Public or commercial health insurance?

Slovakia has two main types of health insurance:

public health insurance and commercial health insurance.

It is important to understand that these are not always two alternatives you can freely choose between.

Public health insurance comes first.

If you meet the legal conditions for entering the Slovak public health insurance system, you should generally be insured within that system.

Commercial health insurance is intended mainly for foreigners who do not meet the conditions for public health insurance.

Depending on the legal conditions, public health insurance may apply, for example, to:

·foreigners with permanent residence in Slovakia,
·people employed in Slovakia,
·self-employed persons,
·certain children of publicly insured parents,
·certain international students,
·other persons defined by law.

The correct answer always depends on your individual circumstances.

Who may need commercial health insurance?

Commercial health insurance is mainly intended for foreigners who are not publicly insured in Slovakia.

This may include people coming to Slovakia:

·for family reunification,
·for study,
·for a shorter or longer stay,
·as tourists or visitors,
·after being posted by a foreign employer,
·while arranging residence,
·while waiting to meet the conditions for public health insurance.

Commercial insurance may sometimes be a temporary solution. If your situation changes later, for example because you start working or become self-employed and enter the public health insurance system, your insurance situation should be reviewed.

Why is health insurance important for residence in Slovakia?

Every foreigner from outside the EU who is granted residence in Slovakia must take out health insurance no later than 3 working days after collecting the residence document, and must be able to prove at a residence check that they have health insurance or insured coverage of medical expenses in Slovakia. For some types of residence, proof of insurance must also be handed to the police within 30 days of collecting the residence document, or enclosed with an application to renew the residence.

It is therefore important to:

·choose the correct type of insurance,
·arrange it for an appropriate period,
·enter your personal details correctly,
·complete the process in time,
·keep your insurance documents.

If you need health insurance in connection with your residence in Slovakia, do not leave it until the last minute.

At klido.sk, you can read more about the insurance, compare your options and arrange your insurance online.

SAFETY or SIMPLE: which one should you choose?

Foreigners in Slovakia can choose between two types of commercial health insurance: SAFETY and SIMPLE.

The main difference is the scope of healthcare coverage.

SAFETY

SAFETY is a more comprehensive health insurance option.

It is particularly suitable for people who:

·plan to stay in Slovakia for a longer period,
·need broader healthcare coverage,
·want coverage beyond sudden and acute medical problems,
·want dispensary care (regular monitoring) for a condition that arises during the insurance,
·need preventive check-ups (with a policy of at least 6 months) or follow-up examinations within the scope of the insurance.

Depending on the selected option and applicable conditions, SAFETY may include:

·outpatient healthcare,
·hospital care,
·medicines prescribed by a doctor,
·acute dental treatment,
·emergency and ambulance services,
·follow-up examinations,
·dispensary care (regular monitoring) for conditions that arise during the insurance,
·rehabilitation,
·preventive check-ups (with a policy of at least 6 months),
·the examination that confirms a pregnancy,
·repatriation.

Good to know: illnesses that began before the insurance started (pre-existing conditions) are not covered. Pregnancy and childbirth are also excluded unless specially agreed. A pre-existing chronic condition or childbirth can be covered only if Union, after assessing your health questionnaire, accepts you into a special type of insurance.

SIMPLE

SIMPLE is a more basic solution mainly designed for acute and emergency medical situations.

It is particularly suitable for people who:

·plan a shorter stay in Slovakia,
·need basic protection in case of sudden illness or accident,
·do not need dispensary care or preventive check-ups,
·are under 60 and want to arrange insurance without a health questionnaire.

SIMPLE may include:

·outpatient treatment for acute medical problems,
·hospital care,
·emergency treatment,
·medicines prescribed in connection with a covered event,
·acute dental treatment,
·medical transport,
·repatriation.

A simple rule: SAFETY or SIMPLE?

In simple terms:

Are you planning a longer stay and looking for broader healthcare coverage? SAFETY will probably be the more suitable option.

Are you coming for a shorter period and mainly need basic protection for sudden and acute situations? SIMPLE may be suitable.

The correct choice always depends on your individual situation, health condition, purpose of stay and planned length of stay.

What can health insurance for foreigners cover?

The exact scope of coverage depends on the selected product and the insurance terms.

In general, health insurance for foreigners may include:

·doctor visits,
·outpatient examinations and treatment,
·hospitalisation,
·diagnostic examinations,
·medicines prescribed by a doctor,
·acute dental treatment,
·emergency care,
·ambulance services,
·medical transport,
·patient repatriation.

More comprehensive insurance may also include:

·follow-up examinations,
·dispensary care (regular monitoring) for conditions that arise during the insurance,
·rehabilitation,
·preventive check-ups,
·the examination that confirms a pregnancy.

No insurance automatically covers every health problem or every medical expense.

Before arranging insurance, check whether the product matches:

·your health condition,
·the purpose of your stay,
·the length of your stay,
·your work or sporting activities,
·pregnancy, where relevant,
·your expectations regarding healthcare coverage.

What should you do if you need a doctor in Slovakia?

If you are insured and need medical care, first check the procedure that applies to your insurance.

When visiting a doctor, you may need:

·your insurance card,
·an identity document.

When using a contracted healthcare provider, treatment without upfront payment may be possible depending on the insurance and the particular situation.

If you pay for treatment yourself, always ask for:

·a medical report stating the diagnosis,
·proof of payment,
·a detailed breakdown of the medical procedures,
·prescriptions,
·proof of payment for medicines or medical aids.

These documents may be necessary when requesting reimbursement.

Does the insurance also cover Schengen countries?

Certain health insurance products for foreigners are valid not only in Slovakia but also in countries within the Schengen Area.

However, the scope of coverage may not be the same as in Slovakia.

In Schengen countries, coverage generally focuses on emergency healthcare required due to an accident or acute illness.

If you plan to travel frequently outside Slovakia, always check:

·the countries where the insurance is valid,
·the type of healthcare covered,
·applicable limits and conditions.

Checklist before arranging your insurance

Before choosing insurance, ask yourself:

·
Why am I coming to Slovakia? For work, study, family, business or another reason?
·
How long do I plan to stay? A few weeks, months or years?
·
Do I have or will I have access to public health insurance?
·
Do I need proof of insurance in connection with my residence?
·
Do I have a chronic condition or another existing medical issue?
·
Do I need comprehensive healthcare coverage or mainly protection for acute situations?
·
Will I be working, doing sports or travelling frequently?

The answers will help you select insurance that matches your real situation.

Ready to arrange your health insurance?

Visit klido.sk to read more, compare your options and arrange your health insurance online.

Not sure which option is suitable for you?

Tell us:

·your nationality,
·the purpose of your stay,
·your planned length of stay,
·whether you will work or be self-employed,
·and whether you need insurance in connection with residence formalities.

We will help you understand your options and choose a suitable solution.