Slovenia provides visitors with a range of natural beauty, including gorgeous lakes that can be found at Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj and mystical caves such as Postojna and Škocjan.
Getting to Slovenia
Roughly 100,000 British nationals travel to Slovenia every year, which can be reached from the United Kingdom by airplane, train or car.
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, can be reached by plane from London in roughly four hours.
Train travel can be slightly more unpredictable, with travel times from St Pancras Station taking anywhere between 15 and 22 hours. Driving, meanwhile, can require around 16 hours of time.
If you are uncertain about managing your diabetes in Singapore, you should discuss this with your diabetes team prior to departing.
Time zone
The time difference in Slovenia is one hour ahead of British Summer Time and two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time, which should not require excessive adjustments to how your manage your diabetes.
Climate
The average climate in Slovenia is similar to that of the UK, although summer temperatures are higher and can rest at around 21°C.
Considerable heat can lead to enhanced insulin absorption and it is critical for insulin takers to check blood sugar levels scrupulously, especially during periods of physical activity.
Currency
The currency in Slovenia is the Euro.
ATMs are widely scattered across the country and most major credit and debit cards are accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels.
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Slovenia, but it is recommended to receive vaccination for hepatitis A, which can be contracted through contaminated food and water in Slovenia.
Rabies can be found in bats, dogs and other animals in Slovenia. This is not a major risk for travellers, but vaccination is advised for children, people who working with animals or planning activities in remote regions that put them at risk of bat bites.
UK Global Health Insurance Card
Apply for a GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) – you can apply online at https://overseas-healthcare.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/get-healthcare-cover-travelling-abroad/start and you can receive free cover in some European countries.
Ensuring access to medication
Medication is available in Slovenia, but payment is required from a pharmacy
Possessing a GHIC card, however, allows you to receive treatment at a lesser cost and this money can be recouped when you get back into the UK.
Blood and urine testing kits are available from many pharmacies in Slovenia, for which the translation in Slovenian for pharmacy is “lekarna”.
The emergency services telephone number to be called in Slovenia is 112.
Insulin
You should note which syringes are available in Slovenia, with U-40 and U-100 syringes the most commonly used.
The vast majority of insulin in the UK is U-100 insulin. If you need to take a different strength of insulin, say in an emergency, it’s important that you use the correct device and syringes for that insulin.
For example, you would use a U-40 syringe for U-40 insulin. You will need to work with a doctor getting the right dose if you’re using a different form of insulin.
Diabetes associations
It is important to note the diabetes associations in the country you are travelling to in case of an emergency.
There is diabetic association in Slovenia that can be contacted for information prior to your stay. The address is:
- Zveza Drustev Diabetikov Slovenije (a member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) since 1994), Kamniška ulica 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tel: +386-1-430 5444
Email: [email protected]
Questions
- How is blood glucose measured in Slovenia? Blood glucose levels are measured in mmol/l, as they are in the UK
- What language is spoken in Slovenia? Slovenian. Locals in a customer service environment will have a grasp of English, but it will pay to learn some basic Slovenian phrases to assist in your day-to-day activities.
- Will I need an international driving license when driving in Slovenia? No
- If I want to hire a vehicle during my visit, will I face any form of discrimination? No
- What sugar free drinks are available in Slovenia? Juices and lemonade made by Dana and Fruchtal and mineral water
