Though it was the scene of internal strife during the 1990s, Serbia and its capital, Belgrade, retain much of the charm that it has always been famous for. The nation has recovered economically and is poised to become a sought-after travel destination for tourists looking for unique experiences.
From the winding Danube and picturesque fortresses on its shores to wetland habitats for birds to rolling green pastures, the nation offers many enchanting attractions. But before you leave, make sure to purchase Serbia travel insurance or Serbia travel medical insurance to keep yourself covered against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries that might occur.
Serbia Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
The locals are friendly, but diseases such as hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, and dengue are not. Serbia is not yet known for a robust and free public healthcare system, as in Germany and Belgium. To receive adequate treatment, you would have to rely on private medical care and possibly even resort to repatriation to a neighboring European country. This degree of treatment would be horrifyingly expensive unless you have a good travel medical insurance plan as a safety net.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Serbia?
Serbia requires that international travelers staying in the country for more than 90 days within a 180-day period purchase travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay. However, the unexpected takes only a moment to occur, so it is highly recommended that you purchase travel medical insurance to keep you covered during any vacation for any length of time.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Serbia?
Your vacation plans of carefree partying and hikes through picturesque scenery can turn into a nightmare if you get injured or fall ill. A fall when you are hiking or mountain biking could require hospitalization and intensive care. Such medical treatment is costly in private facilities, and every traveler must make sure they have adequate coverage. Plan ahead and buy travel medical insurance as you’re planning your vacation. Make sure your policy is sufficient for your needs and includes coverage for any pre-existing ailments.
Serbia Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Having to cancel an anticipated vacation is an unfortunate fact of life. Be it due to bad weather or illness of a close relative, you might have to give up your plans just a few hours before your scheduled departure. It’s frustrating to be sure, but beyond that, it’s a distinct financial loss. Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage will help you recoup some of these prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a reason explicitly listed in your policy’s certificate wording.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Serbia?
Airline tickets and hotels must, of course, be booked in advance. So will tours, if you are using the services of a tour operator. Serbia travel insurance will not be able to eliminate the misfortune of having to stay home, but it can at least compensate you financially.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Serbia?
If you have to cancel your trip due to circumstances like poor health or death in the family, you will receive compensation. The same applies to inclement weather, unavoidable circumstances, and unsafe scenarios that make travel impossible (such as riots or acts of terrorism at your destination). Always remember to buy travel insurance to mitigate financial loss. And, again, be sure to read your certificate wording to make sure your reason for cancellation is covered.
Things to Do in Serbia
Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Serbia is part of the melting pot where the East and West meet. Serbia has a unique identity that is neither European nor Middle Eastern. This crucible of history has a lot to offer to tourists.
Dance away the night on splavs: Splavs, or floating nightclubs, have helped Belgrade earn its reputation for a thriving nightlife. Splavs are barges that have been converted into dance floors, and the throbbing music and cool river breeze create an experience that you won't forget anytime soon.
Fruška Gora National Park: Located in the providence of Vojvodina, a short distance away from the town of Novi Sad, the park earns its name from the Fruška Gora mountains. If the nightlife in Belgrade gets too overwhelming, the refreshing mountain air would surely rejuvenate your spirits. For nature enthusiasts, there are several hiking trails that wind between and among the slopes and villages.
Serbian Monasteries: Serbia is famous for medieval monasteries that belong to the Orthodox faith. If you are a history buff, you could visit a few of the better-known of them, such as Vrdnik and Petkovica. Massive stone walls and intricate stained-glass windows take you back hundreds of years to the time of medieval knights.
Walking tour of Belgrade: Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Belgrade has witnessed tremendous turmoil not just in the 1990s but for centuries. Its eventful past has given the city a raw charisma. The major sights include the Belgrade Fortress, which towers over the city, and Skardarlija, a quaint Boho street similar to Montmartre in Right Bank of Paris, France.
Novi Sad Music Festival: Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia, is famous for the annual EXIT music festival. The Petrovaradin Fortress turns into a concert arena as a crowd of 150,000 descends to take in music from every genre.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Serbia
Travel is fraught with danger. Of course, the incidents are few and far between, but some kind of unexpected mishap is always a possibility. A sudden illness could strike, leaving you helpless in a foreign land where you don't understand the language or customs. Though Serbia is mostly safe, travel there is not without its risks.
- The incidence of Hepatitis A is high in Serbia. Though it can be cured with short hospital stay and extended period of recuperation, the disease is quite debilitating, and you could take years to regain a healthy liver. The Hepatitis A vaccine is quite effective at controlling its onset.
- Drinking and dancing the night away on splavs is fun but not entirely incident-free. One small misstep, and you could end up in the Danube River while intoxicated – not an ideal situation by any means. Ensure that the splav you visit is sturdy, well-maintained, and has proper safeguards to rescue passengers from drowning.
- Most of Central Europe is a hotbed of criminal activity. Both organized crime (such as smuggling) and local crime (such as theft) is a fact of life the Serbians live with. While organized crime does not affect tourists, it is nevertheless a factor to keep in mind. Keep to safe areas with large crowds, and do not engage with strangers offering fantastic deals on cameras and similar items.
- Summer evenings in Serbia can turn deadly with hailstones the size of pebbles raining down. The winter weather is also severe at times when cold winds blow in from the north.
- Beware of local tourist guides who approach you and offer to take you to faraway exotic castles and monasteries. If you aren’t familiar with the area, it is better to stay on the beaten track and visit well-established tourist attractions.
Before You Travel to the Pitcairn Islands - Do These
Visiting Serbia can be the experience of a lifetime, but you must never forget these tips:
- Maintain your passport, visa, and hotel receipts in a separate folder that is always with you.
- At all times, exercise caution. An abundance of enthusiasm could result in a terrible scenario.
- Beware of your risks, and buy sufficient insurance coverage to mitigate any cost without any financial burden.