Croatia has quietly become a bit of tourist hotspot over the past decade. From medieval ruins to lush national parks and waterfalls, this southern European country boasts of a little bit of everything. Relax on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, take in the sights of Zagreb, or go rock climbing at Plitvice Lake National Park.
Croatia is a picturesque, interesting, and affordable destination for any traveler. Are you ready to go? If so, make sure to get travel medical insurance or travel insurance first.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Croatia – FAQs
When you get sick or hurt at home, it’s a pretty simple process. You go to the necessary healthcare provider, present them with your domestic insurance card, and get the treatment you need.
But what if you become ill or get injured in foreign country? You may not know where to get treatment, and your domestic insurance is unlikely to be accepted. Don’t add to the stress of medical issues abroad. Instead, get travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Croatia?
Croatia has officially become a member of the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, from January 1, 2023 onwards, any visitor to Croatia who requires a Schengen visa will also be required to have compliant Schengen visa medical insurance.
If you are allowed to travel Croatia without a visa, travel medical insurance is not required for you, but it is recommended. While socialized healthcare benefits are available to Croatian citizens and residents, they are not available to you as a visitor. If you do not have travel medical insurance, you will be solely responsible for paying all treatment costs yourself. It only makes sense to protect your finances with travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Croatia?
Croatia can experience natural disasters such was earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. Any of these could cause serious injury. You could also just as easily eat the wrong thing and get sick, or hurt yourself in your hotel room. Regardless of the circumstances, you need health insurance abroad just as much as you do at home, and travel medical insurance is your best option for coverage.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Croatia – FAQs
International trips get cancelled every day. Sometimes it’s due to personal health reasons or family emergencies. In other cases, it could be a natural disaster, pandemic, or geopolitical concern that makes travel impossible. In any case, you will want a way to protect yourself from paying for a trip that you cannot take. Trip cancellation insurance can offer such protection.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Croatia travel?
Your biggest expenses for an international trip are typically your airfare, hotel, and tickets to events or attractions. Most of the time, these expenses must be prepaid, and they’re usually nonrefundable. If you have to cancel your trip, it is unlikely that you will be able to get all of your money back.
Trip cancellation insurance is designed specifically for these situations. It can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. This allows you to book your Croatian trip with confidence, knowing that you won’t lose all of your money even if something unexpected occurs.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Croatia?
Trip cancellation isn’t the only thing that can be covered by Croatia travel insurance. Your plan can also offer coverage for emergency medical treatment, travel delays, trip interruption, lost baggage, emergency cash transfer, and even lost passport replacement assistance.
However, not every plan is the same. You need to spend some time comparing different travel insurance plans on this website to determine which policy offers the best benefits for you.
Croatia’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Croatia has a rich history. And as it was relatively untouched by the Second World War, it offers a refreshing change from the modern minimalism that is so pervasive in much of the rest of Europe. If you’re looking for the best spots to visit in Croatia, start with these suggestions.
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital city is charming mix of classic architecture and fantastic shopping. It boasts more museums per square meter than any other city in the world, and has been the setting for many popular films. While in Zagreb, be sure to spend some time soaking in the culture in the city’s main square, enjoy a few hours in the sun at Lake Jarun or Maksimir Park, and have a truly unique experience at the Museum of Broken Relationships.
Dubrovnik Old Town Walls
The Walls of Dubrovnik surround the city of the same name. It is by far the most popular tourist destination in the country and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. You can walk around the entire perimeter of the walls in about two hours. Additionally, the Pile Gate, built in 1537, allows you to enter the Old City and is magnificent in its scale.
Diocletian's Palace
Built in the third century by Diocletian, then-Emperor of Rome, the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace extend across about half of the town of Split. It’s more of a military fort with a royal residence than a palace, and the massive fortifications are still visible even today. Built using white stone from across the Adriatic, it has an alluring look. Unfortunately, there are no museums that chronicle contemporary history, so you will have to take a guided tour to learn more about the complex and its history.
Hvar Island
Located in the Dalmatian Islands, Hvar is a fashionable city that offers fantastic outdoor dining opportunities on a brilliant blue marina. Built by Venetians, the city displays clear Italian influence in its architectural forms. A cathedral built in the 16th century is an ideal example of the Middle Age European style of architecture.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Croatia
The general consensus is that travel to Croatia is quite safe. Violent crimes are almost unknown, and unlike other former Soviet satellite states, there is no (or very little) organized crime or related activities. Still, it pays to familiarize yourself with a few guidelines before visiting.
Avoiding Petty Crime
Though violent crime is rare, petty crime does occur in Croatia, as in every other country. Pickpockets congregate near tourist attractions, so it is advised that you do not carry more cash than you need for the day, and leave your valuables and unnecessary items securely locked in your hotel. For extra security, carry your cash and cards in a money belt.
Unexploded Mines
Croatia still bears the scars of past conflicts in unexploded mines that exist in certain areas of the countryside. It is easy to avoid this danger by sticking to established trails, and never venturing onto uncultivated land. Although you will need to translate from Croatian to read it, you can find out more about mine-affected areas at Croatia’s Civil Protection website.
Hiking Safety
Mountain hikes are popular in Croatia, but they require you to keep your wits about you and make smart decisions. Never stray from marked trails, and bring appropriate clothing for every weather condition. Nighttime temperatures can be frigid in the mountains, even during summer. If you are not an experienced hiker, you are strongly encouraged to hire a local guide.
Driving Tips
It’s quite popular to rent a car or drive your own car in Croatia if you’re from Europe. But keep in mind that side roads are almost totally unlit at night. Croatian drivers have been known to pass slower traffic aggressively, so be careful. Also, be advised that winter tires are required between November 15 and April 15 (you may be ticketed without them), cellphone use is strictly illegal while driving, and you cannot operate a motor vehicle if your blood-alcohol level exceeds 0.05%.
Overcharging
There have been reports of tourists being massively overcharged at Croatian clubs, sometimes to the tune of thousands of euros, only to be threatened with violence if they do not pay. To avoid being put in this situation, pay for your drinks with cash as you go; do not give the bartender your credit card and open a tab. Also, never offer to buy a stranger a drink.
Before You Travel to Croatia – Do This
- Make sure your passport meets Croatian requirements – It must have been issued less than 10 years prior to your date of entry, and be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
- Understand the financial and personal risks of international travel, and do your part to protect yourself from them with travel medical insurance or travel insurance.