Healthcare During a Temporary Stay in Croatia
Discover Quality Healthcare in Croatia – Your Guide to Medical Services
If you’re temporarily staying in Croatia and are insured in another EU, EEA, Swiss, or UK country, you can access health services just like Croatian residents. The costs of your treatment will be covered by your home country’s health insurance.
What counts as a Temporary Stay?
A temporary stay includes:
- Tourism or visiting family
- Temporary work
- Study or professional training
- Business trips
No matter the reason for your stay, your home country’s health insurance covers necessary treatments.
How to Access Health Care?
To get medical care in Croatia, you need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Provisional Replacement Certificate. You can get these from your home country’s health insurance provider.
With the EHIC, you can access care in any health facility in Croatia that has a contract with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF). This includes doctors and hospitals that are part of the European health care system.
Private Health Care in Croatia
If you choose to use private health care, you must pay the full cost yourself. The EHIC doesn’t cover private treatments, and your home country’s insurance will not reimburse you.
Planned Medical Treatment in Croatia
If you’re planning medical treatment in Croatia and want your home country’s insurance to cover the cost, you need to contact your insurance provider before your trip. This ensures that your treatment is approved in advance.
Permanent Stay in Croatia
If you move to Croatia permanently, you will have access to health care the same way as Croatian residents. You must provide the S1 form (or an equivalent) from your home country’s health insurance provider to the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF).
For Retirees in Croatia
If you are a retiree receiving a pension from another EU/EEA/Swiss/UK country and live in Croatia, you are entitled to full health care, as long as your home country’s health insurance provider issues the S1 form. This form must be submitted to the CHIF.
Important Note:
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted in many European countries, ensuring you get necessary health care during your temporary stay in Croatia. Make sure to apply for the EHIC before your trip and keep it with you.
Information original Source of the Croatian insurance fund
Our Recommendation for You
When you are looking for a doctor on CroatiaMed, it’s important to check the description or the “Under Conditions” section to see whether the doctor accepts your insurance. This will help you ensure that your medical expenses are covered and avoid any unexpected costs during your treatment. The “Under Conditions” section typically includes information about whether the doctor is part of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF) network or accepts international insurance providers.
To avoid any confusion, it’s always a good idea to contact the doctor directly before your appointment. This way, you can confirm whether your home country’s health insurance is accepted and whether you will need to pay out-of-pocket for any services. Many doctors in Croatia, especially those working with international patients, are familiar with different health insurance systems and can provide you with clear information about the costs and coverage options.
By directly communicating with the doctor, you can get all the necessary details, such as:
- Whether your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or private health insurance is accepted.
- What medical services are covered by your insurance.
- If any additional payments are required for specific treatments.
Using CroatiaMed makes finding healthcare providers in Croatia easier, but always remember to double-check the details regarding your insurance coverage. We recommend contacting your doctor in advance, especially if you have specific insurance needs or if you are unsure about the terms of coverage.
This simple step can help you avoid unnecessary surprises and ensure a smooth healthcare experience while you are in Croatia.