Bucharest, or Bucuresti, derives its name from the word "Bucura" which means "to be happy" or "to have fun." The capital city of Romania lives up to its name to the fullest. Bucharest is a perfect destination and is so much more than the gateway to Romania's star attractions—Transylvania and the Transylvanian Alps.
Prior to traveling to Bucharest, it's important to be prepared for any situation. Purchasing travel medical insurance is a smart way to protect your finances in the event of an injury, illness or mishap. Read on to learn more about all the wonderful things to do in Bucharest, and how to be a prepared traveler.
Bucharest Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Travel medical insurance provides coverage for the expenses that may arise in the unfortunate event of an illness or accident during your visit to Bucharest. A travel medical insurance plan can help protect you from financial liabilities that arise from using medical facilities outside your home country.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Bucharest?
Although it's not legally required to buy travel medical insurance to visit Romania, it is something all travelers should highly consider. Your domestic health insurance plan will likely not provide adequate coverage in Romania. Therefore, should you require emergency medical treatment in Bucharest, you'll have to pay the entire bill out of your own pocket.
Travel medical insurance is designed to ease that financial strain by providing coverage for needed medical services in another country. It can allow you to seek first-class treatment with less worry about the damage it could do to your budget.
Please note that as of March 31, 2024 Romania will officially join the Schengen agreement. After this date all Schengen visa insurance requirements will go into effect for travelers to Romania.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Bucharest?
Health issues often arise unexpectedly, and they can't be put on hold just because you're on vacation. Even a relaxing trip can quickly turn into an ordeal. A trip on the sidewalk, waking up with a fever, a slip in the bathroom; any one of these things could find you seeking medical treatment.
Away from your home country, you won't be able to go to your usual doctor or use your usual health insurance at the hospital. If you require medical treatment, you'll want to utilize the best that's available, but without insurance, the entire cost of that treatment could come out of your own pocket. Travel medical insurance can help mitigate the financial stress of expensive medical care during your visit to Bucharest. Although you can't entirely avoid the risk, you can be prepared with proper travel medical insurance coverage.
Things to Do for Travelers in Bucharest
Bucharest offers diverse experiences to visitors. Be it day or night, Bucuresti comes alive at every hour of the day. Here's a list of attractions to bring you maximum Bucura (joy):
Walking Tours
One of the best economical ways to enjoy Bucharest is by taking a walking tour through the city's Centru Vechi (Old Center). Take a guided tour and feel the vibe of Bucharest the way locals do. Stop at the Palace of Parliament, the Ruins of Vlad's Citadel, Stavropoleos Convent and other beautiful places to explore the heart of Bucharest.
A Reader's Paradise
Bucharest is a book lover's dream. The city is full of interesting bookstores with amazing literary collections. On top of this list of bookstores is Carturesti Carusel , one of the most iconic book shops in Bucharest. This gargantuan bookstore is spread over more than 1,000 square meters and six floors. It boasts of more than 10,000 books and thousands of music albums and DVDs.
Mini Car Rides
Bucharest's Unirii Boulevard is one of the longest boulevards in Europe. As romantic as its Parisian counterpart, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Unirii is a legend by itself. One of the best ways to experience the romance of Unirii Boulevard is by riding a mini vintage car available for rent from Hot Rod Fun Bucharest.
Relax in a Spa
Therme Bucharest is one of Eastern Europe's biggest indoor spa centers. It boasts of 16 waterslides, 10 pools, six saunas and four wet saunas. It is home to Europe's biggest urban beaches, the largest network of indoor waterslides and heated pools. Need we say more?
Cismigiu Park
Cismigiu Park in the center of Bucharest is truly the heart of the city. Visitors come to this beautiful urban space to enjoy its many cafes, refreshment kiosks and kids' play zones. Also, the artificial lake in Cismigiu Park is popular throughout the year.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Bucharest
Bucharest is a considerably safe city, but like all big cities across Europe there are some travel risks that visitors may consider:
Weather hazards
Bucharest may experience serious snowstorms and flooding during the winter season. Visitors traveling onward to the mountainous regions of Transylvania also need to consider the risk of avalanches. These winter storms can cause travel delays and electric outages, so be prepared with warm clothes and extra food and water if traveling.
Staying Vigilant
Visitors would be wise to consider the risk of tourist-related crimes like pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas of Bucharest. It also pays to watch out for taxi scams where drivers may ask you to pay more than what's required for a ride.
Seismic Activity
Bucharest sits in an area of the world with a decent amount of seismic activity, making earthquakes possible. Study earthquake safety rules and be aware of safety protocols in your hotel. The chance of an earthquake may be rare, but it's good to be prepared.
Before You Travel to Bucharest - Do This
- Although Romania lies in Eastern Europe, the official currency of Romania is the Lei or Ron. Though the Euro is accepted in most places, make sure you carry local currency for emergency use.
- A vast majority of people in Bucharest converse in Romanian. Download a translation app on your mobile phone to help you communicate and get around easily in Bucharest.
- Compare and buy the right travel medical insurance plan to help shield your finances against travel risks.