- The best travel insurance plans for Croatia
- The safety of traveling to Croatia
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Croatia?
- Why take out travel insurance for Croatia?
- What Travel Insurance for Croatia Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Croatia
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Croatia?
- Your current insurance coverage in Croatia
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Croatia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Croatia covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel-related events.
2. Key protection: While not mandatory for Canadians, insurance is vital as you may have to pay upfront.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is good in cities but can be limited in rural areas and on islands.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Croatia typically costs between $30 and $60 CAD.
5. Good to know: You must register your presence with local police within 48 hours of arriving in Croatia.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts have compiled everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Croatia.
The best travel insurance plans for Croatia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1M CAD | Comprehensive and reliable for travel to Croatia. - high medical coverage - flexible contract - suitable for longer stays |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1M CAD | Strong protection for any trip to Croatia. - 24/7 multilingual support - clear terms - suitable for active trips |
| Tourist Card | $500K CAD | Focused medical cover for tourists in Croatia. - adequate medical expenses - fast claims process - attractive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | $700K CAD | Balanced for families and frequent travellers. - solid medical evacuation - hospital stay included - covers many activities |
| Globe Partner | $300K CAD | Practical choice for short city trips. - essential medical guarantees - repatriation to Canada - civil liability included |
| Globe Traveller | $500K CAD | A cost-effective contract for safe travel in Croatia. - essential health protection - fast reimbursement - limited maximum amount |
- high medical coverage
- flexible contract
- suitable for longer stays
- 24/7 multilingual support
- clear terms
- suitable for active trips
- adequate medical expenses
- fast claims process
- attractive price
- solid medical evacuation
- hospital stay included
- covers many activities
- essential medical guarantees
- repatriation to Canada
- civil liability included
- essential health protection
- fast reimbursement
- limited maximum amount
The safety of traveling to Croatia
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada’s Global Affairs Canada advises travellers that Croatia is currently considered safe, with only standard security precautions recommended. No regions are formally discouraged for travel.
- Security risks: petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs in major cities like Zagreb and Split, especially on public transport and at tourist hotspots.
- Health risks: medical care is good in urban centres, but may be limited on islands or in rural areas. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all visitors, and seasonal diseases like tick-borne encephalitis occur from April to November.
- Legal requirements: all travellers must register their arrival with local authorities within 48 hours. Those using private accommodation need to do this at the local police station, while hotels typically manage registration for guests.
- Environmental risks: some former conflict zones still contain unexploded landmines, particularly in the inland and border areas. Hiking off marked trails, especially near the Bosnian border, should be avoided.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Croatia.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Croatia?
Travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Canadian citizens travelling to Croatia for stays up to 90 days without a visa.
However, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada. Medical care may require upfront payment, and costs for emergencies or evacuation can be significant. Good insurance will help cover medical expenses, repatriation, and unexpected incidents.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Croatia. This rate reflects Croatia’s reputation as a very safe country in Europe, where travel risks are relatively low but potential medical costs are high.
Why take out travel insurance for Croatia?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Croatia.
In Croatia, while public hospitals like KBC Zagreb or KBC Split provide good care, foreigners may be directed to private clinics such as Poliklinika Bagatin in Zagreb where costs are much higher. Emergency services on the islands and in rural areas are often limited and may require evacuation to a major city, which adds significant expense.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Croatia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Poliklinika Bagatin | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 7,000 HRK (1,350 CAD) | up to 100% of actual costs |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 4,500 HRK (870 CAD) | up to 100% of actual costs |
| I need to be repatriated | 85,000 HRK (16,500 CAD) | up to 100% or capped by insurer |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 18,000 HRK (3,500 CAD) | up to 100% of actual costs |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Croatia Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor fees, hospitalisation, medication, and emergency care during your stay. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least CAD 500,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for ambulance or air ambulance transfer if local treatment is not sufficient. We recommend a minimum cover of CAD 200,000. |
| 🛫 Repatriation | Covers organisation and cost of return to Canada if medically necessary or in case of death. Set a reimbursement limit of at least CAD 100,000. |
| 🧳 Lost/Delayed luggage | Provides reimbursement for lost, stolen or delayed baggage during your trip. Recommended minimum cover: CAD 2,000. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid trip costs if you must cancel for specific reasons (illness, accident, family emergency). We suggest at least CAD 10,000 cover. |
| ✈️ Trip interruption | Refunds additional transport and unused trip costs if your journey is cut short. Recommended minimum: CAD 5,000. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Protects against costs related to injury or property damage to others. We recommend a minimum of CAD 1,000,000 for liability coverage. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance | Access to a 24/7 helpline for medical or travel emergencies, offering instant support and coordination. Always ensure this feature is included in your policy. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least CAD 500,000.
We recommend a minimum cover of CAD 200,000.
Set a reimbursement limit of at least CAD 100,000.
Recommended minimum cover: CAD 2,000.
We suggest at least CAD 10,000 cover.
Recommended minimum: CAD 5,000.
We recommend a minimum of CAD 1,000,000 for liability coverage.
Always ensure this feature is included in your policy.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often has limited coverage, low reimbursement limits, and frequent exclusions. Choosing a trusted insurer with comprehensive benefits is safer. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online to receive your certificate instantly.
The cost of travel insurance for Croatia
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CAD 23 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CAD 38 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CAD 60 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CAD 125 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance for Croatia depends on several factors: your age, the duration of your stay, your destination, the coverage limits, and any optional add-ons like trip cancellation. Keeping these in mind is essential for any Canadian traveller to select the right policy, ensuring adequate protection for your trip without any unexpected costs.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Croatia?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Croatia while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🛡️ Level of coverage | The coverage amount impacts your premium, particularly for medical emergencies in Croatia. | Opt for a plan with the coverage you really need for Croatia and avoid unnecessary extras. |
| 👥 Number of travellers | Group or family policies may offer lower rates than purchasing single plans for each person. | Travel as a group and choose a policy that offers family or multi-traveller discounts. |
| 📅 Trip duration | Longer stay means a higher premium, but some insurers give better rates for longer periods. | For trips over a month, compare special long-stay travel insurance offers for the best price. |
| 🎒 Type of activities | Riskier activities, such as water sports or hiking, can increase your insurance cost. | Limit optional coverage for activities to only what you plan to do in Croatia. |
| 🏥 Deductible amount | A higher deductible usually lowers your premium, but you pay more out-of-pocket if claiming. | Opt for a higher deductible you are comfortable with to save on premiums but ensure you can afford it. |
| 🌍 Geographic coverage | Global coverage is more expensive than single-country or regional coverage. | Select Europe-only or even Croatia-only coverage to reduce overall cost. |
| 👴 Traveller’s age | Insurance costs rise with age, especially for seniors over 60. | Compare different insurers: Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
Your current insurance coverage in Croatia
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health care, can protect you during a trip to Croatia. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Croatia? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health Act) | Never | No coverage outside Canada. No medical care or repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to CAD 1,000,000+ for medical care, repatriation, and 24/7 assistance abroad. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Possible partial reimbursement for medical expenses. No direct payment, excludes repatriation costs. | Travel insurance reimburses up to CAD 1,000,000+, with coverage for hospital stays and evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic, RBC Visa Classic) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical: CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 maximum. Often excludes trip cancellation or baggage loss. | Travel insurance covers up to CAD 1,000,000, with trip interruption, baggage, and evacuation included. |
| Premium credit card (BMO World Elite, Scotia Gold, CIBC Aventura) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical: up to CAD 100,000. Some coverage for delayed flights and baggage. | Travel insurance offers CAD 1,000,000+ in medical fees, repatriation, and comprehensive hospital coverage. |
Example
While hiking in Paklenica National Park, Sarah suffered a severe fall, requiring a helicopter rescue and surgery. The total bill came to $30,000 CAD. Her TD Visa's included insurance only covered $5,000, and her provincial plan covered almost nothing abroad, leaving her to pay the remaining $25,000 out-of-pocket.
Expert advice
Many bank cards and provincial health plans exclude key situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Scrutinize your policies to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, subscribing to a dedicated travel insurance plan tailored to your specific trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Croatia?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Croatia for tourism, business, or study for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must have a Canadian passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. If you plan to stay longer or for other purposes, additional requirements may apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Croatia?
To purchase travel insurance for Croatia, start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare options. Check the coverage and exclusions, paying close attention to guarantees like medical care and exclusions specific to Croatia. Buy the chosen policy online and receive your insurance certificate promptly by email.
What should I look for in a travel insurance policy for Croatia?
Choose a policy offering at least CAD 1,000,000 coverage for medical expenses and repatriation. Ensure it provides adequate medical evacuation and 24/7 assistance, as emergency costs in Croatia can be significant and upfront payment may be required. Review exclusions for adventure activities, existing conditions, and regions outside major cities.
Is travel insurance necessary for short trips to Croatia?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended, even for short visits. Health emergencies can quickly become expensive, and your Canadian public coverage does not apply in Croatia. Insurance also provides protection for cancellations, lost luggage, and personal liability, which are relevant for short and long stays alike.
Can I purchase travel insurance for Croatia after departure?
Most insurers require you to purchase coverage before leaving Canada, but some specialized providers may offer policies even after your trip has started. Coverage may be limited, and pre-existing incidents will usually be excluded. It’s best to secure your insurance before your departure date.
Does travel insurance cover all sports and activities in Croatia?
Standard travel insurance may not include coverage for certain activities such as hiking in remote areas, sailing, or extreme sports. Always check if your insurer covers these activities or if an add-on is needed. If you plan any adventure or water sports, select the appropriate coverage for your itinerary.
Do I need a visa to travel to Croatia?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Croatia for tourism, business, or study for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You must have a Canadian passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. If you plan to stay longer or for other purposes, additional requirements may apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Croatia?
To purchase travel insurance for Croatia, start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare options. Check the coverage and exclusions, paying close attention to guarantees like medical care and exclusions specific to Croatia. Buy the chosen policy online and receive your insurance certificate promptly by email.
What should I look for in a travel insurance policy for Croatia?
Choose a policy offering at least CAD 1,000,000 coverage for medical expenses and repatriation. Ensure it provides adequate medical evacuation and 24/7 assistance, as emergency costs in Croatia can be significant and upfront payment may be required. Review exclusions for adventure activities, existing conditions, and regions outside major cities.
Is travel insurance necessary for short trips to Croatia?
While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended, even for short visits. Health emergencies can quickly become expensive, and your Canadian public coverage does not apply in Croatia. Insurance also provides protection for cancellations, lost luggage, and personal liability, which are relevant for short and long stays alike.
Can I purchase travel insurance for Croatia after departure?
Most insurers require you to purchase coverage before leaving Canada, but some specialized providers may offer policies even after your trip has started. Coverage may be limited, and pre-existing incidents will usually be excluded. It’s best to secure your insurance before your departure date.
Does travel insurance cover all sports and activities in Croatia?
Standard travel insurance may not include coverage for certain activities such as hiking in remote areas, sailing, or extreme sports. Always check if your insurer covers these activities or if an add-on is needed. If you plan any adventure or water sports, select the appropriate coverage for your itinerary.
On the same topic
