As a result of economic problems in Greece, travellers should be aware that the public hospital system is poorly funded and medical assistance is best sought in the private system. Comprehensive travel insurance is a must. Those with underlying medical conditions should check with their doctor/specialist that they are fit to travel and should carry adequate medication and a letter listing medical issues.
The following information provides some broad and general guidelines about health risks and recommendations for travel to Greece. This should not be taken as a substitute for a personal consultation with one of our travel health doctors, whose advice will be specific for you and your trip and may include some things not mentioned here.
Six to eight weeks out from departure is a good time to have a travel health consultation. You may need blood tests to check immunity to diseases or need a course of vaccines like rabies for example, and this gives you plenty of time to get everything completed. If you are travelling sooner however it's not too late for an appointment, simply make one as soon as you can.
All travellers should be up to date with routine childhood vaccines such as tetanus, measles and chicken pox. Annual influenza vaccination is sensible for those at risk of complications and any other traveller wanting to reduce the risk.
Influenza is one of the most common vaccine preventable illnesses in travellers and is generally recommended for travel to Europe.
Read MorePoisonous snakes occur in long grass so keeping lower legs covered with long trousers and socks and wearing boots when trekking in this environment is recommended.
Observe strict food and water safety precautions and hand hygiene. Tap water is generally considered to be safe, however as a precaution it is best to stick to bottled water in the smaller villages and islands. A basic self treatment medical kit may be useful, however seek medical advice if persistent or severe illness, particularly for infants, the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions. Most cruise ships will have an on board comprehensive medical centre, although access can be costly.
Read MoreIn Greece, these are generally more of an annoyance than anything else, although some people are prone to severe local reactions to bites. To avoid bites, use DEET containing repellent and screened accommodation. Daytime biters in mountainous regions may rarely cause encephalitis (brain inflammation) so mosquito avoidance during the daytime is worthwhile in these areas.
We generally think of Malaria and Hepatitis when we travel overseas, however Measles is usually long forgotten in the preparation. In fact there have been a significant amount of cases brought back to Australia by overseas travellers who are generally unaware that they are at risk. This has long known
MPox (formerly Monkey Pox) remains a concern in many parts of the world including Australia. Thankfully the risk to most travellers remains low but this is a dynamic space. Travelers should avoid close contact with persons with symptoms consistent with MPox; observe hand and respiratory hygiene and safer-sex practices; and
As there is no non-essential overseas travel at this time this article will simply remain as an information resource for COVID-19. See our main COVID-19 page for more detailed information. We hope to be able to inform our travelers once again after this crisis passes. The links below remain trustworthy
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