The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Croatia in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Croatia
- Is it currently safe to travel 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
Travel insurance for Croatia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Croatia covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians, but it is highly recommended for financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: Medical care is good but can be expensive; a hospital stay can cost over AUD $800 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Croatia typically costs between AUD $40 and AUD $80.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, especially if you plan to visit the Croatian islands.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here 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 | AUD 1.6M | Top recommendation for Croatia. - high medical ceiling - repatriation covered - wide guarantee scope |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Strong policy for comprehensive cover. - 24/7 worldwide support - no deductible - cancellation included |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800K | Good fit for tourism in Croatia. - solid essential cover - emergency services - straightforward process |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Balanced cover for Schengen trips. - hospital fees included - repatriation - good regional coverage |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480K | Reliable for essential needs abroad. - covers medical care - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800K | Budget option for short and low-risk stays. - basic medical cover - fast claims - moderate ceiling |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation covered
- wide guarantee scope
- 24/7 worldwide support
- no deductible
- cancellation included
- solid essential cover
- emergency services
- straightforward process
- hospital fees included
- repatriation
- good regional coverage
- covers medical care
- repatriation
- civil liability
- basic medical cover
- fast claims
- moderate ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Croatia?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises that the current safety level for Croatia is to exercise normal safety precautions. The overall situation is stable, but travellers should remain vigilant and informed.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: there has been a surge in bomb threats against shopping malls, government offices and schools in cities like Zagreb and Split. Large events, such as the upcoming music concert at the Zagreb Hippodrome, may also see overcrowding and associated safety concerns.
- Health risks: while there are no mandatory vaccinations for entry from Australia, tick-borne disease remains an issue in forested areas. Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis have been reported in regions such as Slavonia and near Plitvice Lakes National Park, so insect repellent and protective clothing are advised.
- Legal requirements: all travellers must register their stay with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. If you stay at a hotel, this is done automatically, but renting private accommodation requires your own registration.
- Transport and infrastructure: temporary border checks at the Slovenia-Croatia land border can cause significant delays, especially during peak travel periods. Allow extra time for overland journeys and be prepared for possible security controls.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Croatia.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Croatia?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens travelling to Croatia for a stay of up to 90 days.
It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance before your trip, as medical care and evacuation can be very expensive, especially on islands or in remote areas. Insurance protects you in case of illness, accident, or travel disruption.
According to our data, 50% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Croatia. This reflects the country’s overall safety but also the high cost of medical care for visitors.
Why take out travel insurance for Croatia?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Croatia.
In Croatia, public hospitals in cities like Zagreb or Split offer good quality care, but private clinics such as St. Catherine Specialty Hospital may be the only option for foreigners requiring urgent treatment. Without insurance, costs can become very high, especially for surgery or complex procedures. On the islands or in remote areas, access is limited and emergency evacuation is frequently necessary.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Croatia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at St. Catherine Specialty Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | HRK 15,000 (AUD 3,200) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | HRK 8,500 (AUD 1,800) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | HRK 55,000 (AUD 11,800) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | HRK 26,000 (AUD 5,600) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
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 hospitalisation, doctor fees, surgery and urgent treatment (including Covid-19). Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000. |
| ✈️ Emergency evacuation | Covers air or ground evacuation to a nearby country or return to Australia if medically required. Recommended: at least AUD 300,000. |
| 🚑 Repatriation | Covers the cost of returning to Australia if needed for ongoing care. Recommended: minimum AUD 200,000. |
| 💼 Loss of baggage | Provides compensation if checked luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen. Recommended: minimum AUD 5,000. |
| ⌛ Trip cancellation | Covers non-refundable prepaid bookings if you must cancel for covered reasons. Recommended: at least AUD 10,000. |
| 💳 Personal liability | Protects you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended: at least AUD 1,000,000. |
| 🏄 Adventure sports | Covers injuries or accidents during activities like hiking, sailing, or diving. Check policy conditions and exclusions before purchase. |
| 🦟 Emergency assistance | 24/7 multilingual helpline for emergencies or unexpected health problems. Choose a provider with a strong global assistance network. |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000.
Recommended: at least AUD 300,000.
Recommended: minimum AUD 200,000.
Recommended: minimum AUD 5,000.
Recommended: at least AUD 10,000.
Recommended: at least AUD 1,000,000.
Check policy conditions and exclusions before purchase.
Choose a provider with a strong global assistance network.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with your bank card often offers low limits and many exclusions. For safety, opt for a trusted insurer offering comprehensive cover. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Croatia
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 38 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 70 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 120 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 200 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Croatia will vary. Key factors include your age, the length of your stay, the level of cover you choose, any pre-existing medical conditions, and optional extras like cancellation cover. Keeping these in mind helps you find the right policy to protect your trip without overpaying.
💡 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | Shorter trips are cheaper as premiums are calculated by length of stay. | Take out insurance only for your travel dates to avoid paying extra for unused coverage days. |
| 👥 Number of travellers | Family or group policies often offer discounts, reducing the cost per person. | Opt for a group policy when travelling with family or friends to benefit from bundled rates. |
| 🌏 Level of coverage | Excessive add-ons increase costs, but basic medical and evacuation are most important in Croatia. | Select essential cover for medical, evacuation, and baggage without unnecessary extras to keep prices lower. |
| 💰 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles lower premiums, but require higher out-of-pocket payment in case of a claim. | Consider a higher deductible if you can afford to pay more if you claim, which reduces your premium. |
| 📅 Time of purchase | Buying early locks in prices and gives cancellation cover if bought before trip expenses are paid. | Purchase insurance as soon as your trip is booked for better rates and early protection. |
| 🎒 Activities covered | Specific high-risk sports cost more to insure and are not always necessary for Croatia. | Only include coverage for activities you actually plan to do to avoid paying extra for unnecessary options. |
| 🎂 Traveller's age | Premiums rise with age but some insurers do not charge more for older travellers. | Compare providers; Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62, making it cost effective for seniors. |
Your current insurance coverage in Croatia
It is completely legitimate to consider whether your current coverage—such as public or private health insurance or your credit card insurance—can protect you during your trip to Croatia. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for serious incidents or emergencies abroad.
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 | Never | No cover for medical expenses or hospitalisation abroad. No cover for evacuation, return, or lost baggage. | Travel insurance provides up to AUD 1,000,000 for medical costs, evacuation, and repatriation, plus 24/7 assistance unavailable via Medicare. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | May cover partial overseas emergency treatment. Most policies have AUD 500–2000 cap. No repatriation or comprehensive support. | Travel insurance reimburses major hospital stays, repatriation, activities and interruptions, with higher limits and broader protection for Croatia. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Std) | Limited coverage | Basic accident insurance only if ticket is paid with the card. Medical cover rarely exceeds AUD 2,500. No evacuation. | Travel insurance covers lost luggage, cancellations, activities, and medical emergencies, with coverage far above regular credit cards in Australia. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Black) | Limited coverage | May provide up to AUD 20,000 for some medical expenses or cancellations, but strict eligibility and exclusions apply. | Travel insurance offers higher payouts (AUD 100,000+) for medical, trip changes, and emergencies, plus few exclusions compared to card insurance. |
Example
While jet skiing near Hvar, Chloe had a serious accident. The emergency boat transfer and hospital stay in Split cost AU$45,000. Her CommBank credit card's complimentary insurance excluded 'hazardous activities', covering only AU$1,000. Without proper travel insurance, she was left with a massive AU$44,000 bill for her holiday mishap.
Expert advice
Many credit card and health insurance policies exclude key situations like trip interruption for a relative's illness. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Croatia?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to Croatia lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You simply need a valid Australian passport and must comply with local registration requirements. If your stay is for another purpose or longer, check the official Croatian government website for specific entry rules.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Croatia?
First, compare different policies using a tool like the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Second, check the cover and exclusions that apply, especially related to medical care, activities, and trip interruptions for Croatia. Next, purchase your chosen policy online. Finally, you’ll receive your insurance certificate by email, usually within minutes.
What kind of travel insurance do I need for adventure sports in Croatia?
If you plan to go hiking, sailing, diving, or participate in water sports along the Croatian coast, make sure your policy includes cover for these activities. Some policies exclude risky or motorised sports, so check the conditions and ask about optional add-ons for more adventurous plans. Always confirm your chosen insurer covers your activities.
Are medical costs high in Croatia for foreigners, and how much should I insure for?
While public health facilities are good on the mainland, private medical care and hospitalisation for foreigners can be expensive. In rural regions and on islands, you may need medical evacuation, which is particularly costly. It is sensible to have at least AUD 250,000 cover for medical costs and evacuation while in Croatia.
What documents will I need for travel insurance claims in Croatia?
You should keep all receipts, medical reports, and police statements if your claim relates to medical treatment or theft. Most insurers require evidence of expenses, proof of loss, and contact details of the clinic or police station. Submit your claim online or contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line for guidance.
Does travel insurance for Croatia include COVID-19 related cover?
Many policies now include cover for COVID-19 medical expenses, testing, and quarantine-related costs, but conditions vary between providers. Always check for specific COVID-19 cover in the policy wording. If it is not included as standard, ask if it is available as an add-on for your travel insurance to Croatia.
Do I need a visa to travel to Croatia?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to Croatia lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You simply need a valid Australian passport and must comply with local registration requirements. If your stay is for another purpose or longer, check the official Croatian government website for specific entry rules.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Croatia?
First, compare different policies using a tool like the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform. Second, check the cover and exclusions that apply, especially related to medical care, activities, and trip interruptions for Croatia. Next, purchase your chosen policy online. Finally, you’ll receive your insurance certificate by email, usually within minutes.
What kind of travel insurance do I need for adventure sports in Croatia?
If you plan to go hiking, sailing, diving, or participate in water sports along the Croatian coast, make sure your policy includes cover for these activities. Some policies exclude risky or motorised sports, so check the conditions and ask about optional add-ons for more adventurous plans. Always confirm your chosen insurer covers your activities.
Are medical costs high in Croatia for foreigners, and how much should I insure for?
While public health facilities are good on the mainland, private medical care and hospitalisation for foreigners can be expensive. In rural regions and on islands, you may need medical evacuation, which is particularly costly. It is sensible to have at least AUD 250,000 cover for medical costs and evacuation while in Croatia.
What documents will I need for travel insurance claims in Croatia?
You should keep all receipts, medical reports, and police statements if your claim relates to medical treatment or theft. Most insurers require evidence of expenses, proof of loss, and contact details of the clinic or police station. Submit your claim online or contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line for guidance.
Does travel insurance for Croatia include COVID-19 related cover?
Many policies now include cover for COVID-19 medical expenses, testing, and quarantine-related costs, but conditions vary between providers. Always check for specific COVID-19 cover in the policy wording. If it is not included as standard, ask if it is available as an add-on for your travel insurance to Croatia.
