**Please note - the FCO no longer advise taking euros in cash to cover the entire duration of your stay; however there are still restrictions on some banking services in Greece. Click here for more information.**
The troubling events in Greece have prompted many holidaymakers to worry about their upcoming breaks in Greece - and we've received lots of questions about how our travel insurance will protect them if their plans go awry.
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions around the risk of Greece leaving the Eurozone and our travel insurance. Still looking for answers? Get in touch; we'll make sure your queries are dealt with ASAP.
Finally, make sure that you check the FCO website for information on Greece before you travel.
Am I covered if I wish to cancel my forthcoming holiday to Greece?
Unless the Foreign Office advises against travel to your destination, any decision not to travel is then subjective to the customer. Unfortunately, the travel insurance policy will only provide cancellation cover for specific reasons, and concern over the economic state of the country is not one of these.
In a situation such as this, the first contact should be made with the airline or travel provider. Customers who do not travel on their original holiday due to uncertainty in Greece are eligible to request transfer of their insurance. Customers would be required to pay any additional premium required or be entitled to a refund if the premium reduces.
Am I covered if the tour operator cancels my forthcoming holiday to Greece?
If the tour operator cancels your holiday for any reason the travel agent/tour operator should provide a full refund or an alternative holiday. Unfortunately, the travel insurance policy will only provide cancellation cover for specific reasons, and the cancellation of the holiday by the travel company is not one of these.
Am I covered if the hotel I have booked is closed?
If a customer has booked through a travel agent or tour operator they should provide alternative accommodation, an alternative holiday or a full refund.
If the hotel was booked independently and was paid for using a credit card, the credit card company may provide a refund. If your policy includes End Supplier Failure, this will provide cover if the hotel closes due to insolvency.
Am I covered if I take additional cash with me?
Due to the financial uncertainty, the FCO are advising travellers to carry additional cash. Where your policy provides cover for personal money, the amount of cover for cash will be limited to the amount shown on your policy document. For travel commencing before the 31st July, we will double the personal money and cash limits while customers are travelling to their Greek holiday destination.
After a customer has checked in, the increased limits will continue to apply for theft of cash from a locked safety deposit box. If the room/apartment does not have a safety deposit box, the cash must be well hidden. If the money is lost or stolen while being carried by the customer, the standard limits apply.
The financial uncertainty may mean that there are periods of civil commotion or demonstrations. Customers should avoid these areas and avoid carrying large sums of cash. It is also recommended that customers carry lower value notes and more than one method of payment e.g. cash, credit card, and a debit card.
Am I covered if an excursion I’ve paid for is cancelled?
Unfortunately the travel insurance policy will only provide cover for excursions where a customer cancels the entire holiday for specific reasons. If this was booked via the tour operator or was paid for using a credit card, the tour operator or credit card company may refund the cost of the excursion.
Am I covered if my flight has been cancelled/delayed when I am due to travel?
This is a situation where you have contracted with an airline or travel provider for a service that they have been unable to fulfil. As such, it is their legal obligation to assist and support you in getting home.
The first contact should be made with the airline or travel provider. The travel delay section of the policy will provide a compensation payment for the period that a customer is delayed following delays/cancellations caused by specific reasons. Customers must be delayed for a minimum period of time and compensation is paid based on the total delay from due departure time to actual departure time.
In addition, where a customer is delayed for a certain period of time, they can elect to abandon the entire trip and claim a full refund.
Am I covered if I am injured in riots or social unrest?
Any customer that is injured in periods of civil commotion will be covered under the travel insurance policy for medical expenses and personal accident cover.
As such, our 24-hour emergency team will be available for immediate care for you and for arranging all necessary treatment and, where necessary, return to the UK, as well as close liaison with relatives and travelling companions.
Will I be able to receive medical treatment?
The financial uncertainty in Greece is impacting the country in a number of ways. So far there is no evidence that UK visitors are experiencing any problems obtaining medical care and the indication is that the hospitals trust international insurers to provide payments.
However, if the crisis worsens, the care provided by hospitals could suffer due to a number of reasons, striking workers, lack of supplies and cash flow issues. There could also be a reluctance to accept the EHIC.
If customers require medical attention they should see a doctor or visit the hospital as normal. The 24 hour emergency service should be contacted for all claims where the cost is likely to exceed £500 or in-patient treatment is required. For all other claims, if a customer is struggling to get medical treatment, they should contact the emergency service for advice.
Am I covered if I cannot get back to the Greek airport because of public transport problems?
If a customer misses a flight due to a delay to the public transport used, missed departure will provide cover for an additional accommodation or transport costs incurred in returning to the United Kingdom.
Am I covered if my flight has been cancelled/delayed when I am due to return home?
This is a situation where you have contracted with an airline or travel provider for a service that they have been unable to fulfil. As such, it is their legal obligation to assist and support you in getting home.
The first contact should be made with the airline or travel provider. The travel delay section of the policy will provide a compensation payment for the period that a customer is delayed following delays/cancellations caused by specific reasons. Customers must be delayed for a minimum period of time and compensation is paid based on the total delay from due departure time to actual departure time.
Other important notes about your policy:
- All claims considered are subject to normal terms and conditions of the policy.
- All other claims which are not directly or indirectly related to the economic situation in Greece will be processed as normal, subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant policy.
Image credit: Shutterstock