Tips & Advices
Stay Updated On Restrictions, Closures & Heat Alerts
Extreme temperatures across Greece are becoming the new norm, with the country suffering from heatwaves and wildfires in the recent past. From July 21 to 25, 2025, Greece is expected to witness temperatures up to 44°C, which is unseasonably hot for the country. While the Acropolis remained closed on July 21, Samaria Gorge in Crete has been closed till further notice due to the heatwave.
Check out our story on some of the best things to do in Greece when the heatwave subsides.
Travel advisory: Staying safe during Greece’s heatwave
Έκτακτο Δελτίο Επιδείνωσης Καιρού (ΕΔΕΚ)
Υψηλές θερμοκρασίες από Δευτέρα (21-7-25) με μέγιστες τιμές άνω των 41 βαθμών από Τρίτη (22-7-25) και μετά στο εσωτερικό της ηπειρωτικής Ελλάδας. Πιθανή λήξη του καύσωνα το Σάββατο (26-7-25). Για περισσότερα … https://t.co/oS9IUMT1M2— EMY (@EMY_HNMS) July 20, 2025
Places such as Thessaly and Macedonia are expected to witness temperatures of up to 42°C to 43°C, with Athens, the eastern Aegean islands, and Thessaloniki expected to witness temperatures of up to 39°C to 40°C. In the face of extreme temperatures, authorities in Greece are implementing various measures in order to avoid heat-related casualties. The country has banned all outdoor manual labour, including construction, deliveries on two-wheelers, and shipyard work, from midday to 5 pm from July 21 to 22, 2025. Private companies have been asked to offer remote working possibilities wherever applicable.
The ban is active across several regions, including Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Evros, Serres, Larissa, Viotia, Halkidiki, Imathia, Trikala, Fthiotida, Aetolia-Acarnania, the Ionian Islands, eastern Rhodes, and coastal zones of the Peloponnese. Violators of the ban will incur a fine of EUR 2,000 (approximately USD 2,180).
Fire service, armed forces, including police, and civil protection units are to remain on standby, while local authorities set up separate emergency responses with water tankers and volunteer teams. Further, power grid and distribution network operators across Greece have been asked to ensure that the electricity supply remains stable amid surging demand.
Tips on how to beat the heatwave in Greece
- Stay in cool and shady areas.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and carry an umbrella while stepping out.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and intense physical activity such as treks.
- Avoid visiting crowded areas.
- Try to stay indoors during the afternoon hours (11 am to 5 pm), when the sun is at its peak.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Wear light and breathable apparel and apply sunscreen regularly.
(Feature image credit: Mstyslav Chernov, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related | Trade Sultry Europe For These Refreshingly Cool Summer Destinations
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Venus Williams has claimed that her return to tennis, after 16 months away from the sport, was because she needed the health insurance.
“I had to come back for the insurance,” she said in an on-court interview following her Mubadala Citi D.C. Open victory against Peyton Stearns in Washington on Tuesday.
“They informed me this year that I’m on COBRA, so it’s like, I got to get my benefits on,” she said, giggling to interviewer Rennae Stubbs, which prompted a chorus of laughter from those watching in the stands.
Williams’ victory made her the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004, when Martina Navratilova, aged 47, triumphed at Wimbledon.
Why It Matters
Williams confession sheds light on the brutal reality of healthcare costs in America at present. If a professional athlete and a celebrity, with a multi-million net worth, says she needs to continue playing her sport to secure access to health coverage—even if it may have been somewhat tongue in cheek—it begs the question of how those without such hefty assets can possibly afford to pay their medical bills.
In a KFF study this year, six in ten Americans were found to be somewhat worried about affording health care services or paying unexpected medical bills for themselves and their families.
This was a significantly larger proportion than those who were concerned about affording housing costs, transportation expenses, utilities and food for their families.
Nick Wass/AP
What To Know
“I’m always at the doctor, so I need this insurance,” Williams said after her victory.
In 2023, during a Wimbledon match, Williams badly injured her knee, and she previously shared how challenging her recovery was.
She battled through the pain to play in that year’s U.S. Open, but was eliminated early, and then took some time out to recover. She also reportedly had to undergo surgery last year to treat uterine fibroids.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) enables Americans to continue receiving health benefits, provided by their group health plan, for limited periods of time under certain circumstances.
These circumstances might include voluntary or involuntary job loss, a reduction in hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce and other life events.
In some cases, individuals may receive benefits for 36 months, but if their working hours were reduced, or job terminated, they can only receive COBRA benefits for 18 months.
Venus Williams after becoming the oldest WTA match winner since 2004:
“I had to come back for the insurance, because they informed me this year that I’m on cobra. So it’s like, I got to get my benefits on” 😭😭😭😭
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 23, 2025
At the age of 45, Williams would not be able to qualify for Medicare—the federal health program available to those over the age of 65.
Given her $95 million net worth, generated via significant income from tournaments and sponsorships, despite her not having a fixed monthly income, she would also not qualify for Medicaid—the federal health program for Americans with limited income and resources.
Williams entered the Citi Open on a wild card, after not playing on the WTA Tour since March 2024. Nevertheless she still beat her opponent, Stearns—22 years her junior—6-3, 6-4.
What People Are Saying
Williams said after her victory: “I think I just attacked the whole time. It’s just trying to find the right balance between going too hard and not enough. It’s the same because this is what I do, but at the same time, it was imperative for me to do it. Now I don’t have to do this, but I have the same fire and the same want to win. In some ways, I’m still getting back into that. When you do it every day, everything is natural. Not as natural feeling now, but I hope I can get back to that.”
She added: “I think it was a big win for me today. Like I said, it’s not easy. It won’t be easy. It’s not easy for anyone out here. So I know I’ll have to fight for every match, but I’m up for that.”
What Happens Next
Williams had already secured a victory on Monday during a doubles match with her partner Hailey Baptiste. She is set to play Magdalena Frech, the Polish fifth seed, in the singles on Thursday.
A ceasefire in the Middle East between Iran and Israel is holding steady, but international travellers remain on edge over the potential for instability in the region.
What is more, traveller concerns are not limited to the Middle East. The Global Rescue survey indicates travellers are also worried about spending time in Mediterranean regions, as well as parts of Europe.
“Even after a ceasefire, the impact on traveller psychology lingers,” said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. “People are weighing risk more carefully, and safety continues to drive travel decisions.”
Those concerns, however, have not proved strong enough to trigger widespread cancellation of travel plans.
Travel is one of life’s great fun activities, but unexpected events can disrupt travel plans, even the best-laid plans! Flight cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, and more can be unexpected stressors that affect travellers financially. In 2025, with travel costs increasing and health-related questions, having the best travel insurance is more important than ever. You can travel confidently knowing that reputable insurers like Chola MS have policies that will help ensure that your financial and emotional stressors will be taken care of during your travels!
Why Travel Insurance Is Essential in 2025
With global travel rebounding after the pandemic, disruptions – such as baggage delays, illness or death, or visa issues – are more widespread than ever. A 2024 industry report indicated that almost 1 in 4 international travellers experienced an avoidable expense during their trip. Good travel insurance doesn’t just cover you in emergencies; it provides financial safety, peace of mind, and access to support when needed. Insurance providers faced challenges adapting their business offerings, with several expanding their coverage by adding digital claim processing, COVID-19 coverage, and better customer support availability (24/7).
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Key Ways Travel Insurance Saves You Money
1. Emergency Medical Coverage
The financial implications of medical expenses overseas can easily run into lakhs. When shopping for travel insurance, the best options cover hospitalisation, outpatient care, and emergency medical evacuations. Chola MS has cashless hospitalisation and a global health partner network, allowing policyholders to access treatment without delay due to financial problems.
2. Trip Cancellations and Interruptions
Even the most well-planned trip can fall victim to unexpected illness, family emergencies, or natural disturbances that mean a non-refundable travel expenditure that can number into the thousands. Quality insurance will reimburse this loss. Chola MS travel insurance policies include trip interruption and cancellation insurance, which can help insulate travellers against financial loss when a trip is aborted.
3. Baggage Loss and Delays
Baggage delay and loss are often an excessive hassle for a traveller, compounded when a loss occurs with necessary items, sometimes at great expense. The best travel insurance compensates for personal items, temporary clothing, and emergency electronic devices. Chola MS assists its customers with an expeditious claims process and daily payment allowances for missing baggage.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
4. Travel Document Replacement
It is stressful enough to mislay a passport or visa whilst on holiday. A decent insurance policy will refund you the cost of reissuing essential documentation. Further, a handful of Chola MS plans may also provide this benefit within their travel benefits (offering great relief to stranded passengers).
5. Personal Liability Cover
Legal costs can escalate if a traveller is found liable for damage or injury abroad; comprehensive travel insurance policies will have liability coverage protected against third-party claims. Chola MS travel insurance has this option, allowing legal representation if and when required.
6. COVID-19 and Health Crisis Protection
Many destinations require you to take out travel insurance when the pandemic option is required. The best insurers offering pandemic coverage include the best, such as Chola MS, which covers you for COVID-19 hospital admission and COVID-19 quarantine benefits as security.
Features That Define the Best Travel Insurance
- Cashless Hospitalisation: Access to medical care at global network hospitals without upfront payment.
- Trip Cancellation & Delay Cover: Reimbursement for non-refundable expenses due to unforeseen interruptions.
- Baggage Loss or Delay Protection: Compensation for essential items and support for lost luggage.
- Travel Document Assistance: Help with reissuing lost passports or visas during the trip.
- Adventure Activity Coverage: Protection for injuries during high-risk sports like trekking or skiing.
- Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: Coverage for airlifts or transport back home in case of medical emergencies.
- 24/7 Global Support: Multilingual helpline for assistance anytime, anywhere.
These are standard in most Chola MS travel insurance plans, designed to suit solo travellers, families, students, and business professionals alike.
How to Select the Right Travel Insurance (120 Words)
Choosing the right travel insurance requires a thoughtful approach.
- Assess Your Travel Risks: Evaluate your destination, trip duration, health conditions, and planned activities to understand the level of coverage needed.
- Understand Claim Limits: Ensure the policy’s coverage limits align with your estimated expenses, including medical emergencies, cancellations, and personal liability.
- Read the Fine Print: Check for exclusions, especially those related to pre-existing conditions, extreme sports, or specific destinations.
- Look for Digital Convenience: Choose insurers like Chola MS that offer easy policy downloads, online claims, and in-app support.
- Select Customer-Focused Providers: Go with insurers known for fast claim settlements and round-the-clock assistance—essential when travelling abroad.
Conclusion:
Unexpected expenses can ruin your travel plans and budget. Investing in the best travel insurance ensures that you are not only financially protected but also supported in unfamiliar situations. Companies like Chola MS offer feature-rich, customer-friendly insurance products that match the dynamic needs of today’s travellers.
The peace of mind that comes with the best travel insurance is priceless. From medical emergencies to trip delays, it covers a broad spectrum of risks. So before your next trip, prioritise safety and financial peace of mind—choose the right travel insurance and journey confidently with Chola MS as your trusted partner.
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