Croatia’s healthcare system is made up of both state and private services. It covers everyone in the nation with money from the government. The Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) oversees the system. It makes sure that individuals may obtain basic medical care such general care, specialist treatment, hospital care, and emergency care. The public system is the most common means for individuals to acquire health care, although private providers are growing increasingly essential. Anyone who can pay for them or want to acquire more insurance may get to them faster and receive more treatments.
Public healthcare coverage
In Croatia, the HZZO is the group that offers required health insurance. Payments from salaries, pensions, and the government cover the costs of this system. Every Croatian citizen and legal resident must obtain insurance via it. After they join up, patients acquire a “zdravstvena iskaznica,” or health card. With this card, they may get treatments in public hospitals and clinics all around the country. These services include seeing a general practitioner, getting advice from experts, getting tests done, getting treatment in the hospital, caring for pregnant women, and paying for certain medications.
The EHIC also enables EU nationals seek medical care in Croatia. They may access the same care as Croatian residents when they need it using this card. People who don’t reside in the EU need to join up for national insurance in order to be eligible.
Accessing medical services
Most of the time, the first place to go is primary care. A general practitioner (GP), a paediatrician, and a gynaecologist are assigned to each individual who is covered. Most of the time, patients need their GP’s permission to see a specialist or go to the hospital. This idea of gatekeeping helps control the number of patients and keeps the cost of care low.
You don’t need a referral to obtain emergency care, however. Ambulance services, emergency hospitals, and urgent care may all aid those who need medical attention right immediately. There are a number of drugstores in the country that offer both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Insurance will pay for certain drugs in full, but for others, you may have to pay a part of the cost.
Costs and co-payments
Insurance payments are the main source of funding for Croatia’s healthcare system, however people often have to pay for certain services. Certain of them are visits to experts who don’t work in a hospital, diagnostic tests, stays in the hospital, and certain medicines. A lot of individuals acquire supplemental health insurance from HZZO so they don’t have to pay for things themselves. This insurance pays for co-payments and offers them additional peace of mind about their money.
People with low incomes, students, children, people with impairments, and retirees usually don’t have to pay some charges or may acquire insurance that is cheaper for them. People who prefer greater comfort, faster access, or coverage at private hospitals and clinics may also purchase private health insurance.
Private healthcare options
The public healthcare system is rather competent, although it might be challenging to receive treatment swiftly and with minimal resources, especially in rural areas. The private sector has grown a lot because of this. Private hospitals and clinics provide modern technology, shorter wait times, and more customised care. People who can afford the extra cost, such expats, visitors, and locals, prefer them. But the public insurance system won’t pay for these therapies unless they are agreed upon ahead of time.
Companies like Allianz, Croatia Osiguranje, and Uniqa usually provide private health insurance policies that pay for private care. A lot of individuals who reside overseas and companies that provide employee benefits use these programs.
Healthcare for individuals who come from other nations
People from foreign nations who stay in Croatia for more than three months must have health insurance. This includes persons from other countries who need to pay monthly fees and join up for the HZZO system. People from the EU or EEA who have an EHIC may access emergency care for a short time, but they need to join up with HZZO to dwell in the country for a long time. Travel insurance that covers medical treatment while you’re there is a good idea for those who are only there for a short period or as a tourist. If you don’t have insurance, getting medical care may be quite costly, especially if you have to remain in the hospital.
Croatia’s healthcare system is excellent because it has a robust public insurance system and a private sector that is growing. The public system makes sure that everyone has access to basic medical care. However, some people acquire extra or private insurance to have more alternatives and faster treatment. Croatians and foreigners residing in Croatia should both know how the healthcare system works and what benefits it provides so they can access medical treatment swiftly and cheaply.
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Things to know before immigrating to Croatia
Getting an employment visa: Work permit in Croatia
Getting a job as an expat in Croatia
