Health & insurance¶
Student health & wellbeing¶
UPJŠ students can use university support services, including counselling and support services listed on official student support pages. LF UPJŠ also links to student support resources such as study advisors and university counselling services.
Emergency numbers in Slovakia:
| Situation | Number |
|---|---|
| General emergency | 112 |
| Ambulance | 155 |
| Police | 158 |
| Firefighters | 150 |
Health insurance in Slovakia¶
Health insurance is very important during your studies in Slovakia. The type of insurance you need depends mainly on whether you are from an EU/EEA country or from a non-EU country.
Slovakia has two main types of health insurance:
- Public health insurance — used by people who meet Slovak public insurance conditions.
- Private / commercial health insurance — used by people who are not covered by Slovak public health insurance or who need additional coverage.
The range and price of healthcare you can receive in Slovakia may depend on the type of your insurance.
🇪🇺 EU / EEA / Swiss students¶
If you are from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland and you are publicly insured in your home country, you should bring your European Health Insurance Card — EHIC.
The EHIC can help you access necessary healthcare in Slovakia under EU/EEA rules. It is usually used for medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay.
What you should bring
- valid passport or national ID,
- European Health Insurance Card — EHIC,
- proof of additional private/travel insurance if you have one,
- emergency contact details,
- list of important medicines or diagnoses if relevant.
Important limitations
EHIC is not the same as full private travel insurance. It may not cover everything, for example:
- private clinics,
- repatriation to your home country,
- some dental care,
- non-urgent planned treatment,
- some medicines or extra fees.
Student tip
Before travelling to Slovakia, contact your health insurance provider in your home country and ask whether your EHIC is valid for long-term study in Slovakia. If you do not have EHIC, ask for a temporary replacement certificate.
🌍 Non-EU students¶
If you are from a non-EU country, you usually need valid health insurance for your stay in Slovakia.
Depending on your situation, you may need:
- private / commercial health insurance,
- health insurance accepted for visa/residence purposes,
- proof of health insurance for the Foreign Police,
- medical report after receiving residence, if required in your case.
A non-EU student applying for temporary residence in Slovakia should follow the current Foreign Police / residence permit instructions. IOM states that a foreign national must conclude health insurance within 3 working days of collecting the residence card and submit confirmation of health insurance to the Foreign Police within 30 days of collecting the residence card. However, IOM also notes exceptions for some categories, including temporary residence for the purpose of study, so always check your exact case and current Foreign Police instructions.
What you should prepare
- passport,
- visa or residence permit documents,
- health insurance confirmation,
- insurance contract or certificate in English/Slovak if available,
- emergency phone number of your insurance company,
- information about what your insurance covers,
- proof of payment if required by the insurance company.
What your insurance should ideally cover
- urgent medical care,
- hospital treatment,
- outpatient doctor visits,
- emergency care,
- medicines at least partly,
- accidents,
- repatriation if possible,
- coverage valid in Slovakia,
- coverage for the full required period of stay.
Student tip
Do not buy the cheapest insurance without checking the coverage. Some insurance products are only for visa purposes and may not be practical for real medical situations.
How to use healthcare in Slovakia¶
In an emergency¶
Call:
| Situation | Number |
|---|---|
| General emergency | 112 |
| Ambulance | 155 |
| Police | 158 |
| Firefighters | 150 |
For non-emergency health problems¶
- Contact a general practitioner or clinic.
- Ask whether they accept your insurance.
- Bring your ID/passport and insurance card/certificate.
- If you pay directly, keep the receipt and medical report.
- Contact your insurance company for reimbursement rules.
If you are not sure where to go¶
Ask:
- your faculty Study Department,
- Study in Slovakia team,
- your insurance company,
- dormitory reception if you live in dorms,
- local emergency line if the situation is urgent.
✅ Health insurance checklist¶
Before arrival:
- I know whether I am EU/EEA/Swiss or non-EU for insurance purposes.
- I have EHIC or private/commercial insurance.
- My insurance is valid in Slovakia.
- I know what my insurance covers.
- I saved the emergency number of my insurance company.
- I have a digital and printed copy of my insurance confirmation.
After arrival:
- I saved emergency numbers: 112 and 155.
- I know where the nearest hospital/clinic is.
- I know whether I need to submit insurance confirmation to the Foreign Police.
- I keep all receipts from doctors/pharmacies if I pay directly.
- I check my university email for health-related instructions.
Important note
This guide does not replace official legal, Foreign Police or insurance company instructions. Health insurance rules may depend on your nationality, residence type, age, study type, scholarship, employment status and insurance provider. Always check your individual situation before arrival.