The State Healthcare System
Finance for the Croatian state health system comes from a variety of sources. Health insurance contributions are compulsory for all citizens in employment and for employers. Dependant family members are covered through the contributions made by working family members. Self-employed citizens must pay their own contributions in full. Vulnerable groups such as old age pensioners and low-income earners are exempt from payment. The Croatian Institute for Health Insurance (CIHI) holds the budget made up of the working populace’s contributions. Some citizens supplement their state healthcare service with additional private health insurance.

A minority of citizens must also pay a form of co-payments to access some health services and all patients have to pay for non-prescription drugs. Dental healthcare, consultations with specialists must also be paid for.

Registered expatriates who do not work may be covered by a reciprocal agreement with their home country. This can be checked by visiting the Croatian embassies website for you home country. Otherwise, you must obtain regular private insurance cover.

Doctors
Patients are free to register with the doctor of their choice. GP’s operate like private doctors within the Croatian healthcare system and they often ask for cash up front before giving treatment. GP’s in Croatia are more experienced in trauma and emergency care than their western counterparts and only a third are experienced in general practice.

There is a growing trend towards private practice including private nursing and diagnostic facilities and privately owned pharmacies.  Doctors are allowed to rent space in Health Centres for the practice. They are paid by the Croatian Health Insurance Institute, which agrees advance contracts with them on an annual basis. The contract determines the cost for basic treatment and associated care.