Slovakia is a small European country that is an untapped vacation destination. It is no more than half the size of New York State, but it is so packed with natural and human-made wonders that it can be challenging to fit everything you want to see into a single vacation.
Your Slovakian vacation is sure to be packed with amazing opportunities. To ensure you can have the best time possible with less worry about your finances, purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Slovakia - FAQs
A broken bone, twisted ankle, or case of the flu can be a major hassle even when you're at home. Those inconveniences are only compounded when you're traveling abroad. You'll want to be able to take advantage of the best medical care available, which can often be at private facilities. However, these facilities don't come cheap, so you'll want to make sure you have travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel health insurance for Slovakia?
If you need to be admitted to the hospital or seek treatment at a private facility in Slovakia, you won't be able to just hand over your domestic health insurance card and assume you have coverage. Your domestic insurance might not be accepted, or it may not provide sufficient coverage outside your home country. You'll want to have insurance that will cover you in Slovakia in order to not be responsible for paying a potentially costly medical bill out of your own pocket.
If you're a resident of certain countries, travel medical insurance for Slovakia is more than just a good idea; it's a requirement. Slovakia is part of the Schengen Area, and any visitor who needs a Schengen visa to enter Slovakia is legally required to also have compliant health insurance.
What should I look for in my Slovakia travel medical insurance?
Consider what you plan to do during your Slovakian vacation. Are you interested in camping or rock climbing in the mountains? Does skiing interest you? If so, be sure that you purchase international insurance for Slovakia that provides coverage for whatever activities you plan to participate in, with a level of coverage that suits your needs.
Schengen visa holders have specific insurance requirements to visit Slovakia. Compliant health insurance needs to have provisions for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, and must provide at least €30,000 in medical benefits. Be sure your insurance is compliant before you travel.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Slovakia – FAQs
When a trip gets canceled, you can lose out on the chance to make a lot of memories. You can also potentially lose a lot of money. Your prepaid travel expenses might not be refundable. One of the best ways to help get reimbursed for these charges is by insuring your trip with trip cancellation insurance.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Slovakia travel?
You might need to cancel your trip to Slovakia for several reasons. Weather, government regulations, or health issues may make it impossible to travel. Since your airline tickets, hotel rooms and tickets for activities and attractions were likely paid for far in advance, you'll want a way to be reimbursed for them. Trip cancellation insurance can provide you with the opportunity to receive a full or partial refund for nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses when your trip must be canceled due to a reason covered by the policy.
What should I look for in my Slovakia trip cancellation insurance?
The travel insurance plans available to you will have a list of reasons trip cancellation can be covered that will be detailed in the policy wording. However, travel insurance coverage can go beyond just cancellations. Research available plans for coverage options such as:
- Flight insurance
- Trip interruption coverage
- Flight delay coverage
- The option to cancel for any reason
- Ancillary benefits such as emergency cash transfers, passport replacement, or rental car coverage
Slovakia's Most Popular Cities for Travel
Slovakia is home to 425 châteaux and 180 castles. It also has 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,600 mineral springs, over 6,000 caves, and nine national parks covering over 3,000 square kilometers. If all of that wasn't enough, culinary delights like Bryndza (fermented cheese) and Slovak ‘moonshine' (also called Borovička, the country's national drink made from fermented juniper berries) also awaits you here.
Bratislava
Bratislava is not just the capital of Slovakia, but also its cultural center. It is a melting pot for several cultures with an amazing history. The meandering streets of the city center showcase an excellent display of mixed influences. The White Castle Hill is another important attraction in Bratislava, and stopping at a brewpub for quick refreshment during your exploration is something that you shouldn't pass up.
Poprad
Poprad is your gateway to the famous High Tatra Mountains of Slovakia. You can hike or ski the mountains depending on the season. But before that, spend some time at the city's colorful historic center. Here you'll find buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. During the winters, when the town is covered in snow, it is a majestic sight to behold.
Nitra
Nitra is one of the oldest Slovakian towns. It was under Hungarian control in the past and is an ethnically diverse place. Religion is a particularly strong historical influence here, and it abounds in churches that tourists can explore. So, if you are interested in religious history, this is a must-stop during your travels.
Trnava
Trnava was a meeting point for Hungarian and Czech kings in the 11th century. It became an important religious center of counter-reformation later. After the establishment of Trnava University, it became a center of growth for Slovak culture. Today, it is a place where tourists come to experience history through unique architecture from different eras.
Bardejov
Bardejov, a UNESCO Site, is a small town with a population of around 30,000 people. It is home to a sizable Jewish population, and you can explore Jewish history in this part of Slovakia. There are also Renaissance, medieval, and Gothic buildings dotting the city center, making it a treat for architecture lovers. You can also head a mile north of Bardejov to explore Bardejovske Kupele, a stunning spa town.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Slovakia
Slovakia is considered a generally safe country for international visitors. However, whenever you're traveling to a location you're unfamiliar with, it pays to keep a few tips in mind.
Petty crime
Though not especially common, pickpockets can operate near busy marketplaces, tourist attractions, and public transport terminals. Don't flash your valuables, and keep your wallet or purse secure at all times.
Taxi scams
Taxis can be your best bet for getting around in a new country, but be sure to pay attention to the meter, or negotiate the price of the ride in advance. Also, try to familiarize yourself with currency values to avoid getting overcharged.
Adventure Risks
The Tatra Mountains and vast forests of Slovakia are ideal for hikers and nature lovers. When exploring an unfamiliar area, it's always best to utilize the services of an experienced guide to help you avoid potential dangers.
Before You Travel to Slovakia - Do This
- Plan the route. The train and bus systems in Slovakia are good, but their schedules may not always match up with your travel plans. Consider traveling by road if you need to stick to a specific itinerary.
- Learn a little Slovakian. Many residents may not speak English, especially outside of larger cities. Knowing a few common words and phrases in the local language can go a long way.
- Buy insurance. Compare the travel medical insurance or travel insurance plans available to you, and choose one with coverage that suits your needs or requirements.