Though still a Mediterranean paradise, vestiges of Cyprus’ stormy past can be seen, such as the North-South divide. With such a peculiar political context, finding valid travel insurance might be a difficult task for would-be travelers. Is your European travel insurance going to cover you in Cyprus, or need you get something else?
Travel Insurance for South Cyprus
Due to the fact that the southern Greek side of Cyprus is an official member of the European Union, most European travel insurance policies purchased from a reputable insurer should cover travel to southern Cyprus. However, because the northern section of the country is not considered part of Europe, most European travel insurance policies will only cover you for travel in the southern part of the country.
Travel Insurance for North Cyprus
A vacation to the Turkish-populated north of Cyprus will almost always necessitate a unique type of travel insurance policy. Although you are considered part of the Republic of Cyprus by the international community, a conventional European travel insurance policy may not always cover you. This is mostly determined by the insurance.
EHIC Card in Cyprus
Although having a valid European Health Insurance Card might be quite handy if you remember to bring it with you, there are a few things to keep in mind when using it in Cyprus.
- When you use your European Health Insurance Card in Cyprus, you will have access to public health care at a lower rate (in other words, you could still end up footing a huge medical bill should you need to make use of emergency services)
- Because the northern section of the island is not considered part of the EU, your EHIC card will be useless if you decide to cross over to the north or Cyprus. Before leaving for north Cyprus, make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy in place.
Is Cyprus in Europe for travel insurance purposes?
Because Cyprus is part of the European Union, you should bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This isn’t a replacement for travel insurance, but it does provide you access to state-run medical care on the same terms as other EU citizens.
Things have changed since the UK officially exited the EU with a deal in place. You will no longer be able to apply for an EHIC, but if you already have one that was issued before the end of 2020, it will be valid until the expiration date.
The UK government, on the other hand, has produced a successor known as the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). You can apply for a GHIC here if you don’t have an EHIC or if yours has expired. It should arrive within 10 days. In EU countries, the GHIC will provide the same coverage as the EHIC.
One of the benefits of having and using an EHIC/GHIC is that your excess may be waived in the event of a medical claim by some insurance companies.
Also, keep in mind that the EHIC/GHIC is only valid in EU-member Southern Cyprus (formally known as the Republic of Cyprus). Northern Cyprus is not covered by the EHIC/GHIC because it is part of the island that is occupied by Turkey.
Is travel insurance valid for Cyprus?
If the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued a travel warning, your travel insurance for Cyprus will cover you.
What countries are included in Europe travel insurance?
- Medical coverage – make sure to read your policy carefully because the degree of coverage in ordinary policies varies depending on your circumstances and desired activities. If you’re pregnant, have a pre-existing medical condition, or want particular sports coverage, it’s worth contacting your insurance provider about additional coverage or looking into specialist travel insurance to make sure you’re appropriately protected.
- Check your policy to discover if it covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings. Make sure the amount is sufficient to cover the cost of assets like your phone or laptop.
- Flight cancellations, canceled flights, and delays are all common travel difficulties. Only genuine causes specified by the insurance provider are covered, so read the terms carefully.
- Personal liability insurance protects you in the event that you injure someone else and they sue you for compensation.
What is classed as Europe for travel insurance?
What countries are covered by European travel insurance? European travel insurance often covers travel to any European Union country as well as a number of non-EU countries such as Iceland, Switzerland, Turkey, and Norway.
Is Cyprus part of the EU?
Cyprus is governed by a presidential system. The president serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Despite joining the EU as a de facto divided island, Cyprus is EU territory in its whole. EU citizens are Turkish Cypriots who have or are eligible for EU travel documents. In places where the Cypriot government (Government of the Republic) does not exercise effective control, EU law is suspended. Only Greek is an official EU language; Cyprus has two official languages: Greek and Turkish.
Can I go to Cyprus without Covid vaccine?
Everyone over the age of six must wear a face mask in both indoor and outdoor public venues. A 300 fine may be imposed if limits are not followed.
To attend locations such as malls, catering establishments, and some sports facilities, those aged 6 and up must have a SafePass. See the SafePass regulations and requirements for more information.
- being vaccinated with two doses of the AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Pfizer vaccines, or one dose of the Jansen vaccine, if your most recent dose was less than seven months ago; or
- being vaccinated with the first dose of a COVID vaccine and having a negative PCR test result within 72 hours or a negative rapid test result within 48 hours; or being vaccinated with the first dose of a COVID vaccine and having a negative PCR test result within 72 hours or a negative rapid test result within 48 hours; or
Cyprus will accept proof of COVID-19 immunization issued in the Crown Dependencies as well as proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the United Kingdom. If you’re traveling with a printed PDF evidence of vaccination status, it must be dated after November 1, 2021 in order to be scanned properly. Your vaccination appointment card from the NHS is not intended to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to prove your vaccination status.
On this information page and, more broadly, on the Press & Information Office website, you can find comprehensive details of the latest measures adopted by the Cypriot authorities, including on SafePass/CoronaPass.
Is travel insurance mandatory in Europe?
Travel insurance for Europe is a necessary aspect of your vacation if you are a UK citizen, although it is not required by law. In other words, while it is strongly recommended that you obtain health insurance before traveling overseas, you will be permitted to visit Europe without it – at your own risk.
If you do not have health insurance and require medical treatment while on vacation, you will be responsible for all costs. When it comes to medical bills for uninsured people, most European countries are not regarded for being cheap.
Does worldwide insurance cover Europe?
Whether you require single trip or annual coverage, worldwide travel insurance will cover you practically anywhere in the world.
There are two types of worldwide travel insurance policies: those that cover the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, and those that do not.
Because healthcare in these nations is typically more expensive than elsewhere in the world, insurance that cover the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean will be more costly.
Do you need travel insurance for Europe after Brexit?
After Brexit, as long as you have your EHIC/GHIC, you will be able to obtain free or subsidised healthcare in EU nations.
When traveling to Europe, the UK government still advises that you purchase travel insurance, just as you would anywhere else in the world. It will cover you for more than just medical expenditures by, for example, covering you for cancellations or if any of your personal belongings are lost or stolen.
If you have pre-existing health conditions, a travel insurance policy is very crucial since it can provide you with the assistance you need if something goes wrong on your trip, such as if you need to be evacuated home in an emergency.