Travel insurance for Tunisia: what it covers and what to do in an emergency

Is travel insurance compulsory for Tunisia?

The rules you need to check depend on your circumstances and the applicable entry requirements. Consult the consular authorities before departure and take proof of insurance valid for Tunisia.

• Czech travellers: the Czech embassy in Tunis states that valid travel medical insurance is among the documents to present on entry, along with proof of return travel, accommodation and sufficient funds. [1]
• Italian travellers: Viaggiare Sicuri recommends insurance covering medical expenses and medical repatriation. [2]
• Polish travellers: the embassy recommends insurance suited to the stay, including medical transport. Consult the updated GOV.pl/Odyseusz guidance for entry requirements. [3]

EHIC and bilateral agreements: do not confuse them

The fact that the EHIC is not valid does not mean that no other public cover is possible. For people insured in the Czech Republic, some necessary and urgent care may fall under the agreement with Tunisia, with a specific form issued by the health insurer before departure. Ask your health insurer about the conditions and eligible facilities. This does not guarantee cover for a private hotel consultation or repatriation. [4]

For people insured in France, reimbursement for urgent and unforeseen care may be possible on return, without any guarantee. Some people fall under specific provisions of bilateral agreements. Check your situation with your health insurer; the EHIC alone is not sufficient. [5]

What to check in your policy

• Medical expenses and hospitalisation: limits, deductibles and cover for private facilities.
• Ambulances and transfers to a suitable facility.
• Medical repatriation and the conditions for arranging it.
• Round-the-clock assistance in a language you understand.
• Chronic illnesses, medical history and pregnancy: cover, any disclosure requirements and exclusions.
• Planned sports and excursions: quad biking, diving, the desert; check which extensions you need.

What to do if you become ill in Tunisia

1. Life-threatening emergency: call 190. Do not wait for a reply from your insurer or on WhatsApp.

2. If the situation can wait, contact your insurer’s assistance service before the consultation, with your policy number. Check its prior authorisation rules.

3. You can also call or message +216 97 911 911: we arrange a doctor’s visit to your hotel and contact your insurer.

4. Keep the medical report, prescriptions, itemised invoice and proof of payment.

How 911 Travel Assistance works with your insurer

We send the necessary medical information and request a guarantee of payment. Once the insurer confirms cover and direct billing is accepted, you do not pay the covered costs upfront. Deductibles, costs above the limits and excluded services remain your responsibility.

If the insurer has not replied, refuses cover, or direct billing is not possible, an upfront payment may be requested. We give you the documents needed to claim reimbursement, which depends on your policy. A life-threatening emergency must not be delayed by these procedures.

Depending on the patient’s condition, we arrange an ambulance, admission to a clinic and, if necessary, repatriation with the medical teams and assistance service. [6]

Sources and references

[1] https://mzv.gov.cz/tunis/cz/viza_a_konzularni_informace/informace_pro_cesty_a_pobyt_v_tunisku/index.html

[2] https://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/schede_paese/pdf/TUN.pdf

[3] https://www.gov.pl/web/tunezja/jakiej-pomocy-moze-udzielic-konsul-informacje-ogolne

[3] https://odyseusz.gov.pl/TN

[4] https://www.vzp.cz/pojistenci/cestovani-a-pobyt-v-zahranici/pobyt-v-zemich-mimo-eu

[4] https://www.kancelarzp.cz/images/cmu_documents/smlouvy/bilat_metodika.pdf

[5] https://www.cleiss.fr/particuliers/partir/vacances/tunisie.html

[5] https://www.ameli.fr/assure/droits-demarches/europe-international/protection-sociale-etranger/vacances-etranger

[6] https://911travelassistance.com/en/insurance

[7] https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2169

[8] https://www.nfz.gov.pl/dla-pacjenta/nasze-zdrowie-w-ue/leczenie-w-krajach-unii-europejskiej-i-efta/wypoczynek-w-panstwach-czlonkowskich-ueefta-ekuz/