Living the expat dream in Greece is a journey filled with excitement, and just like any adventure, it requires careful planning, especially when you have a family. We're talking about insurance. In this article, we will be discussing the 5 things you should consider when choosing your family insurance options in Greece.

1. Health Insurance, A Wellness Safari

Family health insurance can be tough to comprehend for some, especially in a foreign country where a lot of the paperwork is dealt in another language. And in Greece, as we know it, administrative procedures such as choosing the right insurance plan can be a long and overwhelming process.

Public vs. Private Healthcare in Greece

The first step to choosing the right insurance plan for your family is understanding the two primary options: public healthcare and private health insurance. Greece boasts a public healthcare system accessible to residents, including expats. While public healthcare can be a viable option, especially for minor ailments and routine check-ups, many expats opt for private health insurance to enjoy a broader range of services and quicker access to medical care.

If you're going with private health insurance, consider factors such as coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, specialist consultations, prescription medications, and emergency services. Look for insurance plans that offer support in English to bridge any language barriers, ensuring that you fully understand the terms and conditions. Additionally, check if the policy covers preventive measures like vaccinations and screenings, essential for your family’s overall well-being.

Some insurance plans might even offer additional perks, such as wellness programs, mental health support, or discounts on gym memberships. Imagine your family not just being covered during illnesses or injuries, but also enjoying a variety of wellbeing benefits that enhance your overall quality of life in Greece.

If you need extra support, our extensive network of experts can help to provide you a greater understanding of your insurance plans. Just head onto our Services page to get in touch.

2. Home Sweet (Insured) Home

Imagine your home insurance policy as a shield against any unexpected mishaps like earthquakes, break-ins or other natural disasters. With the right family insurance, your home will always be your safe haven, no matter what the day brings.

There are both local insurance companies and international insurance providers experienced in serving expats to choose from. Local insurers often have a deep understanding of the regional risks and might offer policies tailored to the Greek market.

International insurers, on the other hand, can provide policies that align with your expectations based on experiences from your home country. So it's always recommended to choose which insurance providers to go with.

Benefits of Global Family Insurance:

• International Coverage: Global insurance providers often offer coverage that extends beyond national borders. This can be beneficial for individuals or businesses with international operations or frequent travel.
• Diverse Coverage Options: International insurers may provide a wider range of coverage options, including specialty insurance products that may not be available locally.
• Financial Stability: Some international insurers are large, well-established companies with significant financial resources. This can instill confidence in policyholders regarding the insurer's ability to fulfill claims.
• Multilingual Support: International insurers may have customer support teams fluent in multiple languages, which can be helpful for clients who prefer communication in a language other than the local language.

In terms of its drawbacks, international insurance policies may come with higher premiums compared to local providers, as they often account for a broader range of risks. Additionally, dealing with international insurers may involve navigating complex terms, conditions, and regulatory environments, which could be challenging for some.

If you're looking for a global insurance plan for your family that isn't too costly, our partner SafetyWing is a great insurance option.

To read more about SafetyWing and its premium insurance policy benefits, check out our article, Remote Health Insurance: Why SafetyWing is Your Ultimate Travel Companion!

Benefits of Local Family Insurance:

• Local Knowledge: Local insurance providers are familiar with the specific risks and regulations in Greece, allowing them to tailor coverage to local needs.
• Cultural Understanding: Local insurers may have a better understanding of the local culture and business practices, which can facilitate smoother communication and claims processes.
• Personalized Service: Being smaller entities, local insurers may provide more personalized customer service and a quicker response to individual needs.
• Potential Cost Savings: In some cases, local insurance providers may offer more competitive rates for coverage within the specific market they operate in.

Despite the benefits, there are some limitations to going with a local insurance provider for your family. First, local insurers may have limitations on coverage outside of Greece, which can be a disadvantage for individuals who travel frequently, or for businesses with international exposure. Local insurers may also have a more limited portfolio of specialized insurance products, which could be a drawback for clients with unique or complex insurance needs.

Ultimately, the choice between an international and a local insurance provider in Greece depends on your own needs and preferences. It's essential to carefully compare the offerings, terms, and reputation of different insurers before making a decision.

3. Car Insurance Extravaganza

Buckle up, because family car insurance is your passport to the ultimate road trip extravaganza! Your car insurance ensures that any journeys abroad with your family are smooth and carefree.

Family Insurance - What to look for:

• Research reputable insurance providers in Greece, both local and international, ensuring they offer policies catering to expats.
• Compare the coverage options, focusing on third-party liability insurance, which is mandatory in Greece, as well as comprehensive coverage for your vehicle.
• Look for policies that not only meet legal requirements but also protect your car against accidents, theft, and natural disasters like earthquakes, which are relatively common in the region.
• Consider factors such as roadside assistance, ease of claims processing, and customer service reliability.

4. Travel Insurance: The Adventure Awaits

Imagine exploring the streets of Athens, the serene beaches of Crete, or the ancient wonders of Delphi, all with the knowledge that you're protected against unexpected twists and turns. With family travel insurance, you can embark on every journey with your  mind at ease. Lost luggage? Flight delays? No problem! Your travel insurance is your magical genie granting all your travel wishes.

5. Finding the Right Insurance Broker For Your Family

In order to to find the right insurance plan for your family, it's important to be connected with the right insurance broker. With our extensive network, families can now select top-rated insurance brokers to choose the best possible family insurance plan.

• Anna Nikiforidou is a highly-rated insurance broker from Greek Insurance Leaders (GIL). She provides insurance for families, their properties and also businesses. Her company has spent the last four years specializing in providing insurance covering all expat needs. GIL has won the "Golden Company" award in 2022 and most "Reliable Company" in 2023 for their exceptional service. To get in touch with Anna, simply send us request form on our Services page, or book a consultation call.

Embrace the Adventure, Secure the Fun!

Living the expat life in Greece is a whirlwind of excitement, and with the right family insurance - it's a grand, unforgettable adventure, bound to be the most fun-filled chapter of your lives. Here's to a future of endless fun, laughter, and secure adventures in the land of gods, myths, and epic insurance coverage! Opa! 🎉✨