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International Health Insurance for Expats in Montenegro
Expats are advised to have a comprehensive health insurance plan for their stay in Montenegro. The country’s medical facilities can vary greatly in quality and capacity across the country. The right insurance plan can ensure you have access to the healthcare you need despite local limitations.
In this short guide, learn more about the local healthcare system and health insurance options for expats in Montenegro. Ready to get started? Click the button below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Montenegro
Healthcare System in Montenegro
Montenegro has a mix of public and private healthcare systems, with the subsidized public sector being the dominant one. Most healthcare facilities in the capital Podgorica are well-equipped and adequate, but you might find care in the rural regions lacking in standards and resources.
Public Healthcare System in Montenegro
Montenegro has a tax-funded public healthcare system, with subsidized services for those insured under the Health Insurance Fund (HIF).
The public sector is the major healthcare provider in Montenegro, and its facilities are divided into three levels:
- Primary care
- Secondary care
- Tertiary care
Primary care is provided through health centers (dom zdravlja) where you can see ‘chosen doctors’ which usually include:
- General Practitioners
- Internist
- Family medicine specialists
- Pediatricians
- Gynecologists
- Emergency medicine specialists
- Dentists
- Occupational medicine specialists
Primary care health centers will be your first contact with medical care and will handle most day-to-day common illnesses.
If your ‘chosen doctors’ see that your condition requires specialized care, you will be given a referral letter to meet a specialist, such as an oncologist or a cardiologist, in a secondary care facility. A referral letter is required to see specialists and access secondary care in Montenegro.
Complex conditions that require highly specialized care are treated in tertiary care hospitals.
Montenegro suffers from outward migration of healthcare workers, especially doctors. This means although Montenegro has been able to produce more physicians for the system, the numbers of physicians and nurses remain well below the EU averages.
Public Healthcare Facilities in Montenegro
Clinical Centre of Montenegro- Kliniฤki centar Crne Gore
Telephone: 382 (0)20 412 412
Website: http://www.kccg.me/
Emergency Centre of Montenegro - Zavod za hitnu medicinsku pomoฤ Crne Gore
Telephone: 382 (0)20 226 081
Website: http://www.zhmp.org/
Primary Health Care Centre Andrijevica - Dom zdravlja Andrijevica
Telephone: 382 (0)51 243 407
Website: https://domzdravljaandrijevica.me/
General Hospital Bar - Opšta bolnica “Blaลพo Orlandiฤ” Bar
Telephone: 382 (0)30 342 333
Website: http://www.bolnicabar.me/
Primary Health Care Centre Bar - Dom zdravlja Bar
Telephone: 382 (0)30 311 001
Website: http://www.domzdravljabar.com/
General Hospital Berane - Opšta bolnica Berane
Telephone: 382 (0)51 230 630
Website: http://bolnicaberane.com/
Primary Health Care Centre Berane - Dom zdravlja Berane
Telephone: 382 (0)51 233 325
Website: http://www.domzdravljaberane.me/
Private Healthcare System in Montenegro
The private healthcare system is relatively smaller compared to its public counterpart, and private healthcare facilities are usually limited to Podgorica and major cities only. However, you can expect shorter waiting times and more up-to-date medical equipment in private facilities.
Some private health facilities will expect payment in cash for all services. Travelers and expats are advised to have some cash with them when visiting these facilities, though some may also accept credit cards.
Private health facilities will also have English-speaking staff to assist expats in need of medical services.
Private Healthcare Facilities in Montenegro
ZU Polyclinic „Novi Cenex Medical“
Telephone: 382 (0)67 645 466
Website: http://cenexmedical.com/
PZU Rezidencija Zdravlja Kerber
Telephone: 382 (0)67 229 111
Website: https://rzkerber.com/
PZU Special Hospital Ars Medica
Telephone: 382 (0)20 227 227
Website: https://arsmedica.co.me/
Sanicard
Telephone: 382 (0)20 662 039
Website: https://sanicard.me/en/services/
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Health Insurance Options for Expats in Montenegro
If you are a legal resident and work for an employer in Montenegro, you might be eligible for the Health Insurance Fund (HIF). Still, considering the overcrowded state and varying qualities of public health facilities, many expats opt for private insurance for peace of mind.
Public Health Insurance in Montenegro
Health Insurance Fund (HIF) provides universal health coverage for the Montenegrin population as well as legal residents who have contributed to the social security funds through their employment.
If you work for an employer in Montenegro, it is likely that your employer will obtain the medical card that grants you access to its medical benefits for you.
With HIF, you can receive subsidized medical services from public healthcare facilities or private healthcare facilities contracted by the HIF. Most services will come with co-payments, either a fixed rate or a percentage-based co-payments.
Some medical services with percentage-based co-payments are such as:
- Outpatient visits (20-40% co-payment)
- Medical products (20-60% co-payment)
Medical services with fixed co-payments are such as:
- Inpatient care (EUR 1.50 on average)
- Diagnostic test (EUR 1.50 on average)
- Outpatient medicines
Some health services are not covered by the HIF such as dental services for adults.
Private Health Insurance in Montenegro
Most expats are strongly advised to secure sufficient health insurance coverage for their stay in Montenegro, not just for treatment in private clinics but also for possible medical evacuation and repatriation due to limited medical resources.
Although medical facilities in Podgorica and most tourist visitors are equipped for most illnesses and injuries, some possibilities limited staff and resources might hinder your treatment or your care experience overall.
Private health insurance will ensure that despite limited resources or medical personnel where you are, you can be evacuated to where facilities and staff are equipped for your condition. With the right plan, you will be covered for your evacuation and for the treatment wherever you land.
Additionally, should you require repatriation for long-term care in your home country, many travel and international plans can provide you coverage for such services, or they might be available as optional riders.
This is why travelers and expats are generally recommended to have appropriate insurance plans prior to their trips. If you are looking for a health insurance plan for your time in Montenegro, check out our next sessions where we have gathered some recommended providers and plans for you.
Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Montenegro
As an insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Pacific Prime works with leading insurers from across the globe to ensure that its clients have the selection of the best plans at the best prices from the best providers.
Below, we have gathered some of the top insurers we work with and their plans to make sure your stay in Montenegro starts on the right foot, with coverage that meets your needs and budgets.
Want to compare more plans? Contact our insurance expert or use our online tool, all free of charge.
Allianz
Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans for all expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to any basic policy that Allianz approves. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks.
Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes:
April International
April International has over 30 years of experience in the international health insurance market and provides both comprehensive and flexible plans to expats. They provide varying levels of coverage, fully customizable policies, and a wide direct billing network.
Some of the shared coverage across their plans are:
Cigna Global
Cigna Global provides flexible insurance plans to expats. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any private hospitals and private clinics. Their plans are both customizable and comprehensive.
Cigna has a silver, gold, and platinum plan with different levels of coverage. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:
Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Montenegro
Travelers to Montenegro should make sure they are up to date with recommended vaccinations before heading to the country. Certain things also warrant extra cautions in Montenegro such as crime, driving in rural areas, and nightlife safety.
Recommended Vaccinations
CDC advises travelers to stay up to date on their routine vaccinations including Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles.
COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Measles, and Rabies are also among the vaccinations recommended for travelers and expats heading to Montenegro.
Crime
Though violent crimes are rare in Montenegro, robberies at ATMs and pickpockets usually increase during the most popular tourist months from May to September. Always protect your ATM PINs and be mindful of your belongings.
Secondary Roads
Although roads between major towns are usually well maintained, secondary roads in rural areas are often in poorer conditions and can pose significant challenges in poor weather or during winter months.
Nightlife
Montenegrin nightclubs are popular among tourists, but patrons should be aware that these establishments may not comply with Western standards for occupancy control and fire safety. Patrons should always be vigilant of their surroundings and emergency exits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance to enter Montenegro?
Though health insurance is not legally required to enter Montenegro, it is advisable to have a sufficient health insurance plan that can cover your healthcare and possible medical evacuation and repatriation in case of limited medical resources in the country.
Is healthcare free in Montenegro?
Public healthcare in Montenegro is subsidized only for those insured by the Montenegrin Health Insurance Fund, but there will still be co-payments for certain services. Tourists will need to shoulder all the healthcare costs themselves.
Does Montenegro have good healthcare?
Though Montenegro has made significant progress in improving its healthcare sector, the country still suffers from medical resources and staff shortages, especially due to the outward migration of medical staff.
Get a Quote
Expats and travelers to Montenegro are highly advised to secure sufficient health insurance plans for their stay in Montenegro. This is to ensure that despite limited local medical resources, you will have access to any healthcare you need, either through private facilities or medical evacuation.
With extensive years of experience, our consultants can match you with a policy that best fits your budget and requirements while covering a wide range of services including dental, maternity, specialist consultation, transportation, inpatient services, and many more aspects.
Contact us today for a free medical insurance consultation.
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