Do you need travel insurance to Serbia?

Russian citizens do not need a visa for trips to Serbia of up to 30 days. In summer 2026 the Serbian authorities stated that the visa-free regime would remain. However, the issue is still being discussed: the European Union requires Serbia to align its visa policy with the EU one. So check the current entry rules before every trip.

If you plan to stay in the country for more than 30 days, to work or to study, you will need a visa or other grounds for your stay. Check how to obtain them in advance, before buying tickets.

Medical insurance is not mandatory for entering Serbia. Still, we recommend buying it: the Russian compulsory medical insurance (OMS) policy does not work abroad, and without insurance you will have to pay for any treatment yourself, from a doctor's visit to hospitalisation.

What matters in the policy

  • Sum insured. For Serbia people usually choose 30,000 EUR. If your plans include skiing or a long road trip, you can increase the sum.
  • Period. The policy is bought for all days of the trip. Visa-free, that is up to 30 days; for a longer stay on a visa, the whole period.
  • Territory. Serbia is often combined with neighbouring countries. If your route goes, for example, through Montenegro, choose a territory that covers all the countries.
  • Deductible. A policy with a deductible is cheaper, but you pay part of the costs in each case. For travel with children and active leisure a policy without a deductible is more convenient.

If your route leads into Schengen

From Serbia it is easy to reach EU countries, for example Hungary. Remember that Russians need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area, and the visa requires a policy with cover of at least 30,000 EUR, valid in all Schengen countries for the whole trip. In that case choose a programme that meets the visa requirements from the start.

What to consider in Serbia: key risks

Skiing at Kopaonik

Kopaonik is Serbia's main ski resort, where people go in winter to ski and snowboard. A regular medical programme usually does not cover such injuries. In the calculator you need to select skiing or snowboarding. It is worth adding third-party liability in case of a collision on the slope and the Search and rescue option. All the details are described on the page ski and snowboard insurance.

Mountains and nature in summer

In summer people hike, cycle and go river rafting in the Serbian mountains. This is also active leisure, and a basic programme may not cover injuries from such activities. Check the list of activities in the rules and select the ones you need in the calculator.

Road trips

Many people travel to Serbia by car or rent one to tour the Balkans. Long drives, mountain roads and unfamiliar traffic rules increase the risk of injury. Check in the insurance rules how injuries while driving a vehicle are covered, and add the Accident option: it provides a cash payment for an injury on top of covering the treatment.

Cities and food

Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities attract visitors with lively city life and generous cuisine. Typical reasons to see a doctor on such trips are a cold, stomach upsets, injuries in the street and sudden toothache. The basic medical programme and emergency dental care cover these needs.

Other useful options

  • Chronic conditions: relief of a flare-up during the trip.
  • Baggage and flight delay: for flights with connections.
  • Trip cancellation: reimbursement of non-refundable costs if the trip falls through for reasons listed in the insurance rules.

How to choose the sum insured and the programme

For a short city break a basic programme of 30,000 EUR with emergency dental care is enough. For a winter holiday at Kopaonik add skiing, liability and accident cover. For a long road trip through several countries choose a territory with a margin. If you travel to the Balkans several times a year, consider an annual multi-trip policy: it covers any number of trips within the chosen number of insured days.

What to do if something happens

  1. First call the assistance company on the number shown in your policy.
  2. Agree on the clinic and the payment procedure with the assistance company.
  3. Do not pay for treatment yourself without approval, otherwise compensation may not be paid.
  4. Keep the documents: medical reports, invoices, receipts and prescriptions.

Detailed step-by-step guidance is in the section insured event.

How to buy travel insurance to Serbia online

  1. In the calculator, choose Serbia and enter the dates, travellers' ages and options.
  2. Review the offers of 16 insurance companies: the quote works through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner).
  3. Enter the travellers' details in Latin letters as in the international passport.
  4. Pay for the policy online and it will be sent to your e-mail. The policy is issued by the insurance company you choose.

If you are already abroad, some insurers offer programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator. Insurance for other countries is in the travel insurance section.