Confused about car insurance

Hi it's Karen again, I was mistaken. Our medical coverage is $100,000 per person. Thanks

“ We have read through the insurance policy, and it does not cover medical expenses for us or occupants in the other car. ”

Are you sure? Does your policy specifically exclude the medical expenses of the third party from your third party liability protection? That would be highly unusual. Normally your third party liability coverage includes all expenses incurred by third parties if you’re responsible for the accident.

Slovenia law, as with most EU countries, requires car rental agencies in Slovenia to provide third party liability protection for any renter of their vehicles. This would cover medical expenses for people who are not passengers in the rental car in the event of an accident determined to be your fault.
Third party liability coverage does not cover you or any of the passengers in your rental vehicle. That, you need to obtain through travel insurance or your own medical insurance, as with Medicare Part G coverage. Note that to be completely protected, you will need to be sure all the passengers in your rented vehicle have some protection in the event of an accident causing injuries while you’re the driver of the car. That is usually included in the medical coverages offered by Travel Insurance— which means you want to be certain each passenger has travel insurance if they have no other form of medical insurance coverage while in Europe.

Thanks for the replies. No, the policy never mentions any medical or personal injury coverage for anyone, but my policy does have third party liability coverage. You're saying third party liability coverage is personal injury coverage? Thanks! Karen

Third party liability insurance coverage is Personal Injury coverage only for people who are not passengers in your rented vehicle at the time of an accident that is your fault.
You might consider renting through www.AutoEurope.com as renting through their contracts sometimes includes all 4 insurance coverages listed below and— the website clearly spells out—what is and is not covered.

“ You're saying third party liability coverage is personal injury coverage?”

No. I’m saying that third party liability coverage includes all costs incurred by third parties in case you’re to blame. If you hit another car and injure the driver of the car, it will pay for the costs to repair the car but also the medical bills of the driver. Likewise if you hit a lamp post, it will pay for the costs to replace the lamp post.

Yes- in the U.S. that is called PD, or Property Damage coverage. In Europe the PD coverage is included in “ Third Party Liability” coverage.
In Europe there are four types of car rental insurance coverages: 1. Third Party Liability,
2. Fire damage. 3. Collision Damage 4. Theft Protection ( in the event the rented vehicle is stolen).
By law in most E.U. countries, Liabilty and Fire Damage is provided by the car rental company ( as it is required to be in Slovenia). The renter of the car assumes financial responsibility for Collision Damage and Theft of the vehicle.
The driver is also legally responsible for all Personal Injuries to passengers in the rented vehicle in the event the driver is at fault in a car accident. This is what is missing in the 4 coverages referred to above.

To drive a rental car in Slovenia, you will need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). An IDP can be obtained at any American Automobile Association office for about $30. Each driver of the rental vehicle needs to have one.
An IDP is NOT required of Americans driving a rental car in Croatia. Your U.S. Driver’s license is sufficient in Croatia.
A Vignette ( Windshield Sticker) must also be purchased and affixed to the windshield of the rented vehicle, if it’s not already provided by the car rental agency.
Vignettes are required if you plan to drive on any expressways in Slovenia and can be purchased at gas stations and post offices.

Normally you can do a little googling and get something close to, if not, expert advice. This topic seems to be one that just hasnt be addressed much. Terms for coverage are going to be different in different places, if nothing else because of translations, and that sure doesnt help. I would love it if someone found and posted one "expert" article on the subject of what to buy, what its called and what it covers ... maybe relative to what we are use to in the US.

Till then, I walk.

Thanks for everyone's help! I feel better about the insurance. Take care, Karen