Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Insurance Requirements
Greece launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, targeting remote workers who want to live in Greece while working for employers or clients outside the country. Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for visa approval.
Key Insurance Requirements
- • Valid health insurance covering your entire stay in Greece
- • Coverage must include hospitalization and medical emergencies
- • Insurance from a recognized provider (EU or international)
- • Minimum coverage typically €30,000 (similar to Schengen requirements)
- • Must be valid from the visa start date
- • Travel insurance may be accepted for initial application
Greece is more flexible than some EU countries regarding insurance requirements. While they require proof of coverage, they generally accept both travel insurance (for the initial visa) and comprehensive international health insurance. For renewals and longer stays, more comprehensive coverage is recommended.
The visa is issued for 12 months initially and can be renewed for up to 2 years. If you plan to stay long-term, transitioning from travel insurance to comprehensive coverage makes sense both for visa renewals and for your own protection.
Quick Comparison: Top 3 Insurers for Greece Digital Nomad Visa
We've analyzed options ranging from budget-friendly nomad insurance to premium international coverage. SafetyWing is designed specifically for digital nomads, while Cigna and Allianz offer more comprehensive long-term coverage.
| Feature | Cigna Global | SafetyWing | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece Visa Acceptance | ✓ Widely accepted | ✓ Accepted for DN visa | ✓ Widely accepted |
| Greek Hospital Network | Good (direct billing) | Reimbursement model | Good (direct billing) |
| Remote Work Flexibility | Full global coverage | Built for nomads | Full global coverage |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Moratorium option | Acute onset only | Moratorium option |
| Monthly Subscription | Annual commitment | ✓ Month-to-month | Annual commitment |
| Mental Health | Full coverage | Limited | Full coverage |
| Annual Maximum | €1M - Unlimited | $250,000 | €1M - Unlimited |
| Best For | Premium nomads | Budget nomads | Long-term settlers |
Cigna Global
Cigna Global provides premium international health insurance with strong coverage in Greece and worldwide. Their modular plans work well for digital nomads who want comprehensive coverage and may travel frequently.
Strengths
- • Strong network in Athens and major cities
- • Comprehensive coverage including mental health
- • Excellent worldwide coverage for travel
- • Modular plans—pay for what you need
- • Good pre-existing condition options
- • 24/7 multilingual support
Considerations
- • Higher cost than nomad-specific options
- • Annual commitment required
- • Network limited on smaller islands
- • May be overkill for short-term stays
Get a Cigna Global Quote
Premium coverage for serious digital nomads.
Get QuoteWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is built specifically for digital nomads, with flexible monthly subscriptions and pricing that appeals to location-independent workers. Their Nomad Insurance product is popular with the remote work community.
Strengths
- • Very affordable—starts under $50/month
- • Month-to-month subscription (no annual lock-in)
- • Designed for nomad lifestyle
- • Covers multiple countries including home visits
- • Easy online purchase and management
- • Accepted for Greece DN visa
Considerations
- • Lower coverage limits ($250K maximum)
- • Pre-existing conditions: acute onset only
- • No routine/preventive care
- • Mental health coverage limited
- • Reimbursement model (pay first)
Get SafetyWing Coverage
Budget-friendly insurance built for nomads.
Get QuoteWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Allianz Care
Allianz Care offers flexible international health insurance suitable for digital nomads planning longer stays in Greece. Their range of plan options balances comprehensive coverage with cost considerations.
Strengths
- • Good Greek hospital network
- • Flexible plan tiers and deductibles
- • Strong wellness and preventive care
- • Chronic condition coverage
- • Brand recognition in Greece
- • Multiple deductible options
Considerations
- • Annual commitment required
- • Similar pricing to Cigna
- • Network limited on islands
- • Claims can take time to process
Get an Allianz Care Quote
Flexible coverage for longer Greece stays.
Get QuoteWe may earn a commission when you apply through our links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Coverage Comparison
All three options meet Greece's Digital Nomad Visa requirements. Here's how their coverage compares:
| Coverage Type | Cigna Global | SafetyWing | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inpatient Hospital | 100% covered | 100% covered | 100% covered |
| Outpatient Care | 100% covered | Limited visits | 100% covered |
| Emergency Evacuation | Unlimited | $100,000 | Unlimited |
| Prescription Drugs | 100% covered | Emergency only | 100% covered |
| Dental | Optional | Emergency only | Optional |
| Vision | Optional | Not covered | Optional |
| Wellness/Preventive | Annual checkup | Not covered | Annual checkup |
| COVID-19 | Full coverage | Full coverage | Full coverage |
SafetyWing is designed for emergencies and basic care, not comprehensive health management. If you have ongoing health needs or want preventive care, Cigna or Allianz provide better coverage.
Pricing Comparison
SafetyWing's pricing is dramatically lower, but so is the coverage depth. These ranges represent typical costs:
| Age Group | Cigna Global | SafetyWing | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-30 | €150-240/month | $45-56/month | €140-220/month |
| 30-35 | €180-280/month | $68-84/month | €170-260/month |
| 35-40 | €220-340/month | $99-123/month | €210-320/month |
| 40-45 | €280-420/month | $135-168/month | €270-400/month |
SafetyWing's low cost makes it attractive for healthy nomads on a budget. For those with health needs or wanting comprehensive coverage, the premium options justify their cost.
Network Access in Greece
Greece has good healthcare in major cities but limited options on smaller islands. Here's what to expect:
| Region/City | Cigna Global | SafetyWing | Allianz Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens/Attica | Strong - 15+ hospitals | Reimbursement model | Strong - 15+ hospitals |
| Thessaloniki | Good - 8+ hospitals | Reimbursement model | Good - 8+ hospitals |
| Crete (Heraklion) | Limited - 3+ facilities | Reimbursement model | Limited - 3+ facilities |
| Greek Islands | Limited - evacuation may apply | Reimbursement + evacuation | Limited - evacuation may apply |
| Other Mainland | Reimbursement available | Reimbursement model | Reimbursement available |
| Outside Greece | Worldwide coverage | Worldwide coverage | Worldwide coverage |
If you're island-hopping or settling on smaller islands, be prepared for reimbursement-based care and potential evacuation to Athens for serious issues. This applies regardless of insurer.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Young Developer Testing Greece
28-year-old developer, healthy, trying Greece for 3-6 months before deciding on longer stay.
Recommendation: SafetyWing
Best for testing the waters. Month-to-month flexibility, low cost. Upgrade to comprehensive coverage if you decide to stay longer.
Scenario 2: Designer with Ongoing Therapy
32-year-old designer who sees a therapist regularly, planning 12+ months in Athens.
Recommendation: Cigna Global
Best mental health coverage. Can continue therapy with network providers or via telehealth. Worth the premium for ongoing care needs.
Scenario 3: Couple Moving to Crete
35-year-old couple, both work remotely, planning to settle in Chania for 2+ years.
Recommendation: Allianz Care
Good balance of coverage and cost for a couple. Note that network is limited on Crete—may need to travel to Heraklion or Athens for specialists.
Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious Nomad
26-year-old content creator, minimal income, island-hopping around Greece.
Recommendation: SafetyWing
Most affordable option that meets visa requirements. Covers emergencies and hospital stays—the critical risks for island life.
Scenario 5: Established Professional in Athens
40-year-old consultant with managed high cholesterol, based in Athens with occasional EU travel.
Recommendation: Cigna Global
Best chronic condition coverage. Strong Athens network. Good option for locking in coverage long-term as health needs may increase.
Our Verdict
For budget-conscious nomads testing Greece short-term, SafetyWing offers unbeatable value with month-to-month flexibility. For those planning longer stays or with health needs, Cigna Global provides the most comprehensive coverage. Allianz Care is a solid middle ground for cost-conscious long-term settlers.
Choose SafetyWing If...
- • Budget is primary concern
- • Healthy, no ongoing care needs
- • Want month-to-month flexibility
- • Testing Greece short-term
Choose Cigna If...
- • Need mental health coverage
- • Have chronic conditions
- • Want premium service
- • Planning long-term stay
Choose Allianz If...
- • Want comprehensive at good value
- • Planning 1-2 year stay
- • Prefer flexible deductibles
- • Like wellness benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SafetyWing for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. SafetyWing is accepted for the Greece DN visa application. However, for renewals and longer stays, Greek authorities may prefer seeing more comprehensive coverage.
What income do I need for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
You need to demonstrate monthly income of at least €3,500 from remote work for clients/employers outside Greece. This increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% per child.
What about healthcare on Greek islands?
Smaller islands have limited healthcare—often just a health center (Kentro Ygeias) for basic care. Serious issues require evacuation to larger islands or Athens. All insurers cover evacuation, but understand the logistics before settling on a remote island.
Can I access Greek public healthcare?
Digital Nomad Visa holders don't have access to Greek public healthcare (ESY). Private insurance is your only option. However, private care in Greece is affordable by Western European standards.
Should I start with SafetyWing and upgrade later?
This is a common approach. Start with SafetyWing for flexibility, then upgrade to Cigna or Allianz after 6-12 months if you decide Greece is your long-term base. Just note that comprehensive insurers require medical underwriting—apply while healthy.
What if I travel outside Greece frequently?
All three options provide worldwide coverage (SafetyWing includes limited US; Cigna/Allianz can include US at extra cost). Your coverage travels with you regardless of where you're working that week.
Disclaimer: Insurance requirements and coverage details change regularly. Verify current requirements with the Greek consulate and confirm policy details directly with insurers before purchasing. This comparison is for informational purposes and does not constitute insurance advice.
