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Essential Guide to the Health System in Croatia

Learn about the health system in Croatia: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Croatia.
|-Essential Guide to the Health System in Croatia

Croatia has a public and private healthcare system, both of which are available to foreigners. The public healthcare system is called HZZO and is funded by the government. It is used by both locals and foreigners, and is recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Croatia are generally well-equipped and staffed, and provide quality care.

Croatia’s Public Healthcare System

Croatia’s public healthcare system is called HZZO and is funded by the government. It is available to both locals and foreigners, and is recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Croatia are generally well-equipped and staffed, and provide quality care. The cost of public healthcare in Croatia is relatively low, and is covered by the government for citizens and permanent residents.

Croatia’s Private Healthcare System

Croatia also has a private healthcare system, which is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but is generally of a higher quality. Private hospitals in Croatia are well-equipped and staffed, and are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Croatia’s Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Croatia include:

  • University Hospital Centre Zagreb (public, located in Zagreb)
  • University Hospital Rijeka (public, located in Rijeka)
  • University Hospital Split (public, located in Split)
  • University Hospital Osijek (public, located in Osijek)
  • University Hospital Dubrava (public, located in Zagreb)
  • University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice (public, located in Zagreb)
  • University Hospital Merkur (private, located in Zagreb)
  • University Hospital Rebro (private, located in Zagreb)
  • University Hospital Zadar (private, located in Zadar)

Health Insurance Companies in Croatia

The most popular private health insurers in Croatia are Croatia Osiguranje, Allianz Zagreb, and Croatia Insurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Croatia: How to Navigate the Health System

“Croatia has a well-developed healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment. Croatia also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions. Additionally, Croatia has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are dedicated to providing quality care to their patients,” commented one member living in Croatia.

“Healthcare services in Croatia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Croatian citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Croatia can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats can also opt to use private healthcare services, which are generally more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care,” commented one member living in Croatia.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Additional Information:

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