Health in Greece: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance

Check that your routine immunisations are up‑to‑date: measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR), diphtheria‑tetanus‑pertussis (DTP), polio and COVID‑19. These are the baseline for safe travel to Greece.

Hepatitis A is transmitted through food and water; the vaccine is advised for most visitors, especially if you plan to eat street food or travel to rural islands.

Hepatitis B is spread via blood and bodily fluids. Consider it if you expect medical treatment, tattoos, or prolonged stays (over a month).

Typhoid vaccine is only needed for remote villages where food hygiene is uncertain; most tourist venues meet EU standards.

Rabies risk is low in Greece, but vaccinate if you will handle animals, work in veterinary settings, or spend extensive time in countryside farms.

Municipal tap water in Greece meets EU standards and is safe to drink in cities, resorts and most islands. In very remote mountain villages, locals may still use well water; if unsure, use bottled or filtered water.

Ice in drinks served in reputable cafés and hotels is made from tap water and safe. Avoid ice from street stalls unless you see it being made from filtered water.

Food hygiene follows EU regulations; restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets are inspected regularly. For street food, choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh and served hot.

Public hospitals provide high‑quality care but English‑speaking staff may be limited outside major cities. Private clinics in Athens, Thessaloniki and popular islands have English‑speaking doctors and shorter wait times.

Emergency services: dial 112 for ambulance, police or fire. Most hospitals accept EU health cards; non‑EU visitors need private insurance.

Travel insurance should cover: hospitalisation, prescription medication, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. Verify that COVID‑19 treatment is included, as some policies exclude pandemic‑related care.