Many companies offer special options to cover these activities at a slightly increased cost. Considering the high rate of motorcycle and moped accidents in Greece each year, if you intend or even think you might use that type of transportation, this option could be very worthwhile.
Some companies will waive additional charges if an individual is already properly certified in a given sport - such as possessing a PADI certificate for scuba diving.
If you are an avid devotee of a so-called hazardous or extreme sport, check with related clubs and associations at home - they may have the best deal on medical coverage abroad which specifically includes your sport or pastime. If you are training for or participating in an official or professional sporting event, however, additional restrictions may apply.
One company with a relatively liberal interpretation of "hazardous" sports is through Travel Guard can provide you with coverage for unexpected medical expenses while on a trip. According to one adventure tour provider, they also came through quickly for their clients in the claim-jammed days following September 11th when some other companies were debating whether or not that could be considered an excluded "act of war" and not covered under the standard policies. I was covered on a trip scheduled to occur during the Icelandic Volcanic Plume crisis while some insurance companies were debating if the cloud was weather-related and covered, or an "Act of God" and not covered. Travelguard also enables procrastinators with last-minute discounts if your tour and insurance are purchased within 15 days of your departure date; late purchases also benefit from a waiver of the pre-existing medical conditions restriction. This covers the traveler as well as immediate family members whose medical emergency may require the traveler to cancel the trip.
TravelGuard has recently added coverage for trips that have to be cancelled due to work reasons - which makes this coverage even more attractive if you have a demanding job or one prone to sudden crises.
What Travel Insurance You May Need for Greece Medical care in Greece is good, but in case of being stricken on a remote island, the medical evacuation coverage could be very useful, as some islands have minimal clinics which may or may not be staffed by a doctor or provided with the best or most up-to-date medical equipment. If your travels are also taking you to Turkey, where the availability of medical facilities varies substantially, this type of coverage is desirable.
If you are elderly or have existing health problems, the medical evacuation coverage is an excellent idea. While the medical care itself may be sufficient in Greece, many travelers will naturally prefer to be sick in their own language, in a familiar environment. Coverage is available, with some restrictions, even for travelers 80+ with pre-existing medical conditions.
Most programs will cover local ambulance services up to $2500 or so. This is very useful for Greece, as the local "ambulance" could be a boat or plane in remote areas.
Trip cancellation insurance, particularly those types which cover personal disasters which may prevent you from taking a trip but which may not be considered to be a good enough reason to cancel in the eyes of tour providers and airlines, is always a good idea.
