Travel insurance Albania
Travel insurance is mandatory for entry into Albania. Border authorities may check that you have a policy with minimum coverage of €30,000.
However, it is not enough to simply buy travel insurance for Albania — it is important to choose it correctly. The cheapest policy may not cover situations common during a trip to Albania, such as doctor visits for stomach issues, injuries during mountain hiking, or severe sunburn.
Travel Insurance Requirements for Entry into Albania
To enter Albania with a tourist visa or residence permit, you need medical insurance that meets official requirements. The key criteria are outlined in the table below.
| Parameter | Requirements | Purpose |
| Minimum coverage amount | At least €30,000. Some long-term visas may require up to €50,000 | This amount should be sufficient for serious medical treatment, including surgery and long-term hospitalization |
| Basic medical coverage | Emergency medical care and hospitalization | Covers emergency doctor visits, tests, and hospital stays |
| Repatriation | Medical transportation to the country of residence | The insurance company arranges and pays for transportation home if medical evacuation is required |
| Policy validity period | Must fully cover the entire stay in Albania | If you travel for 10 days, the policy must cover 10 days, with the end date matching your departure |
| Language and format | Preferably in English or Albanian; electronic or paper format with a QR code | Simplifies interaction with doctors or border officials if needed |
Travel insurance is most often a required document when applying for a visa or residence permit. For visa-free entry, insurance may not always be checked at the border, but it is strongly recommended for your financial protection.
Which Travel Insurance to Buy for Albania
In addition to mandatory coverage, consider extra options for a comfortable trip:
- COVID-19 and accident coverage — often included as add-ons and very useful.
- Dental treatment — usually covered only in cases of acute pain.
- Active leisure coverage — required if you plan hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities; often requires a separate option.
- Baggage and third-party liability insurance — protect against unexpected additional expenses.
In rural areas of Albania, emergency medical services may be less accessible. If you plan trekking, rafting, or other outdoor activities far from major cities, it is advisable to choose insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
How to Choose the Right Insurance for Albania
When selecting a policy, first ensure it meets the minimum requirements. Pay close attention to exclusions — standard policies usually do not cover chronic illnesses, injuries related to alcohol intoxication, or accidents during extreme sports or active leisure without a special add-on.
Many travel insurance policies also offer non-medical options that protect against common travel risks:
- Baggage insurance — covers delay, theft, or damage; useful for connecting flights or expensive equipment.
- Flight delay or cancellation insurance — compensates additional expenses for food and accommodation or refunds canceled trips for valid reasons.
- Third-party liability insurance — protects your finances if you accidentally cause damage to property or injury to others.
These options are usually inexpensive and often bundled together. They are worth considering if you are traveling with valuable belongings, booking expensive non-refundable tickets or hotels, or simply want peace of mind.
How to Use Travel Insurance in Albania
Before traveling, save the 24/7 assistance hotline number and your insurance company’s contact details on your phone. These are listed in the policy or insurance certificate. Download the electronic policy or take a screenshot so it is accessible offline, or carry a printed copy.
In case of an incident, except in life-threatening emergencies, contact the assistance service first. They will direct you to a clinic, arrange payment, and provide instructions. If you had to pay out of pocket (for example, for medication), keep the original receipts — compensation is impossible without them.
After receiving medical assistance, prepare the following documents for your claim:
- Completed insurance claim form (usually available on the insurer’s website).
- Copies of your passport and insurance policy.
- Original medical reports, prescriptions, discharge summaries with diagnosis and service costs (in English or with translation).
- Original payment receipts.
- For traffic accidents — a police report.
- For baggage claims — a certificate from the airline.
The key rules: do not visit a doctor without contacting assistance if time allows, keep all documents and receipts, and respect claim submission deadlines — usually 30–45 days from the incident date.
How and Where to Buy Travel Insurance for Albania
Buying travel insurance for Albania is simple and best done online. This allows you to compare policies calmly, select the right options, and receive your policy instantly.
The process takes just a few steps:
- Compare offers. Enter travel dates, number of travelers, and their ages.
- Choose options. Ensure medical coverage starts from €30,000 and select needed risks such as “Active Leisure” or “Baggage and Trip Cancellation.”
- Review the terms carefully. Check coverage limits and exclusions related to alcohol, chronic conditions, and driving without a license.
- Pay and receive your policy. After payment, the PDF policy will be emailed within minutes. Save it on your smartphone and screenshot the page with the policy number and emergency contacts. You may also print a paper copy if desired.
Take care of your insurance in advance so your holiday in Albania remains stress-free. With the right policy, you can focus fully on new experiences, knowing you are well protected.