International health insurance for expats in Montenegro

Located in the heart of the Balkans and bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has become increasingly popular with expats. 

Moving to a new country involves organising a great many things, including accommodation, administrative paperwork and health insurance. 

But what is the best way to protect yourself and your family? Which insurance should you choose, and how does the country’s healthcare system work? Here is everything you need to know. 

Understanding the healthcare system in Montenegro 

Montenegro, a parliamentary republic, has a dual healthcare system based on public health insurance, supplemented by private health insurance. 

Since the country’s independence in 2006, the Montenegrin healthcare system has undergone significant changes. The basic healthcare benefits covered by public insurance mainly include: 

• Medical consultations (GPs and specialists) 
• Hospital stays 
• Basic dental and eye care 
• Care related to pregnancy and childbirth 
• Certain medicines 

Under current rules, expatriates may access the public healthcare system under certain conditions, notably if they have permanent residence or are working in Montenegro. It is important to note that the quality of care varies considerably depending on the region and the facility. Many expatriates therefore prefer to turn to the private sector, i.e. private healthcare, in order to benefit from faster treatment and a higher standard of care. 

Prior to 2022, employees and the self-employed contributed directly to the health insurance fund at a rate of 10.80% of their gross income. Now, health insurance is funded by the state through taxation. 

The many shortcomings of the public healthcare sector in Montenegro 

The Montenegrin healthcare system underwent major reforms in 2022, but these proved insufficient. Due to a lack of funding and effective management, public medical facilities have several limitations: 

• They are often outdated 
• The quality of care varies by region 
• The shortage of qualified staff sometimes leads to long waiting times

As an expat, you may also encounter another issue: the language barrier. And for good reason: in public hospitals and clinics, most staff do not speak English. 

The private sector for quality care 

The private healthcare sector has grown considerably in recent years, particularly in Montenegro’s major cities and tourist areas. This expansion is in response to growing demand from individuals, particularly expatriates, who are seeking personalised, high-quality care. 

Private clinics now offer services comparable to European standards, especially in Podgorica, where there are numerous reputable clinics. Expatriates generally prefer the private sector for the speed and quality of treatment, particularly for those with specific individual needs. 

Here are the main recognised private establishments: 

In Podgorica, the capital: 

• Codra Hospital, particularly well-regarded for the quality of its care and services for international patients 

• MediGroup Clinic 

• MedTim International 

• Novi Cenex Medical Polyclinic 

In Risan: 

• Specijalna Bolnica Vaso Ćuković, a private clinic renowned for the quality of its medical services 

In Nikšić: 

• Milmedik Polyclinic 

• Hipokrat Polyclinic 

• Special Hospital for Lung Diseases 

Medical costs in Montenegro are generally lower than in Western Europe, but they can quickly mount up in the event of a serious health issue, particularly in the private sector. 

Repatriation: an essential option for expats

In the event of an accident or the need for specific treatment, it is recommended that you be repatriated to receive treatment in your home country. This guarantees you high-quality medical care and offers you peace of mind. 

Furthermore, taking out international health insurance gives you real peace of mind by guaranteeing access to the best healthcare facilities in Montenegro. 

So, do consider policies that include an emergency repatriation option to avoid additional costs. 

Private health insurance available in Montenegro 

Local private health insurance 

This type of insurance is valid in private healthcare facilities in Montenegro and allows for faster access to care. 

The local market is dominated by a few major insurers, including Lovćen Osiguranje, Uniqa and Sava Osiguranje. Staff generally speak English, or at least have a basic grasp of the language, to answer expats’ questions. 

International private health insurance 

International private health insurance offers broader cover and often direct access to care in private facilities. 

This is strongly recommended for expats to ensure they have appropriate cover, whether for themselves or for the whole family. 

It generally includes options for emergency repatriation as well as multilingual assistance, for greater convenience. 

Legal considerations regarding health insurance in Montenegro 

Before settling in Montenegro, it is crucial to fully understand the legal obligations regarding health insurance. The Montenegrin public healthcare system offers basic cover, but this is not always accessible to expats, particularly for new foreign residents. To ensure you have access to healthcare and avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is therefore recommended that you take out international health insurance covering all medical and hospitalisation costs.

Furthermore, it is important to familiarise yourself with local rules regarding social security and the specific requirements for foreign residents. Do not hesitate to consult the local authorities or seek advice from an insurance expert to obtain up-to-date information tailored to your situation. This will ensure you have the best possible insurance cover and can settle in Montenegro with complete peace of mind. 

Steps to take out expat health insurance in Montenegro 

Taking out international health insurance for your move to Montenegro involves a few simple but essential steps: 

• Compare the policies and prices offered by different insurance companies, taking into account your specific needs and budget 
• Once you have made your choice, you will be asked to provide certain personal and medical details to set up your policy 
• Take the time to read the terms and conditions, exclusions and cover provided carefully to avoid any unpleasant surprises should you need to make a claim 
• Finally, always keep a copy of your insurance policy and medical documents at hand whilst travelling or staying in Montenegro 

This precaution will allow you to deal calmly with any unforeseen situation. 

Global Health, the health insurer dedicated to expats 

To ensure a hassle-free expat experience, Global Health offers personalised plans for international private health insurance tailored to your needs. 

Our team, made up of expats who have been through the same experience, knows just how much the right health insurance can make daily life easier. That’s why every aspect of our service is designed to fit your lifestyle: 

• 100% digital customer portal and management 
• Multilingual support 
• Teleconsultations and second medical opinions 
• Free choice of doctor and clinic or hospital 
• Local advisors to help you find the right doctor or healthcare provider in Montenegro 
• Emergency repatriation option 

Our health advice for Montenegro 

• As part of your relocation plans, it is essential to set aside an appropriate healthcare budget, including, amongst other things, international health insurance. This planning is all the more important when you consider the cost of living in Montenegro, which remains generally affordable but can vary depending on the city, your lifestyle and use of the private sector 
• As an expat, take out insurance covering medical evacuation for specialist treatment or in the event of an accident, as medical costs in Montenegro can quickly mount up in the event of a serious health issue, making good insurance essential 
• Make sure you have a stock of medication: certain medicines may sometimes be in short supply in Montenegro and there is a risk of counterfeits. If you are undergoing long-term treatment, it is advisable to bring several boxes with you 
• Check that your routine vaccinations are up to date before you leave. If you plan to visit rural or forested areas, consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and tick-borne encephalitis. 

Frequently asked questions