Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a very popular tourist destination.  As a rough guide, the island is approximately 60 km (37 miles) south of Turkey and 200 km (124 miles) north of Egypt.  There are two mountain ranges and the highest peak is Mt. Olympus standing at 1,953 m (6,407’).  (European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) holders should be aware that the card is not valid in Northern Cyprus).

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CYPRUS
Find out about European Travel Insurance.

Cyprus enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate year-round and lovely sandy beaches – making it a very popular and desirable winter getaway destination, especially for the British and others from sun-starved areas of Europe. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website contains important information for visitors to Cyprus as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.  They also offer advice and warnings for those considering purchasing a property or timeshare in Cyprus. 

If you should get bored with relaxing on the sandy beaches, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, and sailing. Golf, hiking and cycling are popular activities.  Cyprus is also a popular spot for bird watching, especially during migrations. 

If you plan to hire a car and travel between the north and south of the island it is important to read up on the rules for crossing the UN controlled buffer zone (which runs through the capital city of Nicosia).  This is especially important with regard to car insurance, as cars hired in the south are not normally insured to be driven in the north.  

A few of the popular cities, resorts and places to visit in Cyprus include Nicosia, Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel to Andorra. Click Here

The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid.  However, be aware that the EHIC is not valid in northern Cyprus.  It is very important to have travel insurance – especially if you plan to travel to the north of the island.

The EHIC provides holders with entitlement to free emergency medical treatment in a state-run hospital (not a private hospital). However, the EHIC should not be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.  For example, the EHIC does not cover many expenses that are covered by insurance, such as ongoing treatment or medical repatriation, as well as a host of other travel mishaps, such as lost luggage, personal liability, legal expenses, cancellation and curtailment, etc. 

Before you leave home always check to make sure that your travel insurance policy includes all your planned activities.