Every year, millions of tourists visit Croatia to enjoy its Adriatic coastline, historic cities, national parks, and cultural attractions. While most holidays are trouble-free, unexpected illnesses and injuries can occur. For visitors from European Union countries, the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and certain other participating countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can provide access to medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in Croatia.
Understanding how the EHIC works can help travelers avoid confusion and ensure they receive appropriate medical care if needed.
What Is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free card issued by national health insurance institutions within participating European countries. It allows insured individuals to access medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays in another participating country under the same conditions and costs that apply to local residents.
The EHIC is not a private insurance policy. Instead, it confirms that the holder is covered by a public healthcare system in their home country and may access healthcare services abroad when necessary.
Croatia participates fully in the EHIC system through the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).
Can Tourists Use the EHIC in Croatia?
Yes. Tourists visiting Croatia can use a valid EHIC when they require medically necessary healthcare during their stay.
Temporary stays may include:
- Holidays and tourism
- Business trips
- Family visits
- Study visits
- Other short-term stays
The EHIC allows visitors to receive treatment that cannot reasonably wait until they return home. Healthcare providers assess whether treatment is medically necessary based on the patient’s condition and the expected duration of their stay in Croatia.
What Medical Services Are Covered?
The EHIC generally covers medically necessary healthcare provided through Croatia’s public healthcare system.
Examples include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Treatment for sudden illnesses
- Care after accidents and injuries
- Treatment of infections
- Medical consultations
- Hospital treatment when necessary
- Care for chronic conditions requiring attention during travel
- Pregnancy-related healthcare if the purpose of travel is not childbirth
For example, a tourist who develops a severe ear infection, suffers a sports injury, experiences an asthma attack, or requires urgent treatment for a chronic condition may be entitled to receive healthcare under the EHIC system.
Healthcare providers determine whether treatment is medically necessary and whether it should be provided during the patient’s stay in Croatia.
Are Prescription Medicines and Antibiotics Covered?
Many tourists wonder whether they must pay for medicines prescribed in Croatia.
If a doctor prescribes medication as part of medically necessary treatment, EHIC holders may obtain prescription medicines under the same conditions that apply to Croatian residents.
However, this does not necessarily mean that all medicines are completely free of charge.
Depending on the medication prescribed and Croatian reimbursement rules, patients may be required to pay:
- A co-payment
- A partial contribution
- The difference between a standard and premium medication
This also applies to antibiotics. Some antibiotics may be fully covered, while others may require a patient contribution depending on the specific product and reimbursement category.
Before purchasing prescribed medication, patients should ask the pharmacy whether any co-payment applies.
Do You Need to Visit a Specific Doctor or Clinic?
Yes. To benefit from EHIC coverage, patients should seek treatment from healthcare providers that are contracted with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). Many hospitals, health centres, and general practitioners throughout Croatia participate in the public healthcare system.
Private clinics that do not have a contract with HZZO generally fall outside the EHIC system, meaning patients may be required to pay the full cost of treatment.
For this reason, visitors should always verify whether a healthcare provider accepts EHIC patients before receiving treatment.
Is Emergency Healthcare Available? Yes.
Emergency healthcare services are available throughout Croatia and can be accessed regardless of nationality.
In urgent situations, visitors should call:
112 – European Emergency Number or 194 – Croatian Emergency Medical Service
Emergency departments in Croatian hospitals can provide treatment when immediate medical attention is required.
What Is Not Covered by the EHIC?
Although the EHIC provides valuable protection, it has important limitations.
The EHIC generally does not cover:
- Private healthcare services
- Planned medical treatment abroad
- Medical repatriation to your home country
- Mountain rescue operations
- Travel disruptions
- Lost or stolen property
- Non-medical travel expenses
For this reason, travelers should not rely solely on the EHIC and are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before visiting Croatia.
What If You Forget Your EHIC?
If you forget your EHIC, lose it, or it is stolen while traveling, you may be able to request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from your national health insurance institution.
The PRC provides the same healthcare rights as the EHIC for a limited period and may be accepted by Croatian healthcare providers.
Travelers should contact their insurer as soon as possible if they require a replacement document.
Practical Tips for Tourists Visiting Croatia
Before travelling:
- Check that your EHIC is valid.
- Bring the physical card with you.
- Save copies of important documents.
- Purchase travel insurance.
- Keep your insurer’s contact information available.
If you need healthcare during your stay: - Present your EHIC when registering.
- Ask whether the provider has an HZZO contract.
- Keep prescriptions and receipts.
- Request documentation for any treatment received.
Being prepared can make accessing healthcare much easier if unexpected medical issues arise.
Do I need to pay for medical treatment in Croatia if I have an EHIC?
Not necessarily. EHIC holders can access medically necessary healthcare under the same conditions as Croatian residents. Depending on the treatment, co-payments may still apply.
Do I need to pay for antibiotics in Croatia with an EHIC?
Possibly. Some prescription medicines, including antibiotics, may require a co-payment depending on Croatian reimbursement rules and the specific medication prescribed.
Can I visit any doctor or clinic in Croatia with an EHIC?
No. To benefit from EHIC coverage, you should generally use healthcare providers that have a contract with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). Private clinics may charge the full cost of treatment.
Does the EHIC cover private healthcare in Croatia?
No. The EHIC is primarily intended for public healthcare services and contracted providers within the Croatian healthcare system.
Is the EHIC a replacement for travel insurance?
No. The EHIC does not cover medical repatriation, private healthcare, mountain rescue, travel cancellations, or many other travel-related risks. Travel insurance is still recommended.
What should I do if I lose my EHIC while travelling in Croatia?
Contact your national health insurance institution and request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which can provide temporary healthcare coverage similar to the EHIC.
