A trip to the mountains and travel insurance - what should you know?

: 19 May 2022; 19 May 2022

Foreign trips during the holidays have become the norm. Poles are increasingly choosing warm countries and the Slovak Tatra Mountains to relax during their vacation. However, it should be remembered that while going abroad, it is essential to have travel insurance. The policy protects in case of bodily injury, hospitalization, accidents, and even loss of luggage during the flight. What travel insurance should be chosen when traveling to Slovakia in the Tatra Mountains?

1. Medical treatment insurance - is it enough for the Slovak Tatra Mountains?

2. Insurance for rescue and search operation costs in Slovakia

3. Travel insurance vs. European Health Insurance Card

Coverage for medical treatment, baggage insurance, and cancellation insurance are the most commonly selected elements of travel insurance. Tourists opt for them due to the high risk associated with illness, damage to their luggage, and the need to postpone their vacation to another date. Unfortunately, such insurance coverage is insufficient when traveling to the Slovak Tatra Mountains. What additional elements should travel insurance include?

Medical treatment insurance - is it enough for the Slovak Tatra Mountains?

A trip to the Slovak Tatra Mountains offers the chance to trek excellent trails with breathtaking views. Reaching the peaks provides much satisfaction, but due to the altitude and changing weather conditions in the mountains, one should be prepared for the need for rapid evacuation. The medical treatment costs covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ) based on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) do not include expenses for mountain rescue services. Only in Poland can one access free assistance from TOPR. In Slovakia, every rescue or helicopter flight to an injured tourist incurs a high bill.

Hospital care in Slovakia can also be charged. The NFZ only covers certain expenses. If Slovak doctors perform procedures not covered by the NFZ, the patient has to pay for them out of pocket. In the general terms of insurance, it should be checked what costs the insurer will cover in various situations.

Insurance for rescue and search operation costs in Slovakia

When hiking the trails in the Slovak Tatra Mountains, it is essential to have insurance for the costs of rescue and search operations. Slovak services rescue injured tourists, but they do not do so for free. They issue bills for every operation conducted. In the case of using a helicopter, the cost can reach even 100 thousand zł. Therefore, it is important to check whether the selected travel insurance includes the costs of assistance provided by Slovak mountain rescuers. Otherwise, the tourist may be held liable and required to pay for the rescue or search operation.

Travel insurance vs. European Health Insurance Card

Some tourists within the European Union choose to travel solely with the European Health Insurance Card, not understanding that the NFZ protects them only to a limited extent. Comprehensive travel insurance can cover the protection of sports equipment, baggage, liability insurance, and many other events that are common during holidays. It is worth remembering this and opting for a policy that offers broader coverage than the EHIC.

Learn more at wakacyjnapolisa.pl/ubezpieczenie-podrozne/