In short: Simple does not cover pregnancy or childbirth, and standard Safety covers only the examination that confirms the pregnancy. Union's pregnancy type of Safety covers care during pregnancy, childbirth and newborn intensive care, with a limit of €17,000, if Union offers it after the health questionnaire. The details are in Does Slovak health insurance for foreigners cover pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time when choosing the right health insurance becomes especially important.
If you are a foreign national living in Slovakia, planning to move here, planning a pregnancy or already expecting a baby, health insurance is something you should not leave until the last minute.
Healthcare during pregnancy may involve:
- ·regular gynaecological check-ups,
- ·ultrasound examinations,
- ·laboratory tests,
- ·specialist consultations,
- ·hospitalisation,
- ·childbirth,
- ·postnatal care.
This is why it is important to understand that not every type of health insurance provides the same level of coverage.
In this article, we explain the key things foreign nationals should consider before choosing health insurance in Slovakia.
First question: Are you eligible for public health insurance?
Before choosing commercial health insurance, you should first check whether you are eligible for Slovak public health insurance.
Your situation may depend on factors such as:
- ·your residence status,
- ·employment,
- ·nationality,
- ·family situation,
- ·and other legal circumstances.
If you meet the conditions for public health insurance, commercial insurance may not be the appropriate solution for your situation.
If you are not eligible for public health insurance, you may need commercial health insurance for foreigners.
Why is the scope of insurance so important during pregnancy?
During a short-term stay, many people think mainly about emergencies, accidents or sudden illnesses.
Pregnancy is different.
Pregnancy-related healthcare can involve regular check-ups and planned medical care.
You should therefore not assume that every health insurance policy automatically covers:
- ·pregnancy,
- ·regular prenatal care,
- ·pregnancy complications,
- ·childbirth,
- ·or newborn-related healthcare.
Before arranging insurance, always check the exact scope of coverage and the applicable conditions.
SIMPLE or SAFETY?
When choosing health insurance for foreigners through Klido.sk, selecting the right product is particularly important if pregnancy is relevant to your situation.
SIMPLE
SIMPLE focuses mainly on:
- ·acute medical conditions,
- ·sudden illnesses,
- ·accidents,
- ·necessary medical treatment.
SIMPLE does not cover pregnancy and childbirth care, so it is not a suitable solution for someone who needs this coverage.
SAFETY
SAFETY provides broader healthcare coverage according to the specific terms of the insurance.
Under Union's insurance terms, SAFETY covers the examination that confirms a pregnancy. Beyond that, pregnancy and childbirth are excluded unless agreed with Union: childbirth is covered only if Union, after the health questionnaire, accepts you into a special type of insurance.
This is why it is important to compare the available options carefully when planning a long-term stay or family life in Slovakia.
Planning a pregnancy? Do not wait until the last minute
One of the biggest mistakes can be arranging health insurance only after you become pregnant.
Insurance products may include:
- ·limitations,
- ·exclusions,
- ·specific conditions,
- ·or rules concerning an existing pregnancy.
Union's health insurance for foreigners has no waiting periods, but pregnancy and childbirth are excluded unless agreed with Union. For this reason, it is best to think about health insurance before planning a pregnancy.
If you are already pregnant, it becomes even more important to check the exact terms of the insurance before arranging a policy.
What healthcare may be needed during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you may need different types of medical care.
This can include:
- ·regular visits to a gynaecologist,
- ·ultrasound examinations,
- ·blood tests,
- ·prenatal diagnostics,
- ·specialist consultations,
- ·hospitalisation due to complications,
- ·childbirth,
- ·postnatal care.
However, the scope of services covered by health insurance can differ depending on the type of policy and its specific conditions.
What if complications occur during pregnancy?
Pregnancy does not always progress without complications.
In some situations, you may need:
- ·more frequent medical monitoring,
- ·specialised care,
- ·hospitalisation,
- ·treatment,
- ·or urgent medical intervention.
This is why health insurance should not be chosen based only on the lowest price.
It is important to consider what level of healthcare you may need throughout your stay.
Pregnancy and long-term residence in Slovakia
If you are planning to live in Slovakia for a longer period, for example:
- ·with your partner,
- ·through family reunification,
- ·during employment,
- ·while studying,
- ·or under another type of temporary residence,
it is useful to think about health insurance as part of your long-term planning.
Your situation may change during your stay.
For example, you may:
- ·start working,
- ·change your residence status,
- ·become eligible for public health insurance,
- ·start a family,
- ·or decide to stay in Slovakia longer.
For this reason, it is a good idea to regularly check whether your current health insurance still matches your situation.
How to choose a doctor in Slovakia
If you need a gynaecologist or other medical care, it is useful to check:
- ·whether the doctor accepts new patients,
- ·whether the provider is contracted with your insurer,
- ·what payment method is used,
- ·what documents you need to bring.
When visiting a doctor, bring:
- ·identification,
- ·your insurance card,
- ·insurance documents if necessary.
If you are unsure how to proceed, contact your insurer or assistance service.
What if you have to pay for medical treatment yourself?
In some situations, you may need to pay directly for healthcare.
If this happens, keep all relevant documents.
You may need:
- ·a medical report,
- ·diagnosis,
- ·invoice or proof of payment,
- ·breakdown of medical services,
- ·prescriptions,
- ·proof of payment for medication.
These documents may be important if you later apply for reimbursement according to your insurance conditions.
What should you check before arranging insurance?
Before choosing health insurance, ask yourself:
- ·
Am I already pregnant? This can be very important when selecting insurance.
- ·
Am I planning a pregnancy in the near future? If yes, do not focus only on emergency healthcare coverage.
- ·
Am I eligible for public health insurance? Always check your current situation first.
- ·
How long am I planning to stay in Slovakia? A longer stay may require broader healthcare coverage.
- ·
What exactly does my insurance cover? Always check the specific conditions, limits and possible exclusions.
Common mistakes when choosing insurance during pregnancy
❌ Choosing insurance based only on price The cheapest policy may not provide the coverage you actually need.
❌ Assuming every policy covers pregnancy The scope of coverage can vary significantly.
❌ Arranging insurance only after becoming pregnant Conditions may differ when pregnancy already exists.
❌ Not checking eligibility for public health insurance Your situation may change, for example, when you start working.
❌ Not reading the insurance conditions Specific policy conditions are particularly important during pregnancy.
Checklist for women planning a stay in Slovakia
Before arranging health insurance, check:
☐ whether you are eligible for public health insurance ☐ whether you are planning a pregnancy ☐ whether you are already pregnant ☐ pregnancy-related coverage ☐ childbirth-related coverage ☐ what has to be agreed with the insurer in advance ☐ exclusions and limitations ☐ planned duration of stay ☐ availability of doctors in your area
Planning a family or already expecting a baby?
If you live in Slovakia or plan to move here and need health insurance for foreigners, you can explore the available options at Klido.sk.
You can arrange your insurance online.
If you are unsure which type of insurance may be suitable for your situation, contact us:
When contacting us, you can include:
- ·your country of origin,
- ·age,
- ·planned type of residence,
- ·planned duration of stay,
- ·and basic information relevant to choosing an appropriate type of insurance.
We will be happy to help you understand your health insurance options.
