Travel insurance for Cyprus

Do I need travel insurance for Cyprus?

If you’re lucky enough to be among the one million British folks heading to Cyprus this year, travel insurance should definitely be on your list of things to organise.

Although it’s not a legal requirement, it’s best to be covered in case you injure yourself abroad, or your flight gets cancelled.

Travel insurance can cover you financially for lots of potential circumstances.

What won’t my travel insurance policy cover?

Unless you seek out a specialist provider, it’s likely your travel insurance won’t cover pre-existing medical conditions or treatments that you’re travelling abroad to have.

If you’re pregnant, you might not be covered for childbirth while you’re away.

Standard travel insurance also won’t usually cover:

• Any injuries that happen while you’re drunk
• Any high-risk activities that you partake in
• Stolen belongings that you’ve left unattended
• Alternative accommodation if you’re not happy with the place you’ve chosen

If you’re travelling while pregnant, or likely to take part in sports while you’re away, it’s worth seeking out a specialist policy, or chatting to your provider about adding extra cover.

Need-to-knows when travelling to Cyprus:

Before you travel to Cyprus, it’s important to be aware of Cypriot laws, culture, and language.

Here are a few things you’ll need to know before you go:

Be politically aware

As an island, Cyprus is divided between Greece in the south, and Turkey in the north. If you arrive in the north into the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ and cross the border into the south, the government of the Republic of Cyprus will class your entry to the island as illegal.

They may fine you for crossing into the south or deny you entry.

While the Republic of Cyprus is part of the European Union, Britain does not recognise the Turkish Republic in the north. This is important to bear in mind because it can make communications between authorities difficult if you get into trouble while you’re holidaying in the north.

Stay sensible

Whenever you’re abroad, it’s important to have your wits about you, so you don’t fall victim to pickpocketing or drink spiking.

Keep an eye on your belongings and your drinks at all times, and stay with people you know.

Remember that your travel insurance might not cover you for any injuries you incur while you’re intoxicated.

Learn Greek or Turkish

It’s not essential to learn the language to travel to Cyprus, but a few key words can help you to interact with locals, order food in restaurants, and use public transport.

Consider your clothing

Although there aren’t any strict rules on clothing in Cyprus, there are exceptions when you’re visiting religious sites.

You’ll need to cover your shoulders and bare legs as a sign of respect. Some places will have a basket of shawls at the entrance that you can use to wrap around your shoulders if you need it.

It’s worth checking the weather before you pack too, to make sure you’re taking the right wardrobe with you.

Driving in Cyprus

Driving is on the left side of the road, and you’ll need a UK sticker to drive your car there.

Be sure to check over any vehicles you hire before you take them out, as you could be fined for any damage when you return it.

You can drive using your UK driving licence, but bear in mind that any insurance you’ve bought in the south probably won’t be valid in the north, but you may be able to purchase car insurance at a checkpoint along the border. Also, it’s worth noting that some hire car companies will request that you don’t take the car over the border.

Longer trips

If you’re planning a longer trip, bear in mind that you won’t be able to stay longer than 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.

The Republic of Cyprus includes any time spent in the north towards your 90-day limit.

LGBT visitors

Although homosexuality has been decriminalised across the whole of Cyprus, unfortunately, it’s still not widely accepted in the north. Read the government’s travel advice before you go, so you’re aware of the general attitudes of the place you’re visiting.