Croatia has a strong social security system that protects its citizens and residents against the unknowns of life, such as illness, unemployment, disability, pregnancy, old age, and death. National legislation governs this system, and several government agencies are in charge of running it. Croatian social security includes both Croatian and international residents who live and work in the country legally. Under this system, your rights and benefits depend on your job position, contributions, and special needs.
Health insurance and medical care
Health insurance is a big part of Croatia’s social security system, and everyone who lives there has to have it. The Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) is in charge of much of it. They provide access to healthcare services such general medical care, specialist treatments, hospitalisation, prescription drugs, and preventive care. Individuals who work for someone else and individuals who work for themselves both pay into the system every month. The insured person’s coverage includes dependents like children and spouses who don’t work. Foreigners who work in Croatia must also register with the HZZO and are entitled to the same quality of care as Croatian citizens, as long as they pay their monthly fees.
Pension and old age benefits
There are three parts to the Croatian pension system: the mandatory state pension (first pillar), the mandatory individual capitalised savings (second pillar), and the voluntary pension fund (third pillar). The state pension scheme is paid for by both employers and employees. The amount of benefits you get depends on how long you’ve worked and how much you’ve paid into the program. The age at which people may retire is progressively going up, and by 2030 it is projected to be the same for men and women. Foreign workers may receive Croatian pension benefits in their home countries if they’ve contributed for a set period, depending on existing bilateral or EU agreements between Croatia and those nations.
Maternity, paternity, and parental rights
Croatia offers a lot of social advantages for families. Women who work are entitled to paid maternity leave that begins 28 days before the expected due date and lasts 98 days after the baby is born. During this period, the state pays the mother her full income. In certain cases, fathers may also take paternity leave. After maternity leave ends, both parents may be able to take extended parental leave. The amount of parental benefits a parent gets depends on their work and income. These guidelines help parents divide their responsibilities and have a good work-life balance.
Unemployment benefits
The Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) may provide unemployment benefits to those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. To be eligible, people must have received unemployment insurance for a specified length of time before losing their work. The amount and length of the benefit depend on how much money the person earned in the past and how long they had worked. During the time they are unemployed, participants receive aid with their job search, occupational training, and career coaching to help them find employment again.
Disability and illness benefits
Croatia’s disability insurance coverage may aid those who can’t work because they are ill or disabled. The employer pays short-term sickness benefits for a certain amount of time. After that, the Croatian Health Insurance Fund may keep paying. Long-term disability payments are dependent on how much you used to earn and how sick you are. People may be eligible for rehabilitation help or training to go back to work in a new job after a medical examination.
Social assistance and welfare support
Croatia helps those who can’t support themselves because they are unemployed, have a low income, or are in other vulnerable situations. The Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy provides welfare programs offering financial aid, housing, and support services to people with disabilities, the elderly, children, and vulnerable groups. These benefits are based on income and are meant to help those who need it get by. Local social welfare centres are very significant for reviewing applications and giving help at the local level.
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