Page 271 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  269

Travel and Health
Insurance
Foreign tourists do not pay for
emergency medical services if
the Health Care Convention has
been signed between Croatia
and the country they come
from. This is the case for all
countries in the European
Union including the UK, Ireland
and Italy, and all EU citizens
should carry a European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC), available
from the UK Department of
Health or from a main post
office. If you come from a
country that has not signed the
People sunbathing on a Dalmatian beach Convention, you must pay for
health services according to a
it is easy to find all the more On the beaches and near standardized price list.
common over-the-counter the coast, the most common It is, however, advisable to take
medicines in pharmacies problem is probably irritating out an insurance policy to cover
without too much difficulty, it insect bites, particularly from medical assistance. The policy
is best to carry an adequate mosquitoes, and it is a good should also include repatriation
supply of any prescription idea to take some anti- by air-ambulance, as well as the
medicines you may need. histamine cream and insect refunding of any medical
Some medicines are not repellent with you. expenses that are necessary.
known by the commercial Tick-borne diseases can be All visitors have a right to
names given to them in their a problem in rural areas in late emergency medical assistance,
country of origin, but by the spring and throughout the but certain medical services
active ingredients contained in summer. Anyone spending a must be paid for.
them. This may cause difficulty lot of time outdoors should take Activities such as diving, rock
for a pharmacist trying to precautions, such as wearing climbing and in some cases,
comply with the request of a long-sleeved tops and using even hiking or motorcycling, are
foreign visitor. In any event, it insect repellent. Seek medical often not included in travel
is useful if you can produce a advice if bitten. insurance cover, as they are
legible prescription written by For hikers and climbers regarded as dangerous activities.
your own doctor as proof that venturing inland, there is the Check the insurance policy
you are authorized to take a possibility of encountering details; it may be necessary to
particular medicine. snakes, so take the appropriate pay a surcharge to cover these
Pharmacies are usually open serum with you if you are kinds of sports.
all day (8am to 8pm) or in the planning such a trip. How ever,
morning or afternoon, most minor ailments and DIRECTORY
depending on the day. disturbances can usually be
avoided with a little care and Emergency Services
common sense.
Minor Hazards Boat travel is a common Ambulance
Most of the problems that means of transport for Tel 194.
visitors suffer from in Croatia connections between the Breakdown Service
are those common to tourists coastal towns and cities (Automobile Club)
anywhere else. and obviously the only means Tel 1987 ∑ hak.hr.
To prevent sunstroke, you of getting to virtually all Fire
should drink lots of liquids and the islands. Unfortunately Tel 193.
avoid strenuous sports or many people suffer from
activities at the hottest time seasickness and people who General Emergency
of the day. Make sure to use are susceptible should take Tel 112.
sunscreen creams with a high some kind of travel sickness pill Information
sun protection factor. before embarking on a sea Tel 18981.
A change in diet can cause journey. It is advisable to keep
stomach upsets, which are to the central areas of the boat Police
often a nuisance but can where any pitching and rolling Tel 192.
usually be treated quickly. is felt less, and to go on deck Rescue at Sea
In Croatia there is no risk of where fresh air and a visible Tel 195.
dysentery or similar illnesses. horizon may help.

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