Site icon Digitalcarehub

Navigating Healthcare and Insurance Options in Croatia for Expats

Croatia offers a comprehensive healthcare system that provides both mandatory public coverage and supplementary options for residents and expatriates alike. Understanding how the system functions, the types of health insurance available, and how to access medical services in English can significantly ease your transition to living in Croatia. Whether you’re planning a long-term stay or just visiting, knowing your healthcare rights and responsibilities will help ensure your well-being and peace of mind.

Croatia’s healthcare structure is rooted in principles of solidarity and mutual support, where contributions are based on ability to pay, and services are delivered according to need. This guide explores the different insurance options, system administration, costs, and practical steps for accessing healthcare providers, including finding English-speaking doctors. Additionally, it offers insights into the costs involved, eligibility for coverage, and how to navigate the Croatian health insurance landscape effectively. For those interested in technological advancements shaping healthcare, explore how emerging trends like artificial intelligence are transforming the sector by reading about future developments here.

Types of Health Insurance in Croatia

Croatia’s healthcare system provides three main categories of health insurance, each serving different needs and preferences:

Obvezno Health Insurance

Obvezno is the core public health insurance required by law for all residents, managed centrally by the Hrvatski zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje (HZZO). It covers essential medical services and is obligatory unless you are an EU citizen or permanent resident with valid health insurance from another EU/EEA country, or a digital nomad with coverage elsewhere. A comprehensive list of covered services can be found on the official HZZO website.

If you’re applying for residence or a digital nomad visa, you might need to submit proof of this insurance, or alternatively, register for the system through official guides available here. For specific procedures, consult the official application process for the Croatian digital nomad residence permit.

Dopunsko Health Insurance

Dopunsko provides additional coverage that reduces or eliminates co-payments for prescriptions, doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and hospital stays. It can be obtained through HZZO or private insurers, offering an affordable way to extend your healthcare benefits. This optional insurance is particularly beneficial for expats seeking more extensive coverage without the high costs associated with private healthcare. To understand its advantages, review detailed explanations here.

Dodatno Health Insurance

Dodatno is the highest level of private health insurance available in Croatia, typically offered by banks and private insurers. It covers specialized medical treatments, advanced diagnostics, preventive care, and extended hospital stays. This level of coverage is ideal for those who prefer private healthcare options or require more comprehensive medical services beyond basic coverage.

Oversight and Administration of Croatia’s Healthcare System

The Croatian Ministry of Health (Ministarstvo zdravstva) oversees national health policy, planning, and regulation. It works closely with the Ministry of Finance (Ministarstvo financija) to manage healthcare budgets and investments. Croatia’s healthcare services are delivered through a mix of public and private institutions, including:

Most hospitals are jointly owned by the state and local counties, ensuring regional access. Private practices also operate independently, offering additional options for medical care.

What is HZZO?

HZZO, the Croatian Health Insurance Fund, is the primary public institution responsible for managing mandatory health insurance across Croatia. It maintains regional offices that handle administrative tasks such as enrollment, insurance registration, and claims processing. If you need assistance or have questions about your coverage, visiting a local HZZO office is often necessary. For a list of regional offices, visit the official HZZO site.

How Does the Croatian Healthcare System Operate?

All residents must register with a family doctor (doktor obiteljske medicine), who acts as the first point of contact for medical issues. This general practitioner provides initial assessments, treatment plans, and referrals when specialist care or diagnostics are necessary. To access hospital or specialized services, you need a referral (uputnica), which streamlines patient flow and ensures appropriate resource utilization.

Understanding the Uputnica

An uputnica is a referral document issued by your family doctor, directing you to specialists, laboratories, or diagnostic centers. It can be issued in paper or electronic form (e-uputnica) through the Croatian e-Građani platform, which simplifies appointment scheduling and tracking. When you receive an uputnica, it is automatically sent to the specialist or facility you are referred to, streamlining the process.

Once you complete the necessary examinations, results are transmitted back to your family doctor, and you can also access them online via the e-Građani system. Many prescriptions under the public system are either free or require minimal co-payments, although some medications, like oral contraceptives, are not covered. Visiting partnered doctors usually incurs minimal fees, but seeing specialists outside the network may involve out-of-pocket expenses.

> “After months of researching, we were unsure about the citizenship process and healthcare options. CAM provided clear guidance, easing our fears and offering practical steps. Her warmth and professionalism made us feel confident about our move to Croatia. Now, we have a detailed plan and are preparing our documents. It’s rare to find such integrity and care in expat services.” — MaryAnn V., South Africa, January 17, 2024

For personalized support, consult with an expert who understands Croatia’s healthcare landscape.

Healthcare Costs in Croatia

Contributions to healthcare are mandatory for employed residents, paid by employers, or directly by self-employed individuals. Dependents, such as children or family members incapable of independent living, are covered through family contributions. Private healthcare is also available, with fees varying widely depending on the service and provider.

Premiums for obvezno insurance are generally consistent regardless of residency status but may fluctuate based on policy updates. For private services, costs can range from under €100 for basic consultations to several thousand euros for complex procedures. To determine your specific premiums, review official HZZO resources or contact local providers.

Who Is Responsible for Paying?

Most Croatian citizens and residents pay for healthcare through mandatory contributions, unless they qualify for exemptions such as:

Elective procedures, including cosmetic surgery, experimental treatments, or birth control, are usually not covered by mandatory insurance and require out-of-pocket payment or private insurance coverage.

How to Obtain a Family Doctor

Your local residence dictates your assigned family doctor, but you can select your preferred healthcare provider if desired. To change your doctor, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the Doctor

Research available family doctors, dentists, gynecologists, and pediatricians through official lists, which are often available in both Croatian and English. Trusted sources include the list of doctors and expat community recommendations.

Step 2: Contact the Practice

Call the doctor’s office to confirm availability. Explaining your situation can sometimes help in securing a spot, especially with popular practitioners.

Step 3: Complete the Formalities

Fill out the Izjava o izboru/promjeni izabranog doktora form, either in person at HZZO offices or online via the e-Građani platform. This process is straightforward and typically takes only a few minutes.

Step 4: Visit Your New Doctor

Present the completed form to your new doctor, who will verify and submit it to HZZO. If submitted online, no physical visit is necessary.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

HZZO processes the change, and your previous doctor will be notified to transfer your medical records within three days. You do not need to inform your previous doctor yourself; HZZO handles the transition smoothly.

> “CAM made the citizenship process straightforward, and her guidance on healthcare options was invaluable. Her professional yet warm approach eased our concerns and gave us confidence moving forward.” — Carol W., Canada, February 5, 2024

Finding English-Speaking Medical Practitioners in Croatia

Locating doctors who speak English is crucial for many expats. The most reliable method is through referrals from friends, colleagues, or online expat groups. The US Embassy in Zagreb maintains a list of English-speaking doctors by city, accessible here.

Additionally, using the Croatian names of medical practices and specialties can improve your search results. Explore comprehensive directories that provide listings in both languages, making it easier to find the right healthcare provider.

For Visitors in Croatia

Temporary visitors should consider visiting larger private clinics (poliklinika), which often have English-speaking staff and are more flexible with appointment scheduling. Although these clinics are usually private and not covered by state insurance, they offer accessible, quality care for short-term needs.

Learn how to obtain travel insurance in Croatia to cover private healthcare costs and facilitate your stay.

Get Expert Assistance for Your Croatian Life

Navigating legal, bureaucratic, and healthcare systems can be overwhelming. Speak directly with an experienced Expat in Croatia coach who can tailor guidance to your unique situation. From immigration to daily life, our personalized support ensures clarity and confidence.

What first-time clients receive:

Meet our coaches:

Pricing (inclusive of VAT):

(Additional time billed in 15-minute segments. First-time sessions include a lawyer consultation.)

Money-back guarantee: If your session does not meet your expectations, we will issue a full refund.

> “The guidance from CAM and the lawyer was professional and thorough. I felt supported every step of the way in my journey to Croatian citizenship.” — Tamara H., United States

Client Testimonials

Discover why our clients trust us to guide their Croatian journey:

Additional Resources

Explore more about Croatian healthcare, including topics like birth control, private clinics, and detailed lists of medical professionals, available here.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Expat in Croatia aims to guide but does not replace legal or financial advice. Laws and procedures frequently change; for personalized legal or financial assistance, contact licensed Croatian professionals.

Exit mobile version