Basic information for visitors on health care, emergency assistance, health insurance, medicines, drinking water and protection against ticks.
Health care and emergency assistance
Health services in Slovenia are provided by health centres, hospitals, emergency centres, private providers under contract with the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia and other authorised providers. The opening hours of surgeries, health centres and pharmacies are not uniform, so check them with the chosen provider before your visit.
Emergencies
For emergency medical assistance call 112. Tell the operator who is calling, what has happened, where you are, how many people need help and what the injuries or problems are. Important: the number 112 is intended for emergencies. For non-urgent health problems, contact a doctor, the local health centre or a pharmacy.
Pharmacies and medicines
Visitors from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
With a valid European Health Insurance Card you can, during a temporary stay in Slovenia, claim emergency or medically necessary services within the public health network and from private providers under contract with the ZZZS. The services are provided under the conditions that apply to insured persons in Slovenia.
Additional travel insurance
The European card does not replace travel insurance and as a rule does not cover private treatment, transport home, rescue or all possible surcharges. Before travelling it therefore makes sense to take out appropriate insurance for treatment, accidents and transport home.
Visitors from other countries
Your entitlements depend on the country of insurance, any bilateral agreement and your insurance policy. Before departure check your cover with your health insurance provider or insurance company. Do not rely on your passport or national health card alone.
Vaccinations, medicines and preparing for the trip
Health recommendations may change depending on the epidemiological situation, the country of arrival, the season and your state of health. Before travelling check whether you have had your routine vaccinations, and in the case of chronic illness, pregnancy or particular risks consult a doctor.
Medicines you take regularly
- Take enough medication for the whole trip plus a small margin.
- Keep medicines in their original packaging.
- For prescription medicines, carry the prescription or a doctor's certificate.
- For medicines containing controlled substances, check the special rules before travelling.
Drinking water and food safety
The quality of drinking water from public water supply systems in Slovenia is tracked by official monitoring. Under normal conditions tap water is as a rule fit to drink, but always observe any local notices about boiling the water or temporarily restricting its use. Catering establishments must comply with food safety regulations. Even so, use common sense: tell staff about any allergies, store perishable food properly and do not eat food that has been exposed to heat for a long time.
Protection against ticks and mosquitoes
Slovenia is among the areas where tick-borne diseases are present, above all Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne meningoencephalitis. On outings into forests, meadows and other overgrown areas use a repellent, wear long, light-coloured clothing and after returning thoroughly examine your skin and clothes.
After a tick bite
- Remove the tick carefully as soon as possible with pointed tweezers.
- Clean the bite site and monitor it over the following weeks.
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In the event of spreading redness, fever, severe headache, feeling unwell or
other unusual symptoms, consult a doctor.
Tip: vaccination is available against tick-borne encephalitis, but not against Lyme borreliosis. It is advisable to discuss vaccination before a longer or frequent stay in nature.
In the warmer months, mosquitoes can be a nuisance near water and in damp areas. Suitable clothing, repellents and insect nets help.
Check before you leave
- the validity of your health and travel insurance,
- your supply of regular medication and the necessary certificates,
- the insurer's contact details,
- the current health recommendations for the period of travel,
- the location of the nearest health centre or emergency department.
