Schengen travel insurance for visiting Croatia

Lord Byron, the English poet, once described Dubrovnik as “the pearl of the Adriatic.” And, indeed, not only Dubrovnik but Croatia itself is one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. The relatively small but very diverse country has some of Europe’s oldest cities, beautiful varied landscapes, and even a staggering 1.246 islands, islets, and reefs (but only 48 of them populated). It’s also home to the oldest known Slavic script, and the birthplace of the necktie.

And — among many, many other things — it houses what’s known in popular culture of recent years as Game of Thrones ‘Kings Landing’ (aka Dubrovnik's Old Town in real life). With its unique blend of nature and big city life, modern and classical architecture, and a rich culture and history, it’s no wonder why millions of people visit this Eastern European gem on the Adriatic coast annually. And if you too are planning a trip to Croatia for whatever reason, chances are you’ll need some travel insurance. Luckily, AXA can help. Here’s all you need to know.

• Do you need Schengen Travel insurance for Croatia? 
• What are the travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa? 
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for my trip to Croatia? 
• What type of coverage does AXA offer? 
• What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Croatia?
• A few other practical tips for visiting Croatia 

Do you need Schengen Travel insurance for Croatia?

If you need to apply for a Schengen visa, then yes — you will need travel insurance. Croatia is a member of the Schengen area as of 2023, which means you need a Schengen visa to enter it. And to obtain a Schengen visa for Croatia, you need travel insurance.

Which travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa (i.e., travel insurance) to visit Croatia?

Nationals of countries that have not signed a visa waiver agreement with the European Union. This includes several countries from the Maghreb, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, India, and so on. Citizens of these countries are required to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Croatia. And, therefore, they will need the appropriate travel insurance.

You don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Croatia (for a stay of less than 90 days)?

If your nationality allows you to enter and stay in Croatia without a Schengen visa, you are not required to take out travel insurance. However, it is strongly recommended by the authorities.

No one is immune to health problems, accidents, or unforeseen events during a stay abroad. And international health insurance remains the best protection in case any problems arise. A sprained ankle while hiking in Paklenica Park, a scooter accident in Split that requires medical evacuation, or even tick-borne encephalitis -TBE (a risk present in Slavonia and central Croatia) that can lead to hospitalization... It doesn't only happen to others!

Be careful! Without travel insurance for Croatia, you will have to pay the medical expenses yourself, and sometimes even the repatriation, which will not be reimbursed and can be very expensive. It is, therefore, preferable to make a small investment before departure — by taking out good coverage — rather than having to spend large sums of money afterward.

To find out if you need a Schengen visa for Croatia, we invite you to consult this list https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/apply-schengen-visa

What are the travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa?

The travel insurance requirements to be granted any Schengen visa are also universal. So in order to visit Croatia, you will need:

• An insurance plan that is valid in all Schengen countries (not just Croatia)
• A plan that covers the entire duration of your trip and stay in Croatia (and/or the Schengen)
• A policy that covers repatriation in the event of serious injury or death
• Guaranteed minimal coverage of medical costs of up to €30,000

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for my trip to Croatia?

There are many reasons to choose AXA travel insurance for all your Croatian travel needs.

• First off, all three plans offered by AXA meet the necessary requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa for Croatia. Moreover, they cover not only Croatia but all 29 Schengen territories (and beyond). 
• Secondly, it’s quick, easy, affordable, and can be done online in minutes. And there are also no age restrictions with AXA’s plans.
• The AXA travel insurance certificate is accepted at all Schengen embassies and consulates. And once you’ve purchased your plan, you can download (and/or print) the certificate instantly.
• And, finally, if your visa is denied for whatever reason, AXA’s Travel Insurance plans are refundable in most cases. You’ll just need to provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

What type of coverage does AXA offer?

AXA Travel Insurance offers three comprehensible options for you to choose from:

Low Cost

Starting from as little as €22 per week, this plan provides our most basic coverage and is perfect for those planning a trip to Croatia on a budget. It meets all the requirements necessary for a Schengen Visa, covers medical expenses of up to €30,000 (in Croatia and the other 26 Schengen countries), and offers coverage in case of hospitalization or repatriation.

Europe Travel

This plan starts at €33 per week, meets all Schengen Visa requirements, and covers medical expenses of up to €100,000. One of the plan’s biggest advantages is that it covers not only all 29 Schengen countries but also all 28 EU countries, the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, and the UK. It covers troubles like the loss of documents and/or valuables, as well as a number of other problems you might run into during your stay: search and rescue costs, assistance for the insured party traveling alone (hotel for a friend or relative)... Europe travel is a comprehensive travel insurance policy perfectly designed for those planning to visit as many European countries as possible.

Multi-Trip

And our Multi-trip plan starts at €328 for a full year’s coverage. This is our most comprehensive plan and is perfect for business travelers, as well as anyone else planning to travel to Croatia and the Schengen area regularly. This plan is ideal for multiple-entry visa holders. And it offers the same comprehensive coverage as Europe Travel throughout all the Schengen and EU countries, as well as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, and the UK. 

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

Don’t worry — AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to help. In case of a medical emergency while in Croatia, you should contact the AXA Schengen call center via the number provided with your insurance policy. Our medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7. And we’ll help you find the medical center closest to your location and best suited for your situation.

When calling our call center, you should provide the following information:

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

IMPORTANT: for requesting reimbursement of the costs paid in advance _after the agreement of AXA ASSISTANCE_, the insured party must submit all the appropriate documents confirming that the request is justified.

A few other practical tips for visiting Croatia

And, finally, here are a few practical things to know as you prep for your trip to “the land of a thousand islands.”

Capital City: The capital of the Republic of Croatia is Zagreb. Located in the northwest of the country, it is also Croatia’s largest city and has a population of roughly 800,000+ people.

Currency: The kuna (i.e., kn, or HRK) was the official currency of Croatia until December 31, 2022. However, it was replaced by the Euro (€, EUR) in 2023.

Safety: Croatia is a relatively safe country. Crime levels are low, and violent crime is very rare. However, as with most tourist destinations, you should be more diligent in busy tourist areas — as pickpockets are known to operate there. And avoid carrying large amounts of cash unless necessary. Oh, and we’re told that you should enter the “Gentlemen’s Clubs” at your own risk.

COVID restrictions: Since the terms and conditions are likely to change as the COVID health situation evolves, we advise that you consult the website of the Croatian embassy of your country of residence to know what restrictions apply at the time of your departure. You can also consult the information published on Re-Open EU (the official website of the European Union) — as it regularly updates the measures for each country of the EU and the Schengen area.

Opening hours: Stores in most of Croatia are generally open from 8 am to 7 pm on weekdays, until 2 pm on Saturdays, and often closed on Sundays. But this depends on the season and how touristy the area you’re in is.

Public transport: Train travel in Croatia is easy and relatively inexpensive. However, the train network isn't as far-reaching as the bus network. Some routes only operate during the summer tourist season. And Byron’s “pearl of the Adriatic” (aka Dubrovnik), for example, has no train station. But bus services — of which there are plenty, especially during the summer — are an excellent way to see the sights. Or you can rent a car. As far as the islands, you’ll have to ask around.

Driving license: In order to drive in Croatia, you will need a valid driver's license from your home country, unless your driver's license is written in a non-Latin script. If this is the case, you will need an international driver's license.

Restaurants: Restaurants — of which there are also plenty — are usually open from around noon to midnight. Many close on Sundays but, again, this depends on the season and how touristy the area is.

You can also learn more about what to do and see in Croatia on the official website of the Croatian National Tourist Board.