Healthcare travel guide in Croatia

Healthcare travel guide in Croatia

Before your vacation in Croatia, read our guide in which we provide you with answers to all important questions related to healthcare in Croatia and what to do if you get sick in Croatia or need medical care and a doctor.

Is Croatian healthcare good?

Croatian healthcare system is generally considered to be of a good standard, with a well-developed network of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities throughout the country. The country has a universal healthcare system, meaning all citizens and permanent residents have access to basic healthcare services.

Croatia has a relatively high life expectancy and low infant mortality rate, which are indicators of the effectiveness of the healthcare system. The country also has a relatively low incidence of infectious diseases and a well-developed public health system.

However, like many healthcare systems around the world, the Croatian healthcare system faces challenges such as funding constraints, an aging population, and a shortage of healthcare professionals in some areas. Additionally, there may be some variation in the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in different regions of the country.

Overall, while the Croatian healthcare system has its strengths and weaknesses, it is generally considered to be of a good standard and provides adequate care to its citizens.

Is healthcare free for tourists in Croatia?

Generally yes. If a tourist during a temporary stay in the Republic of Croatia is a beneficiary of compulsory health insurance in another member state of the European Union (EU), countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, health services will be provided to him in the same way as to the local population. The competent health insurance institution for tourists from the EU bears the costs of the health services provided in Croatia.

Temporary stay in Croatia includes stay for private business (tourism, visiting relatives, etc.), temporary work, professional training or education to which you have been invited by your employer from another member state, official work, studying in Croatia and any other short stay. - term stay.

How to get medical help in Croatia?

If you need medical help in Croatia, there are several options available:

1. Emergency services: If you require urgent medical attention, you can call the emergency services by dialing 112. The emergency services in Croatia provide 24/7 medical assistance.
2. Hospitals: If you require specialized medical care, you can visit a hospital. Croatia has both public and private hospitals, with public hospitals being the more affordable option. You will need to bring your health insurance card or pay for medical services if you are not covered by health insurance.
3. Pharmacies: If you need over-the-counter medication or prescription medication, you can visit a pharmacy. Pharmacies are usually open during regular business hours but there are also pharmacies that work 24/7.

It is important to note that if you are traveling to Croatia from another country, you should ensure that you have valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case of an emergency.

Is ambulance free in Croatia?

In Croatia, emergency medical services provided by ambulance are generally free of charge for citizens, and legal residents who are insured under the national healthcare system include EU citizens. This means that if you require emergency medical assistance and are insured under the Croatian healthcare system or some other EU country, you will not be charged for ambulance services.

However, if you are a foreign tourist or visitor to Croatia and do not have health insurance that covers emergency medical services, you may be charged for ambulance services. In this case, it is important to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses in case of an accident or illness.

It is also worth noting that while emergency medical services are free of charge, other medical services such as hospitalization, medical tests, and treatments may require payment.

Can you buy painkillers in Croatia?

Yes, it is possible to buy some of the painkillers such as paracetamol, but you can only buy medicines like ibuprofen and other stronger painkillers with a doctor's prescription.

Can I buy antibiotics in Croatia?

Yes, but only with a doctor's prescription

Does the European health Card work in Croatia?

Yes, the EHIC gives all insured persons from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland access to healthcare on the same footing as Croatians with health insurance.

Useful advice

If you are on vacation in one of the villas in Croatia, keep in mind that each villa must have primary first aid that you can use for minor injuries. If you book a villa through the Home Rent agency, our staff and hosts will certainly help you find adequate health care in case of need.