Modern reception area of an exclusive private clinic in Croatia with clean design and green views.

Compare public and private hospital care in Croatia.

Learn about university centers, specialist referrals, EHIC rules for tourists, and private options.

Find Hospitals by Medical Specialty

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.

Explore Other Healthcare Services

Croatiamed-Team
Croatiamed-Team
Verified general healthcare information for tourists and expats in Croatia
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The Croatia-Med Editorial Team provides verified healthcare guides for tourists and expats. Managed by M. Nefzi, T. Alkey, and J.Vybostok, we ensure every post is reviewed for accuracy and reliability so you can navigate Croatia safely. General information only — not personal medical advice
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Verified by: Majed Nefzi, MBA — MBA, business administration & management, Verified on June 10, 2026