Croatia

Before heading out to Croatia, make sure you’ve got suitable travel and medical insurance in place. Policies can differ between providers, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s covered — don’t just pick the cheapest option. Even a small accident or illness can end up being costly without the right protection.

While it’s not a replacement for insurance, UK residents should carry a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This allows you access to state healthcare in Croatia at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free. If you still have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can continue using it until it expires. You can find more details or apply for a GHIC at www.gov.uk.

If you fall ill while in Croatia, there are plenty of options for medical care. For minor issues, pharmacies (ljekarna) are easy to find and the staff are knowledgeable. For more serious concerns, there are several private medical centres and clinics in popular destinations like Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik — for example, KBC Split Hospital or Medico Polyclinic in Split. Many offer English-speaking doctors, but they often operate privately, so having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.

You will need an additional 6 months validity on your passport from the end date of your holiday. Plus your passport must not be more than 10 years old. For more info please visit the following government advice Visit Europe from 1 January 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

If you need police assistance while in Split, there is a local police station (Policija) located in the city centre. For non-emergency issues or to report a minor crime, you can contact the Split police station at +385 21 339 500.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, which is the general emergency number used across Croatia for police, ambulance, and fire services.

Many hotels in Split have their own security staff, so if you experience any issues in or around your accommodation, it’s a good idea to speak to hotel security first. They can often assist quickly or help you get in touch with local authorities if needed.

You’ll find plenty of ATMs around Split, especially near Bačvice Beach, the Old Town, and city centre hotspots. Before using them, check with your bank to see what fees they charge for international withdrawals, as most ATMs in Croatia may apply a transaction fee on top of your bank’s charges.

Many clubs, bars, and restaurants in Split accept card payments, but not all — especially smaller venues or beach bars. It’s a good idea to carry a mix of cash (Croatian kuna or euros in some tourist areas) and card to stay prepared.

Prepaid travel cards are also a smart option — you can load them with euros or kuna before your trip, helping you budget and avoid overspending. Plus, they’re safer than carrying lots of cash.

Online banks and travel-friendly cards like Revolut, Monzo, and Wise work well for holidays in Croatia. Many allow you to spend abroad with little to no fees and withdraw a limited amount of cash for free. Some of our reps use them too — check out which one suits your needs best!