Is travel insurance mandatory for Slovakia?

That depends. Because along with being the birthplace of the helicopter, the parachute, and Andy Warhol’s parents, Slovakia also happens to be a member of Europe’s Schengen Zone. And this means that the majority of its non-European visitors need a Schengen visa to cross its borders.

Having the proper Schengen travel insurance, meanwhile, is one of the first and foremost mandatory requirements for being granted a Schengen visa. Whether this applies to you, however, will depend on what paperwork you happen to be traveling on.

So let’s break it down.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa for Slovakia (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You can enter and stay in Slovakia (and/or the rest of the Schengen/European Union) for up to three months visa-free if you are:

• A citizen of one (or more) of the Schengen countries and/or the EU;
• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member country;
• A citizen of a non-Schengen but EU member country (Cyprus/Ireland)
• A citizen of a non-EU country (and/or territory) that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU. This includes nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 60 nations total.

Who needs a Schengen visa for Slovakia (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You will, however, need a Schengen visa for Slovakia if you’re traveling on a passport issued by a country that does not have a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

Popular countries that need a visa for Slovakia include China, India, and Russia. But this also applies to any African nation, most Middle Eastern ones, and over a hundred nations worldwide in total.

PRO-TIP: The European Commission has full, up-to-date lists of all countries that do and do not have visa waiver agreements with the EU.

But AXA can help you answer the following in no time too:

Do I need a Schengen visa?

IMPORTANT NOTE: And remember that regardless of your Schengen visa status, you can not stay in Slovakia (and/or the rest of the Schengen) for more than 90 days in any 180-day period* if you don’t have the appropriate documentation (for example, a residence permit or a Long-Stay (aka Type D or “national”) visa).

*PRO-TIP: AXA can help you understand this Schengen visa 90/180-day rule too!

How do I get a Schengen visa for Slovakia?

If you do need that Schengen visa, you’re already halfway there too! Just follow our simple, step-by-step guide on:

How to get a Schengen visa for Slovakia

Oh, and to make sure all your Slovak visa ducks are in a row, we can also tell you all you need to know about:

What type of Schengen visa should I choose?

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

So click around!

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for Slovakia?

In order for the Schengen authorities to accept your visa application, you’re going to need not just any insurance plan,* but one that meets some specific EU requirements.

*PRO-TIP: And you’ll need to have this plan in place when you apply (i.e., before you travel)!

And the requirements set forth by the European Commission stipulate that your plan:

• is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment)
• covers repatriation — including in case of death
• covers you in all the Schengen member countries (not only in Slovekia)
• is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

AXA’s plans, of course, meet all the EU criteria above (and you can see each of the said plans below).

PRO-TIP: And if you’re feeling extra geeky, AXA has all the specifics about the EU’s travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa too.

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance for Slovakia?

Legally speaking, no. That is, visa-exempt travelers to Slovakia don't face an insurance requirement for their visa application or at the border.
However, some solid coverage is still a wise decision. After all, no trip abroad comes with zero surprises.

Why travel insurance is still strongly recommended in Slovakia

Even short stays can involve unexpected situations, especially when outdoor activities and city sightseeing are part of the plan:

• Hiking in the High Tatras, where slippery rocks and sudden weather changes are common
• Skiing on Slovak winter slopes, where accidents can happen in seconds
• Visiting thermal spas like Piešťany, where wet surfaces increase the risk of falls

Everyday travel risks you shouldn’t overlook

Not all incidents happen on mountain trails. Even classic sightseeing or local food discoveries can lead to trouble:

• Crowded attractions and stairways (Bratislava’s UFO deck or hilltop castles)
• Food poisoning or allergic reactions when trying local dishes like bryndzové halušky
• Minor accidents that still require medical attention

→ Keep in mind that no traveler is immune to medical or logistical mishaps.

Healthcare costs in Slovakia and assistance abroad

Without insurance, navigating a foreign healthcare system can become complicated very quickly. Costs can also escalate fast:

• Ambulance transfers starting at €500+
• Hospital stays and treatments reaching several thousand euros
• Emergency repatriation expenses if needed

The benefits of travel insurance for Slovakia

A comprehensive travel insurance plan provides:

• 24/7 assistance in case of medical or travel emergencies
• Coverage for unexpected healthcare and related expenses
• Financial protection and peace of mind throughout your stay

→ In short, even if travel insurance isn’t legally required for visa-free entry, having proper coverage helps ensure your Slovakia trip remains safe, enjoyable, and worry-free from remote mountain peaks to lively city streets.

Why does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Slovakia cover?

Well, for starters, going to Slovakia with AXA means being supported by a top-notch, first-class Schengen travel insurance brand — and one that is recognized as such the world over (for decades and counting). And that means not only a safe journey from start to finish, but also a smoother Slovak Schengen visa interview..

And here are a few more reasons why AXA is your best bet. Our plans:

• Meet all the criteria required by the Schengen/EU for being granted a Schengen visa
• Are accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide
• Are valid for the Schengen area + the European Union + the United Kingdom (see plan options below)
• Offer a full refund in case your Schengen visa application is denied

Moreover, with AXA, you get:

• No age limitation, zero deductibles, and no medical exams
• Fast and easy online subscription
• An instant travel insurance certificate
• Coverage of medical and repatriation costs of up to €2 Million
• Civil liability and personal liability insurance
• Death and disability coverage
• Baggage insurance (either included or optional)
• Upgrade options
• Flexibility in terms of time (and costs): coverage options for just one day, up to six months, or an entire year
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Free remote medical consultation in English (and other languages) with Doctor, Please!
• The option to purchase insurance for someone other than yourself

And plenty of other benefits. So explore our options below!

Which is the best Schengen travel insurance plan for your Slovakia Trip?

Here’s an overview of the specific coverage options AXA has for Slovakia (and you and yours).

• AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: our standard and most affordable option, BASIC meets all the EU requirements for your Schengen visa while covering you in all Schengen countries, as well as the European microstates of San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City.
• AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: complete European coverage that also meets all EU Schengen visa requirements while covering you in all Schengen countries, all EU countries, the European microstates above - plus the UK!
• AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: all-inclusive, worry-free coverage, offering countless benefits, meeting all EU Schengen visa requirements, and also covering you in all Schengen and EU countries, all the European microstates, and the UK.
• AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: our year-long plan that also meets all EU Schengen visa requirements, provides outstanding benefits, and covers you in all Schengen countries, EU countries, the microstates, and the UK. But unlike our other plans, ANNUAL gives you a single contract for a full year - making it perfect for holders of (or applicants for) multiple-entry Schengen visas and/or frequent travelers to Europe.

So whether scheduling your visa appointment or booking a flight, explore the plans above, and take a minute to also

What to provide when contacting AXA for assistance?

• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

List of Emergency Numbers in Slovakia

Essential numbers to save (along with AXA’s):

112 – All emergencies (ambulance, fire, police).
158 – Police (non-urgent).
155 – Ambulance/medical help

More practical tips + fun facts for prepping for Slovakia

And last but not least, here are a few AXA go-tos to help you start planning your Slovak getaway in style:

• Capital: Bratislava (the world’s only capital bordering two countries — Austria and Hungary)
• Currency: euro (€)
• Language: Slovak, which belongs to the group of Slavic languages.

Good to know ! But plenty of people speak English too.

• Castle overload: Over 100 nationwide (UNESCO big boy Spiš being the largest in Central Europe)
• Tatras playground: 2,000+ km of marked trails, hikes, ski routes, and general fun
• Caves for days: 7 UNESCO systems (Domica being the longest at 25 km); over 6000 caves total
• Thermal springs everywhere: Poprad, Piešťany, Bardejov — thousands of natural hot pools too (year-round!)
• The Gerlian geyser: the only source of cold artesian water in Europe, erupting roughly every 34 hours (to about 14 meters in the air)
• Tallest Gothic wooden altar in the world: the altar of St. Jakub (standing at about 5 meters taller than the geyser)
• Cars, cars, cars: largest producer of cars per capita in the world (i.e., 191 per 1000 inhabitants)

FOOD PRO TIPS:

• Bryndzové halušky – national dish of potato dumplings smothered in tangy sheep cheese (bryndza) and bacon bits
• Kapustnica – hearty sauerkraut soup with smoked meats (and/or sausage), perfect for winter.
• Zemiakové placky – crispy potato pancakes with garlic (often served as street food or restaurant side).

For further pointers, visit Slovakia's official tourism website. And Šťastnú cestu!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• How can I choose the best Schengen travel insurance for my trip?
• How safe is Europe to travel to?
• Which European cities are the most affordable for tourists?

FAQ

Can I take out an AXA Schengen travel insurance plan for someone else?

Definitely! All we need to issue a policy for a friend, colleague, or loved one is for you to provide their personal info (DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary).

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

If you experience an injury or fall ill during your stay in Slovakia, contact the AXA call center immediately. The phone number is included in your insurance policy.
AXA’s medical professionals are available 24/7, seven days a week, to answer your questions, assess your situation, and guide you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. You’ll receive support at every step, no matter the time or location.

Am I covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Slovakia?

Yes, but only in certain cases. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is available only to residents of the EU, Schengen Area, and the UK.
If eligible, it gives access to medically necessary treatment in Slovakia’s public healthcare system, under the same conditions as local residents.
However, the EHIC has important limitations.
It does not cover private healthcare, medical repatriation, mountain rescue, or non-urgent care. Out-of-pocket costs may also still apply.

For broader protection, including emergency assistance and unexpected expenses, travel insurance remains strongly recommended, even when traveling with an EHIC