Insurance for entry into Albania: who needs it, application rules for different visa categories and where to buy it?

Planning a trip to Albania in 2025? Find out who needs medical insurance for entry, what requirements apply to tourists, students, refugees, and how to choose and apply for insurance online

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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Albania is a popular destination among tourists, students and freelancers from Ukraine due to its easy entry requirements, seaside location and affordable prices. But regardless of the purpose of the trip, an important aspect of the trip remains the availability of medical insurance - and not only for personal protection, but also to meet the requirements of border control.

In this article, we will understand who needs insurance to enter Albania in 2025, what rules apply to different categories of visas, and where it is most convenient to purchase a policy online.

Albania offers expats a high quality of life at reasonable prices. The local labor market is actively developing and is looking for foreign specialists. Read here where foreigners work in Albania, what conditions and what package of documents are required for moving.

Planning a trip to Italt? Make sure you have reliable insurance.

Who needs insurance to enter Albania?

According to the current legislation of Albania, the requirements for medical insurance for entering the country depend on the person’s citizenship and the purpose of their stay.

Albania is not part of the EU or the Schengen area, but requires health insurance in a number of cases - in particular, if you plan to stay in the country for a long time or enter for the purpose of studying, working or temporary asylum.

- Tourists from Ukraine (including visa-free)

Although Ukrainians do not need a visa for short-term trips of up to 90 days, health insurance is highly recommended. It will cover: treatment in case of accident or illness, calling an ambulance, transportation to a hospital or to Ukraine, assistance in case of loss of documents or luggage (extended policy).

Why is this important? The Albanian government does not officially require insurance for visa-free entry, but border guards may ask for it in case of suspected health problems or a longer stay. In addition, the cost of medical services in private clinics without a policy is very high.

Find out which places are worth visiting during your trip to Albania by following the link.

- Students, seasonal workers, freelancers

In case of long-term visas or temporary residence permits, health insurance is a mandatory document that is attached to the package when applying to the consulate or when registering with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Albania.

Read here how the education system in Albania is organized, what are the advantages of studying in the country, which universities are best for foreigners and how to apply for a student visa.

The policy must: cover the entire period of stay, contain clear information about the amount of coverage, include at least basic medical protection.

When Ukrainians need a visa to Albania and how to apply for it, read this article. The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Albania and citizenship is here.

- Refugees, displaced persons and persons seeking asylum

Holders of temporary protection in Albania have access to basic state medical care, but the volume and quality of these services have a number of limitations. The state provides:

1. Primary health care: consultation with a general practitioner, basic treatment in state clinics and hospitals.

2. Emergency care - in case of injuries, severe symptoms or life-threatening conditions (ambulance, hospitalization within the health care system).

3. Access to medicines is partially covered by the state (only medicines from the list approved by the Ministry of Health of Albania). The patient pays the cost of expensive medicines or specialized treatment independently.

4. Access to vaccinations - for children and adults within the framework of national programs.

Limitations and risks:

1. State insurance does not cover private clinics;

2. Specialized treatment, tests, surgeries, diagnostics often require additional payment;

3. Language barrier: service is usually in Albanian, English - only partially;

4. Long waiting times for an appointment with specialists in the state system are possible.

The state provides only basic medical protection. If you want high-quality, fast and comfortable medical care - especially for chronic diseases or traveling with children - it is worth taking care of an additional policy in advance.

Which car insurance policy to choose for entering Albania?

If you are planning a trip to Albania by car, you will definitely need a "Green Card". This international insurance policy confirms your civil liability in the event of an accident caused by your fault on the territory of Albania and covers damages to the victims.

Before traveling, make sure that your "Green Card" is valid for Albania and covers the entire period of your stay. If you do not have it or it is invalid, you will have to buy insurance directly at the border, which is usually more expensive and less convenient. It is better to take care of the "Green Card" in advance!

General requirements for insurance policies for short-term and long-term trips to Albania

In 2025, Albania is not part of the Schengen area, but is guided by European insurance standards when issuing visas, residence permits and when accepting third-country nationals. The requirements depend on the duration of the trip, the purpose of the visit and the status of the traveler.

- For short-term trips (up to 90 days)

Such trips most often cover tourists, transit travelers, short-term visitors without visas.

Policy requirements:

1. Minimum coverage amount: from 30,000 euros.

2. Territory coverage: the entire territory of Albania or all countries of the route

3. Mandatory risks: emergency medical care, hospitalization, transportation to Ukraine (repatriation).

4. Policy validity: fully covers the entire period of stay

5. Desirable: COVID-19 coverage, accident insurance, loss of luggage/documents (optional).

The policy must be issued by an accredited company and have a translation into English or Albanian (if necessary).

In recent years, Albania has been actively developing as a center for medical tourism. The country offers cosmetic and medical procedures that attract more and more people. Find out why foreign patients are attracted to medical tourism in Albania.

- For long-term trips (over 90 days, visas, GNP)

Required for: students, foreigners seeking employment, persons applying for a temporary/permanent residence permit.

Policy requirements:

1. Period of coverage: the entire period of stay according to the visa or permit

2. Minimum coverage: usually from 30,000 to 50,000 euros

3. Mandatory risks: medical expenses and treatment, hospitalization, repatriation

The policy must be recognized in Albania (recommended - international insurance companies or national policies issued through the consulate/online). Form: electronic or paper with a QR code, preferably with an apostille or seal. In Albanian or English.

For registration with the Albanian immigration services, the policy is submitted as one of the mandatory documents together with the application for a residence permit.

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What insurance for Albania can be issued?

It is best to issue medical insurance for a trip to Albania in advance, while still in Ukraine. This is not only convenient, but also helps to avoid additional costs and misunderstandings abroad. Here are some reasons why:

- Limited coverage of local policies

Insurance taken out in Albania is usually only valid within the country and does not cover travel to other countries. This can be a problem if you plan to travel in Europe.

- Higher cost

Local insurance policies are usually more expensive, especially if taken out by foreigners upon arrival.

- Language and bureaucratic barriers

Getting insurance locally can be complicated by language difficulties or specific terms and conditions of local insurance companies that are not always clear to newcomers.

Insurance policies on Visit Ukraine: comprehensive protection

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase medical or travel insurance policies that will provide you with reliable protection.

What are the advantages of a medical insurance policy on Visit Ukraine?

A standard medical policy covers basic medical cases, including:

– initial examination by a doctor and diagnostics.

– outpatient and inpatient treatment.

– emergency medical care and hospitalisation.

– compensation for the cost of prescribed medication.

– payment for transportation to the hospital.

– emergency dental care.

For maximum protection, choose an extended medical insurance package, which can additionally cover:

– vaccinations and emergency surgery.

– repatriation of the body in case of death.

The extended policy may also cover other travel risks:

– flight delays or cancellations.

– loss or damage to luggage.

– payment for emergency phone calls.

– compensation for damages in a traffic accident involving you.

Ensure your peace of mind and safety on every trip – choose medical insurance at Visit Ukraine!

What are the advantages of a travel insurance policy from Visit Ukraine?

A travel insurance policy provides financial protection in the following cases:

– payment for treatment (outpatient, inpatient) and emergency dental care;

– organisation and coverage of evacuation, transportation, and repatriation of the body or burial abroad;

– compensation for losses in case of cancellation or significant delay of a flight, as well as loss of luggage;

– provision of legal advice;

– financial protection in case of a traffic accident.

Ensure yourself a carefree trip – get travel insurance on Visit Ukraine today!

How much does insurance cost?

Medical insurance

Travel insurance

On the Visit Ukraine portal you can choose a policy for travelling to any country in the world!

Advantages of purchasing insurance on Visit Ukraine

Speed and simplicity: Instant calculation of the cost and easy online registration.

Advantageous and flexible: Optimal price-quality ratio, convenient payment methods.

Instant delivery: The policy is sent to your email immediately after payment.

Individual approach: Choose the coverage that suits your needs.

24/7 support: Our support team is always ready to help.

Take care of your peace of mind and safety – choose insurance from Visit Ukraine today!

Reminder! From June 1, 2025, the rules for health insurance for Ukrainians with temporary protection have changed in Austria. We have already told you how to now apply for insurance, what options are available, what you need to do to maintain access to medical services, and you will also get answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Photo: generated by Gemini