INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

According to a recent clarification issued by the Ministry of the Interior, all applicants for residence permits, either first-time permits or extensions of existing permits, must be accompanied by a letter certifying that the applicant is covered for outpatient medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation/repatriation for the duration of his/her stay in Greece.

Specifically:

1.  The letter must be on insurance company letterhead (not issued by a university or travel agent),

2.  It should contain:
    a.  The name of the insured person
    b.  The policy number
    c.  The dates of validity (which should correspond to the period of time one plans to be in Greece)
    d.  The $/€ value of the coverage for
        i.  hospitalization
        ii.  outpatient care
        iii. emergency evacuation/repatriation of remains

3.  A statement that the coverage is valid in Greece (or “worldwide” or “in the Schengen zone”).

4.  Hospitalization expenses €1-€10,000 (100% coverage from the insurance company), and outpatient expenses €1-€1,000 (100% coverage from the insurance company).

The required coverage for hospitalization (at least €10,000) and for outpatient care (at least €1,000) is relatively low, but the authorities stipulate that this should begin with the first € of expense (i.e., no deductible).  A special exemption will be made for ASCSA Members if the deductible is stated to be $200 per year or less (not $200 per incident).

This letter will need to be officially translated into Greek (at your own expense) by the authorities here in Athens, so you should request that it be brief – the brochure which describes your insurance plan is not acceptable, nor is your insurance card.

If your insurance company letter covers all the above-mentioned items, it is acceptable.  Otherwise it (and your application for a residence permit) will be rejected.

July 2011