English Tourists Given Conflicting Advice on Travel to Greece
While the Foreign Office hasn’t issued any advisories against travelling to Greece, it has said that British tourists in Greece need to be aware of the issues in the country.
For example, the banks have capped withdrawals at €60. This cap applies to Greek nationals only. The Foreign Office has advised tourists to bring cash into the country, rather than to rely on withdrawals.
However, given the economic unrest, we are expected to witness a rise in the number of thefts occurring against tourists. This means we require a greater level of insurance when travelling to Greece. Fortunately, today, Greece has reached a compromise for another bailout, so we can expect this issue to stabilise once more. However, for now, the situation remains precarious.
So, where does the conflicting advice arise? Well, on the one hand, the Foreign Office is advising that tourists carry cash while on holiday in Greece. This includes emergency funds to cover disruption if Greece leaves the EU (although, after today, this is unlikely at present). This is reasonably advice, given that the Greek banks have closed between the 8th and 13th of July. The conflict arises from the insurance policies. You are covered against theft of cash, but you have to follow more precise guidelines during this current period of economic unrest.
By following the advice from the Foreign Office, concerning travel to Greece, you can help to ensure that you are covered in the event of theft. For instance, they have advised against joining demonstrations and strikes in the country. If you fall victim to theft whilst at a demonstration, you will not be covered by insurance.
Another critical piece of advice issued by the Foreign Office concerns medical supplies, they have said, “In recent days the media have reported a shortage of medical supplies in Greece. Make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays”.
If you lose your medicine while on holiday, or you require specialist treatment, you may find that you have limited access to treatment. It is vital that you buy travel insurance that provides you with an extremely high level of medical cover, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. When taking out travel insurance pre existing conditions, make sure that you discuss your requirements with the insurer.
Make sure that they understand the position of medical care in Greece, and that they are able to cover you for repatriation if necessary. You should expect to pay more for medical travel insurance for Greece during these precarious economic times.
Many of you may consider cancelling your trip. However, things in Greece are beginning to settle and today’s news means that further disruption is unlikely to happen for the time being. If you cancel your trip, it is unlikely that your insurer will refund the holiday because Greece is not considered a dangerous place to travel.
As long as you read and follow the advice outlined by the Foreign Office you are unlikely to experience any disruption whilst on holiday. The advice remains that you should bring cash with you. However, make sure that you are covered for this by your insurance company.
If you would like further help and advice about travel insurance for Greece, then please visit itssoeasytravelinsurance
