Hospital Care in Croatia

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Croatia provides a structured network of public and private hospitals across the country. University hospital centers in major cities offer advanced specialist treatment, while regional hospitals ensure access to essential medical services for local communities. Public hospitals operate within the national healthcare system and provide inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services, and specialist consultations. Private hospitals complement the system by offering shorter waiting times and flexible appointment scheduling.

Public vs. Private Healthcare in Croatia

Public Hospital Network

The public system is managed by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) and organized into three main tiers:

  • University Hospital Centers (KBC): Located in Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek, these centers provide highly specialized care, advanced diagnostics, and medical research.
  • General Hospitals (Opće bolnice): Found in county capitals, they cover standard secondary care, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and 24/7 emergency services (OHBP).
  • Special Hospitals: Dedicated facilities focusing on specific areas like orthopedics, psychiatry, or long-term rehabilitation.

Access to public specialists requires an electronic referral (uputnica) from a primary care general practitioner, except in life-threatening emergencies.

Private Medical Sector

Private hospitals and polyclinics operate alongside the public system. They do not require referrals and are chosen primarily for:

  • Speed: Drastically shorter waiting times for elective surgeries and diagnostic imaging (such as MRI or CT scans).
  • Convenience: Flexible scheduling and highly modernized facilities.
  • Funding: Services are paid out-of-pocket or via private supplemental insurance (dodatno osiguranje).

Patients can access hospital services in cities such as Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Pula-Istria, and other regional centers.

How do foreign tourists access hospital care in Croatia?

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary medical treatment at public hospitals under the same conditions as locals. Non-EU tourists must pay out-of-pocket and claim reimbursement through their travel insurance.

Is a referral needed for emergency medical services?

No. In acute, life-threatening situations, anyone can access the emergency department (OHBP) of any public hospital directly without a referral.

What is the difference between Dopunsko and Dodatno insurance?

Dopunsko osiguranje is supplemental public insurance that covers the standard co-payments for treatments and prescriptions in the public system.
Dodatno osiguranje is private insurance that grants access to higher-standard private clinics, preventive check-ups, and quicker specialist appointments.

Where are the most advanced medical treatments located?

The highest level of specialized care, complex surgeries, and advanced medical technology is concentrated in the University Hospital Centers (KBC) within the four major cities: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek.

Do private hospitals in Croatia accept the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

No. The EHIC is only valid within the public healthcare network contracted by the HZZO. Private hospital treatments must be financed independently or through specific private international insurance policies.

What is the difference between public and private hospitals in Croatia?

Public hospitals belong to the state network, require a GP referral, and cost 20% in co-payments unless covered by public Dopunsko insurance. Private hospitals operate independently, do not require referrals, and offer much shorter waiting times for elective treatments. They must be paid entirely out-of-pocket or via private Dodatno insurance, as they do not accept state coverage.


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Verified by: Majed Nefzi, MBA — MBA, business administration & management, Verified on June 10, 2026