Kos Health And Safety

When in an unfamiliar environment, it is best to be alert for potential hazards. Pickpockets frequent crowded areas and swimming, other water and outdoor activities carry safety risks.

Those who hire a car while visiting Kos are advised to become familiar with the road rules and local driving habits. There are narrow, winding roads, which combined with the speed at which locals drive, can lead to accidents.

Safety

Greece is usually considered to be a safe destination, but there is often an increase in petty theft during the high season. Particularly in crowded areas, visitors are advised not to carry their valuables. Although violent crime is not frequent, some incidents have been reported on a few of the islands. Tourists travelling alone are advised against hitchhiking.

Health

If you are a citizen of the EU, free or reduced-cost medical treatment is available when you produce a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In some remote locations, you may have to pay part or all of the cost and then seek a full or partial refund when you return to the UK.

A local chemist can often make a diagnosis and supply the necessary medication for treatment. Visits to doctors and dentists are free, as is initial treatment. Ongoing, non-urgent treatment is not normally covered by the health scheme. You will also be required to pay partial costs for X-rays and other types of secondary examinations.

For treatment at public hospitals, you will find that there are often long waits. As with other islands, the hospital facilities on Kos are somewhat sparse, although air-ambulance backup is available.

Travel insurance

Travel can lead to unexpected situations, which can be burdensome financially. Regardless of the precautions you take, your trip might be cancelled or you may experience loss or theft of valuable items. The most serious risk of all though is illness or injury in a foreign country, even if basic medical treatment is covered. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), for instance, provides access to public medical facilities. This scheme offers no entitlement to repatriation for medical reasons, nor coverage for the expenses related to non-urgent, ongoing illnesses. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised to protect against the occurrence of any of these unexpected events.