Serbia Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Serbia

International health insurance is the top choice for expats living in Serbia. Not only does it allow expats in Serbia to access the best medical treatment in the country but it also provides them with comprehensive, flexible, and globally portable medical coverage worldwide. 

Are you an expat who is curious about the healthcare system in this historic country? Or maybe you’re preparing for your move and are concerned that you find the best health insurance for your lifestyle and health needs.

In this Pacific Prime article, we’ll explain  Serbia’s healthcare system, compare top international health insurance providers, provide helpful travel tips, and more.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Serbia

The Healthcare System in Serbia

Serbia provides universal healthcare to all its citizens and permanent residents, but the quality of care is subpar. Emergency care is free for all citizens, expats, and visitors. Doctor’s services, on the other hand, are not. Visits to hospitals generally require cash payments upfront.

Serbia’s healthcare standards do not meet standards similar to the rest of Europe. While the country does offer quality basic care with good accessibility, the healthcare system struggles with long wait times, uneven distribution of care, and high out-of-pocket costs.

Private institutions continue to grow in the country, offering top quality for those who can afford it. For those who rely on public hospitals, the best care is available in larger urban areas, such as Belgrade.

Aside from hospitals, Serbia’s health centers offer care in general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, occupational medicine, and more. Despite the lack of state-of-the-art equipment in these facilities, the doctors and nurses are considered capable. 

You can find two types of pharmacies in Serbia: state-owned or private, though there is usually a shortage of medical supplies in the former, and only basic medications are sold in the latter. In Serbia, a prescription can only come from a doctor or a specialist.

Corruption is a major issue in Serbia due to low doctor salaries, leading to bribes for better care. Many highly trained medical professionals are either unemployed or have emigrated, making it hard to find qualified doctors. When available, their services often come at a high cost.

We recommended both expats and tourists to secure either travel or international health insurance before traveling to Serbia.

Note: Expats without a job in Serbia must provide proof of private health insurance to obtain a residence permit.

Public Hospitals in Serbia

Some of the country’s top public medical institutions include the University Clinical Centre of Serbia and the Clinical Center of Vojvodina.

University Clinical Centre of Serbia

Address: Pasterova 2, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Phone number: +381 11 3609999

Clinal Center of Vojvodina

Address: Hajduk Veljkova 1-9, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia
Phone number: +381 21 4843484

Private Hospitals in Serbia

There are few private health clinics and hospitals available in Serbia, but the private sector continues to grow. NEW Hospital and Sava Memorial Hospital are among the best of the private hospitals in Serbia. 

NEW Hospital

Address: Alberta Ajnštajna 1, Novi Sad 401734, Serbia
Phone number:+381 21 3000505

Sava Memorial Hospital

Address: Neznanog junaka 17, Beograd 11040, Serbia
Phone number: +381 11 7773600

Health Insurance Options in Serbia for Expats

Expats living in Serbia who contribute to the mandatory health insurance scheme qualify for public healthcare. However, private insurance like international health insurance is usually preferred for access to the best care both in Serbia and worldwide.

Public Insurance in Serbia

The National Health Insurance Fund (HIF) covers all citizens and permanent residents. All residents are required to make mandatory contributions to the HIF. The HIF covers a wide range of medical services such as specialist treatment, hospitalization, prescriptions, and more.

Employees, self-employed individuals, and pensioners must contribute to Serbia's state insurance (HIF), with expats included. Employers and employees share the cost, so you should check with your employer on how your health insurance is regulated when you arrive.

Contributions are based on a sliding scale, with higher earners paying a larger percentage of their income. Dependents are covered by your payments. Self-employed individuals must pay in full, while the unemployed, elderly, certain chronic patients, and pregnant women are exempt from contributions.

The Serbian Health Insurance Act covers all foreign citizens working for foreign or local companies. However, most expats choose private health insurance. With a good plan, doctors' visits, tests, and medications remain affordable and accessible, even at private hospitals.

While public health insurance covers many types of medical care, expats must pay for medical costs that do not fall under public insurance parameters or seek additional insurance coverage, such as private insurance. . 

Alternatively, your insurance is included under the bilateral health insurance treaty between your home country and Serbia.Here is a list of all countries with Bilateral Health Insurance Treaties with Serbia:

No Out-of-Pocket Payments: Citizens of Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the UK can access medical services in Serbia without paying upfront.

Pay First, Reimburse Later: Citizens of Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands must pay for medical services in Serbia but can later apply for reimbursement.

Private Insurance in Serbia 

For those who can afford private insurance, it is a popular option since it allows access to facilities with shorter wait times and state-of-the-art facilities. International health insurance is the most popular option for expats in Serbia who want private insurance. 

International health insurance plans offer expats in Serbia customizable benefits and global coverage. These plans can be tailored to fit your needs according to your lifestyle, budget, age, and health. 

General coverage in international health insurance plans includes: 

• Inpatient care
• Outpatient care
• Vision care
• Dental care
• Maternity care
• Preventative care

You get to choose your insurance provider, level of coverage, and add-on benefits, so unlike a public insurance plan that is handed to you, private international plans are customizable.

The Best Private Health Insurance Providers for Expats in Serbia

The best health insurance plans for expats living in Serbia are international health insurance plans from top providers like Cigna, Allianz, AXA, NOW Health International, and MSH International.

Cigna

Cigna offers flexible plans for expats in Serbia to grant them access to top private and public hospitals. With Cigna’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans, expats can choose what level of coverage works for them and their budget.

All three levels of coverage offer the following benefits:

Cigna’s Silver plan starts with an annual limit of USD $1,000,000 with the Gold plan bumping up to USD $2,000,000, and the Platinum plan offering the highest coverage with an unlimited annual cap.

Allianz

Choose between Allianz’s Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro plans and enjoy the benefits of one of the largest international health insurance providers on the market. All three plans cover the basic benefits of:

Allianz’s Care plan has an annual limit of USD $2,500,000, with the Care Plus plan increasing to USD $4,000,000, and the Care Pro plan up to $5,000,000.

AXA

AXA offers five international health insurance plans: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. Evacuation and repatriation are included, and AXA offers second medical opinions and virtual doctor services. The annual limits for each plan are:

• Foundation: $160,000
• Standard: $1,600,000
• Comprehensive: $2,400,000
• Prestige: $3,200,000
• Prestige Plus: $8,000,000

NOW Health International

NOW Health International offers their comprehensive WorldCare plan with four coverage options and their more affordable SimpleCare plan with three coverage options. Both the WorldCare and SimpleCare plans cover:

The SimpleCare plan offers an annual limit of USD $1,500,000 while the WorldCare plan offers an annual limit of USD $4,500,000.

MSH International

MSH International offers four tiers of coverage through their First’Expat+ plan: Hospi, Health, Health+, and Health+Child. Choose additional customization for annual limits and benefits through their Quartz, Pearl, Sapphire, and Diamond options.

Plans with a Quartz selection offer annual limits at USD $625,000, with Pearl selections at USD $1,250,000, Sapphire selections at USD $2,000,000, and Diamond at USD $3,750,000.

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Serbia

When choosing a health insurance plan for Serbia, expats must weigh out their personal health concerns, their lifestyle, their budget, and the length of their time in Serbia to determine what type of plan fits their needs.

Your Health and Lifestyle for Health Insurance in Serbia

Expats living in Serbia—as well as travelers to the country—should prioritize finding a plan that offers quality, affordable coverage. Most plans exclude pre-existing conditions, and the more healthcare coverage you choose, the more your plan will cost. 

Your Budget for Health Insurance in Serbia

The cost of your health insurance will depend on your health history, age, lifestyle, benefits you seek, and even gender. Factors that contribute to your health insurance costs are your premium, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.

• Premiums are the amount you pay each month for health insurance.
• Deductibles are the amount you pay before your insurance covers costs.
• Copays are the amount you pay for medical visits, like doctor’s visits.
• Coinsurance is the coverage percentage you pay once you have met your deductible.
• The out-of-pocket maximum is the total maximum amount you may pay for health care within a term.

Travel Insurance in Serbia

For those who plan to travel in Serbia only briefly, travel insurance or short-term insurance may be the right fit. Travel medical insurance provides coverage for some medical emergencies, such as emergency care or repatriation, in case of a mishap during your vacation. 

In contrast, traditional travel insurance offers assistance for hiccups like:

• Trip cancellation
• Delayed departure
• Personal belongings
• Lost luggage
• Travel documents
• Personal liability

Travelers looking for comprehensive care for their trip can bundle medical and traditional travel insurance or opt for international health insurance to pair with their traditional travel insurance. If travel insurance fits your needs, read more about top insurers in this guide. 

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Serbia

Travelers to Serbia are advised to exercise heightened caution, but with the proper preparation, they can enjoy a stress-free trip.

Understand Political History in the Area

Serbia is shaped by history and rife with present-day conflicts. After Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, relations between the two areas have been very strained, as Serbia doesn’t recognize Kosovo’s independence.  

This tension results in frequent demonstrations and protests in large cities like Belgrade. To keep safe, there are two things you should be aware of:

1. Protests usually occur around the national parliament and the presidential palace. 
2. Avoid engaging in discussions about the Serbia-Kosovo issue. Note that American citizens are especially at risk on March 24, the anniversary date of the NATO bombing of Serbia in 1999. 

Be aware that areas frequented by expatriates are always at risk of a potential terrorist attack. Night clubs, for example, are often sites of violent attacks.

Health Risks of Traveling to Serbia

The 1999 NATO bombings left lasting damage in Serbia, impacting both people and the environment. Toxic chemicals from bombed factories contaminated the soil, air, and water, while some mountainous areas in Kosovo still contain unexploded materials.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of health risks you may be exposed to in Serbia:

• Air pollution
• Hepatitis-A
• Rabies
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Avian Flu
• Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
• West Nile Fever

Protect Yourself with Private Health Insurance

Whether you are entitled to Serbia’s state healthcare system or simply prefer an alternative, you should secure an international private health insurance plan. We also recommend an insurance plan that covers repatriation costs. If you are injured, you may need care for your condition outside of the country. In most cases, the cost to transfer you can be incredibly steep. 

Pacific Prime has over two decades of experience as brokers in the insurance industry. We are committed to finding the perfect health insurance plan to suit your budget and needs. 

Most importantly, our highly-trained experts provide free quotations, leverage our close partnerships with all major insurers, and have an extensive portfolio that consists of all the best plans. Contact us today so we can help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Serbia have good healthcare?

Serbia’s healthcare is not as high quality as other European countries, though the increase of private facilities makes top-notch care more accessible. Residents often complain about unequal accessibility and long wait times for appointments and procedures.

What does the health insurance Fund of the Republic of Serbia do?

The National Health Insurance Fund is a non-profit organization that manages the country’s mandatory public health insurance scheme for its citizens and permanent residents.

Is Serbia a good location for expats?

Serbia is considered a great location for expats to settle. Serbia is beloved by expats for its liberal immigration policy, its low cost of living, and vibrant culture.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Our Pacific Prime brokerage team is ready to help expats like you secure comprehensive health insurance, vision, and dental plans in Serbia. Not only can we find you affordable rates, but we have access to plans with the highest levels of coverage.

Our plans can be tailored to meet your exact requirements, and in many cases, we are able to offer Serbia international health insurance policies with no deductibles or excesses.

For ultimate flexibility, we offer policies that include benefits for outpatient treatment, dental care, maternity protection, complementary medicines, specialist consultations, alternative therapies, and emergency evacuation. Contact us today for a free quote and insurance consultation!

Recommended Reads:

• The Best International Insurance Companies
• International Family Health Insurance Plans
• Maternity Insurance: Pregnancy while Living Abroad
• International Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions