Do you have plans of moving to Croatia? The country is, after all, one of the most beautiful out there. A Mediterranean paradise unlike any other, it's no wonder many people often go here for a summer getaway. Some even go so far as to relocate here! Whichever the case, it's important that you know about the country's healthcare system. As relaxing as Croatia is, you never really know what might happen to you while you're here. It's better that you're prepared with the right coverage and knowledge on what to do if and when the time comes.
The Universality of Croatian Healthcare
First thing's first, you have to know if you're even eligible to get healthcare in Croatia. The country's healthcare operates as a universal system, requiring
all employed citizens to, at the very least, have some sort of public coverage. Only those that are aged under 18, those incapable of independent living, and those related to or are disabled members of the Croatian armed forces. This, of course, also excludes foreign visitors. If you're simply a tourist in Croatia, you're better off getting private insurance as health coverage here. It will help subsidize your medical costs if needed.
The Different Types of Croatian Healthcare
There are currently three types of health plans offered in Croatia. The first, '
Obavezno zdravstveno osiguranje,' is the basic public health plan wherein employed citizens are lawfully required to get. '
Dopunsko zdravstveno osiguranje,' on the other hand, is the supplemental health insurance offered in either public or private options. Though optional, it does help alleviate the heavy medical costs, especially for prescription drugs, doctor visits, and the like. And finally, there's '
Dodatno zdravstveno osiguranje,' which is essentially private healthcare offered by both private and international insurers. This is the most recommended for tourists in the country.
What Comes With Croatia’s Public Healthcare?
Now, you may be asking: '
what does getting Croatia's public healthcare coverage come with?' Well, firstly, it gives you access to primary healthcare. This type of coverage will connect you to a family doctor, a dentist, a pediatrician for your kids, a gynecologist for women, and electronic referrals for laboratory tests. As for your finances, it will help compensate for your salary for the days you were unable to work, transport costs, and accommodation costs for guardians taking care of kids. All of these are part of why Croatian healthcare is becoming more and more popular around the world.
How Does Croatian Healthcare Work?
Expat in Croatia laid out how Croatian healthcare works once you've got access to the public option. Firstly, everyone is required to have a family doctor, hence this sort of coverage helps you connect with one. The moment you feel the need to consult about your health, your general practitioner should be the first one you go to. In case you need to access a hospital in Croatia, you'll be given an '
uputnica' to do so. It is a referral from your family doctor. It will also allow you to undergo tests to help in diagnosing and treating your health problems. Under any circumstances, never lose your uputnica!
Private Healthcare in Croatia
Now, what about private healthcare in Croatia? Arguably the most popular among the different types of healthcare coverage in the country, '
Dodatno' healthcare gives you more and better medical coverage. For one thing, having this sort of plan allows you to gain access to the country's private hospitals which are often the most advanced among the institutions in the country. You'll also get connected with various medical specialists, get additional treatments for any sort of health problem, and access to preventive care. Whether you go for local insurers or international providers—such as
Allianz Care or
Cignal Global—if you can afford it, you might as well go for private healthcare in Croatia!
Emergency Health Services in Croatia
One part of Croatian healthcare that everyone gets access to regardless of whether you're covered or not is the emergency services. Ambulance services, paramedics, and the use of emergency rooms are all open to everyone in Croatia. Only when you're in need of further and specific treatment will your healthcare coverage become into play. Also, when you get to Croatia, you really ought to know the emergency hotline numbers here. For any kind of emergency, dial 112. If you're in need of ambulance services, dial 194. And just to be safe, call 192 to get in touch with the police!
Even though Croatia might be the ultimate paradise, you never really know what might happen to you while you're here. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to healthcare! Make sure you get the right coverage for your needs!
You'll need healthcare to stay fit and healthy in Croatia. How else will you be able to enjoy your
luxury home here?
