Healthcare and Health Insurance in Croatia: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Introduction

Croatia offers a universal healthcare system, ensuring access to mandatory public health insurance for all residents. Administered by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), the system provides basic health coverage (Obvezno), while optional supplemental plans (Dopunsko and Dodatno) offer additional benefits. Understanding Croatia's healthcare system and insurance options is essential for expats, long-term visitors, and digital nomads.

This guide covers:

• Types of health insurance in Croatia

• How the Croatian healthcare system works

• Costs of healthcare and mandatory contributions

• Finding a doctor, including English-speaking providers

• Emergency medical services and private healthcare options

Types of Health Insurance in Croatia

1. Obvezno Health Insurance (Mandatory Public Insurance)

• Managed by HZZO and required by law for all residents.

• Covers primary healthcare, emergency services, hospital care, and prescriptions.

• All residents must contribute unless exempt (e.g., EU citizens with another EU state’s insurance).

View full details on HZZO’s public health insurance benefits.

2. Dopunsko Health Insurance (Supplemental Insurance)

• Optional insurance that covers co-payments for doctor visits, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and hospital stays.

• Can be purchased from HZZO or private insurers.

• Helps reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.

3. Dodatno Health Insurance (Private Supplemental Insurance)

• High-level private health insurance covering specialist treatments, additional tests, preventative care, and extended hospital stays.

• Available only from private insurers.

• Ideal for expats, digital nomads, and those seeking premium medical care.

How the Croatian Healthcare System Works

• Everyone must have a family doctor (GP) to access public healthcare services.

• Referrals (Uputnica) are required for specialist consultations, hospital visits, and diagnostic tests.

• Prescriptions are often covered by insurance but may require co-payments.

• Emergency medical care is available through public hospitals and clinics.

Find out how to register for a family doctor and access healthcare.

Costs of Healthcare in Croatia

Who Pays for Mandatory Health Insurance?

• Employed residents: Contributions are deducted from salaries.

• Self-employed individuals: Must pay for their own healthcare contributions.

• Dependents: Covered under a family member’s insurance.

Additional Medical Costs

• Doctor visits and prescriptions: Usually covered by Obvezno insurance, but some co-payments apply.

• Specialist consultations: Require referrals; additional costs may apply.

• Private healthcare and elective treatments: Paid out-of-pocket unless covered by Dodatno insurance.

View detailed cost breakdown and insurance requirements.

How to Find a Doctor in Croatia

Getting a Family Doctor (Obiteljski Liječnik)

• Family doctors are assigned based on residence, but you can choose or change your GP once a year.

• To register, visit a local HZZO office or apply online via e-Građani.

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor

• Use online directories or ask for recommendations from the expat community.

• Check with your embassy or consulate for a list of English-speaking doctors.

• Use Travel Doctor for virtual consultations and in-person visits across Europe.

For telehealth services and online consultations, visit:
Travel Doctor
Find an in-person provider in major European cities.

Emergency Medical Care in Croatia

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

• Dial 112 for urgent medical assistance.

• Public hospitals offer emergency care, but private facilities may provide faster service.

• Ambulance services are partially covered by Obvezno insurance.

Private Healthcare & Specialist Care

• Private clinics and hospitals offer faster access to specialists and elective treatments.

• Some international providers offer private health insurance plans for premium medical services.

Book a telehealth consultation or find private medical services.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Public health insurance (Obvezno) is mandatory, while Dopunsko and Dodatno insurance provide additional coverage.

• HZZO administers public healthcare, while private insurers offer premium coverage.

• Family doctors (GPs) are required to access public healthcare.

• Specialist and hospital visits require referrals from a GP.

• Emergency care is available but may require out-of-pocket payments without supplemental insurance.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do expats need health insurance in Croatia?
Yes, all residents must have mandatory public health insurance (Obvezno). Expats can also purchase private supplemental insurance.

2. How much does public health insurance cost in Croatia?
Costs vary based on employment status. Employees have contributions deducted from their salaries, while self-employed individuals must pay directly.

3. How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Croatia?
Check expat groups, embassy recommendations, or use Travel Doctor’s telehealth services.

4. Can tourists access healthcare in Croatia?
Yes, but tourists should have travel insurance. EU visitors can use the EHIC card for basic medical services.

5. Is private healthcare better than public healthcare in Croatia?
Private healthcare offers faster access to specialists, but public healthcare covers essential medical needs at lower costs.

For online doctor consultations and in-person visits, check out:
Travel Doctor Telehealth & In-Person Services