Compare travel insurance for Croatia
Spectacular coastline drives, high-rising mountains and breathtaking national parks are just a few reasons why Croatia is such a popular holiday destination. Find out what you need to know about travel insurance for Croatia before you go.
Spectacular coastline drives, high-rising mountains and breathtaking national parks are just a few reasons why Croatia is such a popular holiday destination. Find out what you need to know about travel insurance for Croatia before you go.
Do I need travel insurance for Croatia?
Having travel insurance means you’re financially protected against the cost of medical care as well as other mishaps while you’re away.
Croatian cities have become home to a growing festival culture, attracting people from all over the world to events like the Ultra Europe music festival and the Rijeka Carnival. With large crowds, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case any of your belongings are lost or stolen.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
How much is travel insurance for Croatia?
If you’re travelling to Croatia, you’ll need European travel insurance. A single trip policy for a week’s stay could cost as little as £6^. When you consider that medical treatment without travel insurance could run into the thousands, you could say it’s a few pounds well spent.
However, there’s a few factors that could bump up the cost of your travel insurance. For example, if you have a medical condition or need cover for more adventurous activities like rock climbing and paragliding.
^Based on Comparethemarket data for a single trip travel policy for a 20-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of January 2023.
What will Croatia travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance cover can vary among providers, but a standard policy for Croatia will typically include:
- Medical treatment – covers the cost of emergency medical care if you become ill or are injured during your trip to Croatia. A good policy should also cover repatriation costs if you need to fly back for treatment.
- Damage, loss or theft of your luggage – cover for your personal belongings. Remember to keep the receipts if items have to be replaced during your trip, as you’ll need them to make a claim when you return to the UK.
- Flight cancellations – could allow you to reclaim costs if you need to cancel for a valid reason such as illness, redundancy, bereavement or jury duty. Check whether your policy also covers missed departures and delays.
- Holiday cancellation – covers the booking costs and cancellation charges for transport, accommodation and excursions if you need to cancel your trip for a valid reason. Be aware that you won’t be covered if you simply change your mind and decide not to go.
What won’t Croatia travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance is unlikely to cover you for:
- Accidents while intoxicated – you won’t be covered for any accidents that happen while you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Pre-existing medical conditions that haven’t been declared to your insurance provider.
- Natural disasters – Croatia is a seismic country and strong earthquakes are a risk. Some providers may offer limited cover, so check that you’re covered for emergency medical care at the very least.
- Acts of terrorism – unfortunately, the risk of terrorist acts in Europe can never be ruled out. Some providers offer limited cover such as emergency medical care, and you may be able to extend your cover at an extra cost.
It’s important to check your policy carefully before you buy, so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance?
Think about what you’ll be doing during your holiday. With its fabulous coastline and rugged mountainous regions, Croatia is a great destination for adrenaline-pumped activities. Just be aware that you’ll probably need extra cover for high-risk sports. For example:
- Extreme sports travel insurance offers a higher level of cover if you’re rock climbing in Paklenica National Park, exploring Modric Cave or white-water rafting on the Una River.
- Water sports cover offers extra protection for higher risk activities such as windsurfing at Viganj, kite-boarding off Ušće Beach or wreck-diving along the Croatian coast.
Do I need a visa to visit Croatia?
No, you can travel to Croatia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
More details about the entry requirements for Croatia can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Is my GHIC card valid for Croatia?
A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can give you access to healthcare in Croatia on the same basis as a local. But it won’t cover private treatment or getting you back to the UK for medical care.
You can apply for a GHIC free on the NHS website.
If you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the GHIC’s predecessor, you can use it until it expires.
Any other tips for travel to Croatia?
Official currency – the euro became the official currency in January 2023.
Carry cash – if you’re travelling around the country, you’ll need cash to hand as smaller towns might not accept cards, especially on the islands.
Tipping – while it’s not expected in Croatia, a 10-15% tip or rounding up your bill will generally be appreciated.
Insect bites – mosquitos and ticks can be a nuisance from late spring to autumn, so be sure to pack a good insect repellent. Wearing lighter clothes and avoiding fragrances can also help keep them at bay. If you’re hiking in Croatia, wear thicker socks and cover up your legs to prevent tick bites, as these could make you seriously unwell.
Book well in advance – many services get fully booked in the peak summer months, when daily temperatures reach 30°C. Try to get your accommodation and activities sorted before you go.
When is the best time of year to visit Croatia?
For those seeking sunshine, the best time to visit Croatia is between June and August, with daily temperatures reaching 30 degrees.
Where can I compare travel insurance quotes?
It’s a good idea to get your travel insurance sorted when you book your trip. That way you’ll have cover if something unexpected happens and you need to cancel your trip.
Compare travel insurance deals with our easy-to-use comparison service to help you get the right level of cover ahead of your trip.
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Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs. Rebecca regularly writes for national newspapers including The Independent and The Mail on Sunday on a wide-range of financial topics. She covers everything from money-saving tips and holiday advice to investigations into how energy efficient appliances can cut the cost of household bills and the impact donating money can have on those in need. Along with features in national papers, Rebecca also writes news stories for websites including Yourmoney.com and The Money Edit.