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Insurance Requirements for Moving to Greece

Obtaining appropriate health insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for most foreign nationals planning to relocate to Greece. For non-EU citizens, proof of insurance is a core component of the visa application process. The type of coverage required depends on the intended duration of stay, the type of visa (Schengen vs. National D-type), and the applicant's nationality.

Greek authorities require that insurance policies remain valid for the entire duration of the visa or until the individual becomes eligible for the Greek national healthcare system (EFKA). It is essential to secure this coverage before departing your home country to ensure legal entry and residency permit eligibility.

greek consulate building documents
Greek Consulate Building Documents

Types of Insurance Before Moving

There are two primary categories of insurance that individuals must consider before their arrival in Greece:

  • Schengen Travel Insurance: Required for short-term stays (up to 90 days) or for the initial entry period of certain long-term visas.
  • Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Required for long-stay National Visas (D-type) and residency permit applications. This must offer broader coverage than standard travel insurance, including hospitalization and outpatient care within Greece.

For those applying for the Digital Nomad Visa or the Golden Visa, the Greek Ministry of Migration requires a policy from a private insurer that specifically mentions coverage for accidents and sickness within Greek territory. The cost of a basic private policy for a healthy adult typically starts around 150 EUR ($162 USD, Jan 2026) to 300 EUR ($324 USD, Jan 2026) per year, depending on the age and coverage limits.

To meet the legal requirements for a Greek visa or residency permit, the insurance policy must satisfy specific criteria set by the European Union and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

  • Minimum Coverage: The policy must provide a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR ($32,400 USD, Jan 2026) for medical expenses.
  • Repatriation: The insurance must cover the costs of medical repatriation or repatriation of remains.
  • Geographic Scope: The policy must be valid across all Schengen Area member states, not just Greece.
  • Duration: It must cover the entire period of the requested visa.

Consulates generally do not accept policies with high deductibles or those that exclude emergency treatments. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of the local Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Visa Section before purchasing a policy.

medical health records documents
Medical Health Records Documents

Requirements by Nationality and Visa Type

The insurance obligations vary significantly based on the applicant's country of origin and the legal framework under which they are moving.

EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizens

Citizens of the European Union, EEA, or Switzerland do not need to purchase private insurance for visa purposes, as they have the right to move freely. However, they should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their home country before moving. This card grants access to the Greek public healthcare system for necessary treatments under the same conditions as Greek citizens for a limited time. For permanent relocation, EU citizens should transition to the S1 form system if they are retirees or workers posted abroad.

Non-EU Citizens (Third-Country Nationals)

For those applying for a National D-Visa (for work, study, or independent financial means), a private health insurance contract is mandatory. If the applicant intends to work for a Greek employer, they will eventually be registered with EFKA (the National Social Security Fund). However, a private policy is still required to cover the gap between arrival and the activation of social security benefits, which can take several weeks or months.

Practical Steps to Obtaining Coverage

To ensure the insurance is accepted by Greek authorities, follow these steps:

  1. Verify the Provider: Ensure the insurance company is recognized by international regulators or has a partnership with a Greek insurance firm.
  2. Request an English or Greek Certificate: The insurance certificate must be issued in English or Greek. If issued in another language, a certified translation is usually required.
  3. Check for "Direct Billing": Ideally, choose a provider that offers direct billing to hospitals in Greece to avoid large out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies.
  4. Submit with Visa Application: Include the full policy terms and the summary certificate (often called the "Insurance Mandate") in your visa package.

Note: For residency permit renewals within Greece, the insurance policy must be specifically tailored to meet the requirements of Law 4251/2014, often referred to as "Residency Permit Insurance."

Exceptions and Special Cases

In some instances, the standard insurance requirements may differ:

  • Bilateral Agreements: Greece has bilateral social security agreements with certain countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, USA). Residents of these countries should check if specific forms (like the USA/GR 1) can exempt them from certain private insurance requirements, though this is rare for initial visa entries.
  • Student Insurance: International students may be eligible for lower-cost "Student Health Insurance" plans, provided they meet the 30,000 EUR ($32,400 USD, Jan 2026) coverage threshold.
  • Family Members: Each family member moving to Greece must have their own individual coverage or be explicitly named as a dependent on a primary policy with individual limits meeting the minimum threshold.