If you’re travelling to Croatia, there’s no doubt that you’ll have a wonderful time! But the unexpected can sometimes happen on travels, so here we take a look at safety and healthcare in Croatia.
Healthcare in Croatia
The health service in Croatia is of a good standard. As the country is now part of the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is now valid in Croatia. If you’re a citizen of an EU country and are travelling to Croatia, we would highly recommend that you obtain an EHIC before you travel. (It is free, after all!).
Travellers from the UK are no longer eligible for an EHIC BUT can get a GHIC, which is essentially the same thing – it provides free healthcare in the EU. Again, please do obtain a GHIC before your travels; it really will make obtaining healthcare (in the unlikely event that you need it) much easier for you.
Here is the NHS’s advice on healthcare abroad. If you are not from the UK, check with your home healthcare provider for their information on Croatia.
Whether you’re an EU resident (with an EHIC) or a UK resident with a GHIC, or neither of these, we would advise all travellers to obtain travel insurance when travelling abroad.
Hospitals and medical centres in Croatia
The Croatian Auto Club also has a very useful map showing all kinds of healthcare services (hospitals, medical centres, pharmacies and more) across Croatia. Go to the map and then click on the healthcare services option on the left to select the particular health category you want, and then search for your location as well.
Safety in Croatia
It is quite safe to travel all over Croatia, and mugging and thefts are not a problem. You can safely walk in any town at night, but use your common sense, as always.
In some coastal resorts, as is common all over the Mediterranean, single women may be approached or wolf-whistled at. Say no firmly, and you will not be bothered. In case of any problems, approach a policeman who will assist you.
Both the Croatian police and the army are well-disciplined. If you have a language problem, approach a younger person (teenagers/students) as they all speak some English and will be eager to help.
The Safe in Dalmatia website offers good advice for travelling to this part of the country.
Don’t go out of bounds!
There have been a few instances in the recent past where tourists have climbed into an area that’s out of bounds just to get a good photo! For example, in parts of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, or on areas of Dubrovnik’s Old Town walls. In some cases, people have been injured – sometimes very severely – by falling. Please be sensible and don’t climb on any structure or into an area that’s marked as a no-go or that’s obviously not meant to have people there.
Forest fires
Unfortunately, as with many Mediterranean countries that experience hot summers, forest fires can be a problem in Croatia. It is very unlikely that you will be caught up in one, although if you are, make sure you sensibly follow any emergency procedures that are in place. More importantly, please be careful not to do anything to cause a fire. Something as simple as a badly discarded cigarette can devastate an area.
Emergencies in Croatia
Dial 112 for any kind of emergency in Croatia, regardless of whether you need an ambulance, the police or the fire brigade. Your call will be dealt with as appropriate. This number works from both landlines and mobile phones.
Other emergency numbers for specific services:
- Dial 194 for an ambulance
- Dial 192 for the police
- Dial 193 for the fire brigade
- Dial 9155 (or 112) for sea rescue
- Dial 1987 for roadside assistance
- Dial 072 777 777 for road information
The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service is an active organisation assisting with helping those who get into trouble in Croatia’s mountain regions. However, if you do find yourself needing rescue on a mountain, do still dial 112.