Croatia Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Croatia

International health insurance is crucial for expats visiting or moving to Croatia, ensuring access to quality and comprehensive care outside its capital Zagreb. Public healthcare is free, but associated with shortcomings such as long wait times and limited scope of treatments.

Those moving or traveling to Croatia will undoubtedly be interested in knowing more about the Croatian healthcare system, and factors to consider when deciding whether private health insurance is necessary.

This serves as a guide that encompasses essential information to help expats navigate healthcare in Croatia.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Croatia

The Healthcare System in Croatia

Croatia operates a universal healthcare system comprising both public and private healthcare services, offering a wide range of choices in medical treatment and service selection for citizens and permanent residents in Croatia.

The public healthcare system, managed by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), provides coverage through a combination of mandatory and supplementary health insurance schemes. The system is primarily funded through payroll contributions, government subsidies, and co-payments from patients.

Primary healthcare in Croatia is delivered through a network of general practitioners, pediatricians, gynecologists, and dentists who work in health centers (dom zdravlja) or private practices contracted with HZZO.

Patients must register with a primary care physician who acts as a gatekeeper to specialist care. This system helps manage healthcare resources efficiently while ensuring appropriate referrals to secondary and tertiary care facilities.

Croatia’s Public Hospitals

Croatia's hospital system consists of general hospitals, clinical hospital centers, specialty hospitals, and private clinics. The larger cities, particularly Zagreb, house the most advanced medical facilities and specialized treatment centers.

The best public hospitals in Croatia include:

• Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb
  Address: Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
  Contact Number: +385 1 23 88 029
• Clinical Hospital Split
  Address: Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
  Contact Number: +385 21 556 111
• University Hospital Rijeka
  Address: Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
  Contact Number: +385 51 658 111
• Zagreb Children’s Hospital
  Address: Klaićeva 16, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
  Contact Number: +385 1 46 00 111

Croatia’s Private Hospitals

Private hospitals are usually the preferred choice of healthcare due to services catering to expats, such as English-speaking staff, advanced medical equipment, high-quality treatment, shorter queues, and more single rooms.

The best private private hospitals in Croatia include:

• Polyclinic Bagatin
  Address: Frana Folnegovića 1c/1, 10000 Zagreb
  Contact Number: +385 1 46 10 225
• Hospital Sveta Katarina
  Address: Ul. kneza Branimira 71E, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
  Contact Number: +385 1 28 67 400
• Special Hospital AKSIS
  Address: Petrovaradinska ul 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
  Contact Number: +385 1 38 77 413

Health Insurance Options in Croatia for Expats

Residents in Croatia can choose public insurance, or supplement it with private insurance. Working expats are eligible for public insurance by contributing to the social security system, and many choose private insurance to expand coverage and for faster services.

Public Insurance in Croatia

Mandatory health insurance (obvezno zdravstveno osiguranje) is the cornerstone of Croatia's healthcare system. Employed citizens contribute a percentage of their income, while the government covers contributions for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and the unemployed.

This insurance covers essential medical services like primary care, specialist consultations, emergency care, hospitalization, and prescription medications on the HZZO list.

Supplementary health insurance (dopunsko zdravstveno osiguranje) is optional but commonly purchased by residents and expats. It covers co-payments required under the mandatory scheme and provides additional benefits.

Private Insurance in Croatia

Private health insurance (dodatno zdravstveno osiguranje) offers faster access to services, broader coverage, and treatment in private facilities.

Many opt for private health insurance in Croatia mainly to extend their accessibility to specialized services, and coverage for expenses on medical evacuation and repatriation that they may need in case of emergencies or complex diseases.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Croatia

Pacific Prime works with trusted international health insurance providers to offer cost-effective and flexible health insurance solutions to expats in Croatia. Top insurers include AXA, Allianz, Cigna, and VUMI.

AXA

AXA Global Healthcare offers insurance solutions to more than 95 million clients in over 50 countries. Their plans are five-tiered, each catering to expats in Croatia looking for wide coverage and flexibility in their health insurance plans.

Allianz

Allianz is one of the top choices for expats in Croatia, their international health insurance plan includes three options—the Care Plan, the Care Plus Plan, and the Care Pro Plan.

Policyholders can expect value-added services including Allianz’s MyHealth Digital Services, Expat Assistance Program, travel security services, expansive global network, and family-friendly benefits.

Cigna

Cigna’s four-tiered international health insurance plan provides comprehensive coverage and a high degree of flexibility for its policyholders. The convenience and professionalism offered by its trusted network of hospitals and doctors and 24/7 customer support have won the favor of many expats.

VUMI

VUMI’s international insurance plan Global Flex VIP includes comprehensive inpatient benefits such as full overage of standard private hospital rooms and intensive care unit stays, plus up to 30 days of psychiatric treatments.

Facts to Consider when Picking Insurance in Croatia

When selecting international health insurance, expats should consider these essential factors to ensure they choose a plan that meets their needs:

Coverage Scope

• Ensure the plan covers essential services such as hospitalization, outpatient care, emergency medical treatment, maternity care, and prescription medications. Look for coverage options specific to your health needs.

Network of Providers

• Check the insurance provider's network of hospitals, clinics, and doctors in your area. A robust network can facilitate easier access to quality care and may allow for direct billing, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Pre-existing Conditions

• Understand how the insurance plan handles pre-existing conditions. Some policies may have waiting periods or exclusions, so it's crucial to clarify this before purchasing.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

• Given the potential limitations of healthcare facilities outside Zagreb, ensure that the plan includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation. This can be crucial for accessing specialized or necessary care.

Customer Support and Assistance

• Look for insurance providers that offer 24/7 customer support. Having access to assistance during emergencies or when navigating healthcare can be invaluable.

Claim Process

• Review the claims process to determine how straightforward it is. A user-friendly and efficient claims process can save time and reduce stress when seeking reimbursement.

Exclusions and Limitations

• Carefully read the policy details to understand any exclusions or limitations. This includes services that may not be covered, which can vary significantly between plans.

Renewability and Portability

• Check if the policy is renewable and can be transferred or maintained if you move to another country. This is important for long-term expats.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Croatia

Whenever you travel overseas, it is useful to understand the health issues, and local laws and customs of the country you are traveling to, as they may be largely different from your own. As such, we have provided some Croatian travel advice so that you may stay safe and enjoy your travels better.

Recommended vaccinations

As a relatively warm and dry country, the diseases present in Croatia may not be found in many colder countries. If you are traveling or moving to Croatia for the first time, it is advised that you get the following vaccinations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• MMR Vaccinations against Measles: If you’ve had MMR vaccinations before, it is recommended that you get 1 additional dose before traveling, at least 28 days after the previous dose.
  If you haven’t had the vaccination before, 2 doses are recommended, with each dose being 28 days apart. If you are traveling with an infant (6 to 11 months old), 1 dose of the vaccine is recommended.
• Hepatitis A: You can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food and water in Croatia.
• Rabies: In Croatia, cases of rabies found in mammals are more common than in other Western countries. This makes getting rabies vaccination recommended for both travelers and those moving to Croatia.
• Routine Vaccines: The components of routine vaccines may vary, depending on your age and health condition. They can include getting the latest flu vaccine and tetanus booster shots, as well as others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What coverage options should I look for in an international health insurance plan while living in Croatia?

Look for comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical services, hospitalization, outpatient care, and prescription medications; Consider policies that offer preventive care, mental health support, and repatriation coverage if necessary.

How do I find a reputable international health insurance provider in Croatia?

Look for customer reviews and ratings online to gauge their reliability and service quality. Check if the provider has a strong network of healthcare facilities in Croatia and offers 24/7 customer support. It can also be helpful to consult expat forums or communities for recommendations.

What are the common exclusions in international health insurance policies for expats in Croatia?

Common exclusions in international health insurance policies may include pre-existing conditions, routine dental and vision care, and coverage for certain high-risk activities (such as extreme sports). Policies may also exclude cosmetic procedures and treatments that are not medically necessary.

Compare Plans and Quotes in Croatia Now

Croatia has a mandatory health insurance scheme that applies to every individual in Croatia, whether they are students, temporary residents, or citizens. If you plan to live in Croatia, you are required to sign up for health insurance before applying for making any residence permit applications.

To meet the country’s insurance policy requirements, all residents must obtain insurance through the HZZO (the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance). Different conditions for its application will differ based on the country that you are from.

To navigate your way through the health insurance requirements in Croatia, you can talk to health insurance experts, such as Pacific Prime Insurance Brokers, to compare and find out the most suitable insurance option for you.

For more information about Croatia health insurance, and locally compliant international health insurance plans that we can offer there, or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.