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Healthcare & Safety: What If I Get Sick in Košice?

Moving abroad raises an important question:
What happens if I get sick?

The good news? Slovakia has a structured healthcare system, and Košice offers full medical services — from general practitioners to large university hospitals and emergency care.

Here’s what you need to know.

🏥 How Healthcare Works in Slovakia

Healthcare in Slovakia operates through:

  • Public health insurance
  • Approved private insurance (mainly for non-EU students)

If you are:

🇪🇺 EU student → You can usually use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary healthcare.
More info: European Health Insurance Card – Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

🌍 Non-EU student → You must have Slovak public insurance or approved private coverage.

Official information about healthcare and residence:
Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic:
https://www.health.gov.sk

Always keep:

  • Insurance card or confirmation
  • Passport / ID

👩‍⚕️ What If You Feel Sick?

For common issues like:

  • Flu
  • Fever
  • Stomach problems
  • Minor infections

You can buy basic medicine in pharmacies or you can visit a General Practitioner (GP), in Slovakia they are called Všeobecný lekár.

After arrival:

  • Register with a doctor (if required by your insurance)
  • Ask your university or classmates for recommendations

Most doctors in university cities have experience with international patients. English availability varies, but communication is manageable.

If you get sick later in the afternoon or evening, there are emergency clinics, where you can visit a doctor, for example: https://www.poliklinikaterasa.sk/ambulancia-pevnej-ambulantnej-pohotovostnej-sluzby-pre-dospelych

This helps with sickness and dental problems. 

💊 Pharmacies (Lekáreň)

Pharmacies are widely available across Košice.

You can buy:

  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Prescription medicine (from your GP)
  • Medical supplies

There is always at least one pharmacy on duty, for example one in the emergency clinic is open from 7:30 until 22:30 every day (https://share.google/koewriaHtmJSVGfPx)

🚑 Emergency Situations

In case of emergency:

  • 112 – General EU emergency number
  • 155 – Ambulance

Košice has major hospitals including:

  • Univerzitná nemocnica L. Pasteura Košice
  • Detská fakultná nemocnica Košice

Emergency departments operate 24/7.

If you are unsure whether it’s an emergency, call 112 — operators can guide you in English.

🦷 What About Dentists?

Dental care is available both publicly and privately.

Important:

  • Basic procedures may be partially covered
  • Private clinics are faster but more expensive (but still manageable)

Before arrival, check:

  • What your insurance covers
  • Whether you need additional dental insurance

🧠 Mental Health Support

Studying abroad can be emotionally challenging.

Many universities in Košice provide:

  • Psychological counseling
  • Student advisory services
  • Confidential support

Ask your university’s International Office for available services.

If you are in a psychological crisis, emergency services are available via 112.

🛡️ Is Košice Safe?

Košice is considered a safe student city.

  • Low violent crime rate
  • Safe public transport
  • Walkable city center

Like in any European city:

  • Be cautious with personal belongings
  • Avoid rental scams online
  • Use official taxi or ride-sharing apps

You can check official safety and travel information here:
https://www.mzv.sk (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

💡 Practical Tips

Before arrival:

  • Save emergency numbers in your phone
  • Keep digital copies of passport & insurance
  • Know the nearest hospital/clinic to your accommodation
  • Inform a trusted person about your arrival plans

Final Take

Getting sick abroad can feel stressful — but healthcare in Košice is accessible, structured, and reliable. With proper insurance and basic preparation, you can feel confident knowing help is available when you need it.

In short: you’re not alone here — and you will be taken care of.