Do I Need Travel Insurance For Slovakia?

Slovakia is one of Europe’s hidden gems - with the beautiful Tatras mountains, stunning national parks, and its capital, Bratislava, sitting at the foot of another mountain range, the Little Carpathians, and like several of Central Europe’s most beautiful old cities, being on the majestic Danube River. Bratislava is a city replete with history, with one of its major landmarks being its imposing Baroque castle. Unusually, Bratislava is a city with nature nearby - due to its position at the foot of the mountains and on the Danube floodplain. Perfect for a getaway for those who want a different kind of city break! In the east of the country, Kosice’s medieval old town is a must-see for history lovers.

AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Slovakia - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Slovakia and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Slovakia cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$35) of your trip, our Europe Travel insurance covers

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Slovakia?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Slovakia. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Slovakian visa application?

AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years - giving us ample experience.  All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Slovakia visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Slovakia your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Slovakia - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, namely those who can travel visa-free, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if tackling dangerous sports or traversing Slovakia’s forests and mountains.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Slovakia?

AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Slovakia?

Security: There is widespread military activity in nearby Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion. As a result, you should probably avoid visiting places near the Ukrainian border as there may be disruption. Take care of yourself and your belongings in the same way as you would do at home by taking precautions against pickpockets and bag-snatchers and don’t leave things unattended - particularly when in Bratislava and other tourist areas. Pickpockets operate around the main tourist areas, particularly the popular Christmas markets and bars, and foreigners are easily identified and targeted.

Public transport: Slovakia’s public transportation system consists of buses, trolley buses, and trams – but no underground. These operate in cities, like the capital Bratislava, from early morning (around 4am) and end around midnight. Tickets must be pre-purchased - but can be done so via an app. Its rail network allows travel between major cities.

Opening hours: Opening hours for shops in Slovakia are similar throughout the country - with those in the busiest areas maintaining slightly longer hours. Opening hours for food markets are usually from 7 am till 6 pm from Monday till Friday; on Saturdays from 7 am till 12 am. Few shops are open on Sundays - but major stores may be in larger cities.

Driving license: Drivers not from an EU country or the U.K. will likely need an International Driving Permit. Third-party insurance is also a requirement.

Restaurants: Restaurants, cafés, and pubs are open from 10 am till 10 pm seven days a week. Opening hours on Saturdays and Sundays can be longer.

Visa: Although many countries have visa free-travel with Slovakia and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Slovakia you can find out more, here.