To contact the emergency services in Slovakia, dial 112.  In addition to 112, the following emergency numbers are available:

• 150 - fire and rescue,
• 155 - emergency medical service,
• 158 - police.

It is possible to call 112 from a mobile phone even without a SIM card.

Making a police report

You can make a police report in person at a Police Station.  The police may be contacted by the victim of a crime or someone on the victim’s behalf. The police will arrange for an interpreter and medical assistance if needed. It is important to note that English language interpreters are not always available at short notice and therefore you may have to wait for one to arrive.  If possible, it is advisable to bring a Slovak-speaking person with you.

Lost/Stolen passport?

If your passport is lost or stolen, you should contact the Embassy of Ireland at +421 232338700.  You will need to make a police report in person at a Police Station (see above).  You should bring the police report together with proof of identity and two passport photographs to the Embassy of Ireland. 

European Health Insurance Card and Travel Insurance

We advise you to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you travel to the Slovak Republic. This card replaces the E111 form and entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Slovak nationals.

The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and doesn’t cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. You can apply for an EHIC online at www.ehic.ie.

It is essential to acquire comprehensive travel insurance before travelling to the Slovak Republic. Your travel insurance policy should cover the entire period you are abroad until you arrive home. Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy; most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

Your policy should at the very minimum cover the following:

• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad, including medical evacuation/repatriation
• 24 hour emergency service and assistance
• personal liability cover (in case you are sued for causing injury or damaging property)
• lost and stolen possessions cover
• cancellation and curtailment cover
• cover for activities that are often excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing)

Death Abroad

If a member of your family dies while abroad, the Irish Embassy will provide all possible assistance in dealing with the formalities that arise in these situations.

The Embassy can:

• Arrange to have the next of kin of the deceased informed by the Garda Síochána
• Assist relatives to appoint a local undertaker
• Assist with procuring documents such as death certificates or medical or police reports
• Assist relatives to communicate with the Police and other authorities

However, the Embassy does not:

• Investigate the circumstances of the death
• Pay expenses relating to local burial or cremation
• Pay the cost of repatriating the remains
• Pay for relatives to travel to where the death occurred or to accompany the remains to Ireland

If the deceased was covered by travel insurance, it is important for next of kin to contact the insurance company without delay. If there is no insurance cover, the cost of repatriation or burial will have to be met by relatives or next of kin.

Families should be aware that the time required to repatriate remains to Ireland varies depending on the circumstances of a death. A minimum of a week is necessary in Slovakia. However, there may be circumstances in which repatriation can be delayed for longer.

Medical emergencies/illness/Hospitalisation

In a medical emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance or go to the nearest public hospital. You or your friends/family can contact the Embassy if you need help in dealing with the situation.

The Embassy can:

• Offer general advice on local medical services
• Assist in liaising with doctors or hospitals
• Arrange interpretation if necessary
• Advise relatives or friends about accidents or illnesses
• Assist in arranging repatriation to Ireland

It is important to stress that the Embassy does not have funds to pay hospital bills or meet other medical expenses on your behalf.

Also, the Embassy does not:

• Provide medical advice
• Pursue insurance companies about payment of or refund of the cost of medical treatment
• Pursue claims for compensation relating to negligence, injury or any other matter
• Pay for visits by relatives

Please be aware that a medical evacuation to Ireland from Slovakia can cost upwards of €20,000. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential in order to protect yourself in the event of a serious medical emergency requiring medical repatriation to Ireland.