (hellas-direct.gr, insurancemarket.gr) before renewing — Greek motor insurance can vary by 40–60% for identical coverage.
Ensure your insurance certificate (ασφαλιστήριο συμβόλαιο) is in both Greek and English if you need it for official purposes.
Insurance
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