Planning to relocate to Croatia? To ensure full peace of mind, securing international health insurance is essential. The right plan will provide optimal coverage for you both locally and worldwide, enabling you to access high-quality care from the provider of your choice. Foyer Global Health offers an overview of the Croatian healthcare system and outlines the key advantages of choosing a tailored international health insurance plan.

The Croatian healthcare system: universal, high-performing, and accessible

Since Croatia gained independence in 1991, the government has implemented major structural reforms to ensure universal access to healthcare notably through the creation of the HZZO — Hrvatski zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje, the Croatian Health Insurance Fund which has centralised the management of medical services, and digitised the healthcare ecosystem.

Today, more than 90% of the country’s residents are covered by this public health insurance scheme, which is financed through social security contributions (employee and employer contributions) and taxes. The system combines a predominantly public medical infrastructure with high-quality private facilities.

All residents of the ‘Beautiful homeland’ — including expatriates — must register with the HZZO to be affiliated to the public health insurance system and pay the relevant contributions. Only European expatriates staying for fewer than three months are exempt and may instead use their European Health Insurance Card.

What types of health coverage are available?

Public basic health insurance (Obvezno)

Croatia’s public healthcare system, managed by the HZZO, provides mandatory health insurance covering basic healthcare such as consultations with GPs and specialists, medical examinations, hospital care in public facilities, and vaccinations. However, because this basic coverage is limited, many Croatian residents opt for complementary insurance.

Public or private supplementary health insurance (Dopunsko)

This supplementary insurance — offered by the HZZO, banks, and private insurance companies — significantly reduces the patient’s co-payment for doctor visits, medical examinations, and other services.

Private enhanced supplementary insurance (Dodatno) or International health insurance

This is the most comprehensive level of health coverage available in Croatia. It provides extensive protection for a wide range of medical services, including private hospital care, faster and more efficient access to medical treatment, long-term hospital stays, and preventive healthcare. Banks and private insurers offer this high-end coverage, valued for its flexibility and reliability.

Most expatriates, however, choose international health insurance solutions that provide tailored solutions both in the public and private sectors — whether in Croatia, their home country, or anywhere in the world.

Accessing Healthcare in Croatia

The General practitioner: the gateway to the healthcare system

The general practitioner (GP) is the cornerstone of Croatia’s public health insurance system. Every resident, including expatriates, must be assigned to a designated GP to access other healthcare services (medical tests, specialist consultations, surgeries) and benefit from public

health coverage. You must consult your GP first before being referred to another practitioner or facility.

Your GP will depend on your place of residence. You may change healthcare providers once a year with approval from both the new doctor and the HZZO.

What is the quality of healthcare in Croatia?

Driven by ongoing modernisation, the integration of advanced technologies, and the digitalization of healthcare services, Croatia has significantly improved the quality of medical care in recent years, particularly in major cities such as Zagreb and Split.

Although regional disparities remain — especially between urban and rural/island areas — and waiting times in the public sector can be long, the overall quality of medical services is high, particularly in dental care. Croatia’s recognised expertise in several medical fields has also positioned the country as a rising destination for medical tourism, especially for Italian, German, and British patients.

Healthcare facilities for expats:

• Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb (KBC Zagreb) – the largest university hospital in Croatia, offers a wide range of care and state-of-the-art equipment.
• Specijalna bolnica Sv. Katarina (Zagreb) – a leading private hospital is renowned for patient care and quality standards (ISO 9001 certification).
• Clinical Hospital Sveta Duh (Zagreb) – is one of the largest public hospitals in the capital
• University Hospital Centre Split (KBC Split) – the largest hospital in Dalmatia and the country’s second-largest medical centre, known for its medical excellence, cutting-edge technologies, and expertise, notably in neurosurgery and cardiac surgery.

How much does healthcare cost in Croatia?

Medical services

In both public and private settings, a GP consultation typically costs between €20 and €50. A specialist visit can reach €70, while hospital stays range from €150 to €250 per day in public facilities and can cost tens of thousands of euros in private hospitals.

Even if you are insured through the HZZO or a private insurance company, healthcare services are not free, and you will be required to pay a co-payment, which varies based on your coverage.

Contributions and Insurance Premiums

Public health insurance contributions depend on your employment status and are deducted directly from your salary. For dopunsko, the public or private supplementary insurance, contributions are set by the HZZO for all adults regardless of age — at just under €10 per month.

Premiums for dodatno and international health insurance vary widely depending on the insurance company of your choosing, the level of coverage chosen, and the subscriber’s age and medical condition.

Why Global Health is your ideal health partner in Croatia:

• We offer tailored, high-performance health insurance solutions
• You benefit from the complete freedom to choose your healthcare provider — public or private
• No need to pay upfront for hospital stays or medical consultations
• You can choose a comprehensive coverage not only in Croatia but worldwide
• You get unlimited, digitalised access to healthcare experts 24/7

Interested in learning more about our health insurance solutions for your expatriation to Croatia? Please contact our team of experts to find the plan that best fits your needs.