Rabac, Croatia



Health Care in Rabac

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Learn about the health system in Rabac: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Rabac.

The healthcare system in Rabac, is a blend of public and private services. The public healthcare system, known as the Croatian Institute for health insurance (HZZO), provides comprehensive care for all citizens and residents, while private healthcare offers additional options for those seeking specialized or immediate care.

Croatia's Healthcare System

The Croatian Institute for Health Insurance (HZZO) is the public healthcare system in Croatia. It is funded by mandatory health insurance contributions and provides a wide range of services, from general practice to specialist care. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system if they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or if they have paid into the system. However, the public hospitals in Rabac are not typically recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries due to limited resources and potential language barriers. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are often preferred by expats due to their higher standards of care, shorter wait times, and English-speaking staff. They are also more likely to be recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Rabac

Rabac is a small town and does not have its own major hospital. In case of emergencies or need for specialized care, expats typically travel to larger cities. Some of the recommended hospitals include:

  • General Hospital Pula (public) - located in Pula, approximately 45 minutes by car from Rabac.
  • Thalassotherapia Opatija (public) - a specialized hospital for medical rehabilitation located in Opatija, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Rabac.
  • Medico Polyclinic (private) - located in Rijeka, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Rabac.

Emergency Services in Rabac

Emergency services, including ambulance services, are available in Rabac. In case of an emergency, the number to call is 112. The response time can vary depending on the situation and location, but generally, the services are reliable.

Health Insurance Companies in Rabac

There are several popular private health insurance companies in Rabac, including Allianz and Croatia Osiguranje. These companies offer a range of health insurance products to suit different needs and budgets. Expats and digital nomads typically opt for private health insurance, either from these local companies or from international health insurance providers that offer coverage in Croatia. This is due to the fact that private insurance often provides broader coverage and more flexibility than the public system.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

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