Often called the “Jerusalem of Europe,” Sarajevo is a culturally rich city, and the perfect example of a religious melting pot. From cathedrals to synagogues, every edifice here is a treat for the eyes.
Filled with bakeries, bars, and restaurants that promise a lavish experience, this historically significant city is definitely worth a visit.
Sarajevo Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Traveling to any foreign country sounds fun, and it is. You should look forward to your trip to Sarajevo. But, in order to have a secured trip, there are certain precautions you must take. One of these includes purchasing travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Sarajevo?
Yes, Bosnia-Herzegovina has mandated international travelers to purchase a travel medical insurance plan before stepping foot in the country.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Sarajevo?
Medical expenses can leave you in a horrible financial predicament. It is best to be prepared in a foreign country by purchasing travel medical insurance, lest an unfortunate situation land you in a hospital bed with a massive bill you cannot afford to pay.
Be on the safer side and buy travel medical insurance. It can help pay for your medical expenses is Sarajevo, where your domestic health insurance will not be accepted or sufficient.
Sarajevo Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Trip cancellations are disappointing, but they can also be financially draining. All of the money you’ve spent on prepaid bookings could go to waste if you do not protect your trip investment with trip cancellation insurance.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Sarajevo?
Think about what you have to spend money on ahead of time when booking an international trip: Flights, hotels, tours, possibly a rental car, etc. These advanced bookings are usually nonrefundable. This means that if you have to cancel your trip, you would lose out on both your travel plans, and your travel payments.
Don’t think there’s any chance of you cancelling your trip? Neither do most travelers. But think about the last time you got sick or injured. It likely happened with no advanced warning, and caused you to miss out on work, family events, etc.
Now imagine if that same illness or injury happened before your trip to Sarajevo, or imagine if a natural disaster or global health concern forced to you to cancel your trip. In any of these cases, you would be glad to have trip cancellation insurance. It can help reimburse you for your nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs, so long as the cancellation is due to a covered reason.
Need to cancel for a reason that isn’t covered? You can recoup a portion of your expenses in qualifying situations with cancel for any reason insurance.
What all can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Sarajevo?
It depends on your plan. But a more comprehensive travel insurance plan will include:
- Trip cancellation coverage
- Travel delay coverage
- Trip interruption coverage
- Emergency medical coverage
- Coverage for lost or delayed luggage
Before your trip, it is crucial to buy travel insurance. Venture abroad with your money secure and fewer worries on your mind.
Things to Do for Travelers in Sarajevo
Baščaršija
Sarajevo’s historic core, the Baščaršija, is an old market street full of small shops and cozy cafés. You’ll find several historic buildings here that blend Eastern and Western styles of architecture. A great area to stroll and explore, Baščaršija is definitely worth a visit.
Don’t forget to visit the iconic wooden fountain, Sebilj, in the center of Baščaršija square.
Sarajevo War Tunnel
Built during the siege of Sarajevo, this tunnel is one of the most important historical landmarks of the city. Initially, the tunnel was used to transfer supplies into the city, but it has now been converted into a museum, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
From footage of the tunnel being built to relics from the war, this tunnel has a lot of interesting things for tourists to see.
Trebević
Take a break from the busy Sarajevo streets and visit this tranquil mountain located southeast of Sarajevo. Apart from a lot of hiking trails, the mountain also offers a splendid view of the city. You can have an adventure roaming the mountain, or simply sit back and relax. Whatever you decide to do, an excursion to this mountain is definitely worth it.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
This is the largest, and arguably the most beautiful mosque in Sarajevo. It’s the center for the Islamic community in the city.
Visit for its exquisite Ottoman architecture, its intricate Islamic designs, and gorgeous courtyard with a fountain.
Vrelo Bosne
Vrelo Bosne is a public park featuring lush trees and numerous springs, and it provides the perfect natural retreat for tourists and citizens alike.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the River Bosna, and take in the beautiful landscape of the foothills of Mount Igman. If you want to explore Sarajevo completely, this park should definitely be on your list.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Sarajevo
Petty crime
Like all cities, Sarajevo is susceptible to mild crime, such as theft. You can take a few precautions to make sure that you are not a victim:
- Never leave a rented car in unattended parking
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded places such as Old Town, and carry a slash-proof purse
Pollution
The air in Sarajevo is heavily polluted: smog is a common thing here.
As a tourist, you won’t have to stay here long, but taking an N-95 mask along with you is wise. Patients with asthma should especially make sure of this.
Landmines
If you’re planning on exploring the uncharted terrain of Sarajevo — don’t.
Sarajevo is filled with unexploded bombs and explosive remnants of war. Landmines are common in Bosnia, with estimates suggesting that 80,000 landmines remain in the country. Stick to trails while hiking, or better yet, get a guide.
Diseases
Official U.S. government health recommendations for traveling suggest that apart from routine vaccinations, travelers should also get vaccinations against the following before visiting Bosnia-Herzegovina:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Rabies
- COVID-19
Overcharging taxi drivers
As a foreigner, beware of taxi drivers overcharging you. Either drive your own rented car, or insist on paying only according to the taxi meter provided. Anything else, and you can be sure that drivers will be asking for much more than what they deserve.
Before You Travel to Sarajevo - Do This
Be prepared for pickpockets
Invest in purchases such as a slash-proof bag or an RFID wallet will help you avoid pickpockets.
Vaccinations
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. As the saying goes: “Prevention is better than cure.”
Buy insurance
When you can neither prevent nor cure, the best thing to do is to be prepared. So, buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance and be prepared for any difficulties that traveling might throw at you.