Medicine & Veterinary Croatia

In Croatia, the healthcare system includes three main types of health insurance:

Mandatory Health Insurance: This is basic state insurance, mandatory for all residents of Croatia. It is managed through the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). It provides access to essential medical services, including primary healthcare, specialist consultations, hospital treatment, and certain medications. Individuals with permanent residence in Croatia must have this type of insurance.

Supplementary Health Insurance: This is voluntary insurance that can be obtained through HZZO or private insurance companies. It covers expenses not fully paid by mandatory insurance, such as copayments for prescriptions, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and hospital stays. It is recommended to reduce personal expenses on medical services.

Private Supplementary Health Insurance: Offered exclusively by private insurance companies and banks. It provides extended coverage, including access to specialists, additional treatments, preventive check-ups, laboratory tests, and prolonged hospital stays. Suitable for those who wish to receive medical services in private clinics without queues and with a higher level of comfort.

For immigrants, it is important to understand that mandatory health insurance must be arranged when obtaining a residence permit in Croatia. Supplementary and private insurance are optional but can significantly improve access to medical services and reduce personal healthcare expenses.

More detailed information can be obtained on the official website of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).

In Croatia, medical services are provided by both public and private institutions. The healthcare system is organized on three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Public Medical Institutions

Primary healthcare: Includes family doctors, pediatricians, gynecologists, and dentists. Patients usually choose a doctor based on their place of residence. A list of doctors contracted with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) is available on their official website.

Specialized outpatient care: Provided in polyclinics and specialized centers. A referral from a primary care physician is usually required to receive such care.

Hospital care: Includes general, clinical, and specialized hospitals located in major cities and regions. General hospitals typically offer services in gynecology, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.

Private Medical Institutions

Private clinics and hospitals provide a wide range of medical services, including specialized consultations, diagnostic studies, and surgical procedures. Patients may directly seek services in private institutions without a referral. However, services in private institutions are usually paid for directly by the patient or via private health insurance.

Access to medical services for immigrants

Mandatory health insurance: All residents of Croatia are required to have mandatory health insurance, which provides access to public medical services.

Choice of institution: Patients with mandatory insurance can receive medical services in institutions contracted with HZZO. A list of such institutions is available on the HZZO website.

Private services: Services in private institutions are paid for by the patient unless they have additional private insurance covering such expenses.

For up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).

In Croatia, there are several popular public and private medical institutions that offer a wide range of services. They are located in the country's largest cities.

Popular Public Hospitals:

KBC Zagreb (Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb): The largest and most well-known medical institution in Croatia. Specializes in diagnostics, treatment, and scientific research. Address: Kišpatićeva 12, Zagreb.

KBC Split (Klinical Hospital Center Split): Serves the southern region of Croatia. Provides services in the fields of surgery, cardiology, and oncology. Address: Spinčićeva 1, Split.

KBC Rijeka (Klinical Hospital Center Rijeka): The main medical center in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar region. Known for highly qualified specialists in pediatrics and neurology. Address: Krešimirova 42, Rijeka.

KBC Osijek (Klinical Hospital Center Osijek): Main medical facility in the eastern part of the country. Services in general surgery, gynecology, and orthopedics. Address: Josipa Huttlera 4, Osijek.

OB Dubrovnik (General Hospital Dubrovnik): Provides medical care for residents of southern Dalmatia and tourists. Address: Roka Mišetića bb, Dubrovnik.

Popular private clinics and hospitals

Poliklinika Medikol: One of the largest private medical networks in Croatia. Services: diagnostics (MRI, CT), oncology, cardiology. Branches: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek. Address in Zagreb: Ksaverska cesta 25, Zagreb.

Poliklinika Aviva: Specializes in family medicine, diagnostics, and preventive check-ups. Address: Nemetova 2, Zagreb.

Poliklinika Bagatin: Known for its cosmetic and plastic services. Also offers dermatological and dental services. Address: Green Gold Tower, Zagrebačka avenija 100, Zagreb.

Poliklinika Svjetlost: Leading medical institution in ophthalmology. Address: Heinzelova 39, Zagreb.

Specijalna bolnica Agram (Specialized Hospital Agram): Provides a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and diagnostics. Address: Trnjanska 108, Zagreb.

In Croatia, the process of registering with a family doctor and scheduling an appointment with a specialist is organized for patient convenience, including online service options.

Registration with a Family Doctor

Choosing a Doctor: Patients have the right to choose a family doctor, dentist, gynecologist, or pediatrician at their discretion. It is recommended to choose a doctor located closer to your place of residence for convenience in receiving services.

Registration Process

In Person: Fill out the application form for choosing/changing a doctor available on the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) website and submit it to the chosen doctor.

Online: Through the e-Građani portal, using the eHZZO service, you can submit an application without needing to visit in person.

Restrictions: A doctor may refuse to accept a new patient if their list of patients exceeds 1700 people.

Scheduling an Appointment with a Specialist

Obtaining a Referral: Visiting most specialists requires a referral from a family doctor. Exceptions include gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists, to whom you can go directly.

Methods of Scheduling:

Through a Family Doctor: The doctor can schedule an appointment with a specialist through the eNaručivanje system.

Independently: The patient can schedule an appointment by contacting the chosen medical facility:

By Phone: Phone numbers are available on institution websites.

By Email: Many hospitals accept appointment requests via email.

Online: Some institutions offer online forms for appointments.

Online Services:

The e-Građani Portal: Provides access to eHZZO services for choosing or changing a doctor online.

Medical Institution Websites: Many hospitals and clinics have online forms for scheduling appointments.

Recommendations for Immigrants

When choosing a family doctor, consider the language barrier; some doctors speak foreign languages.

When scheduling an appointment with a specialist, clarify if a referral is needed and if online scheduling is available.

For the latest information, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) and the e-Građani portal.

In Croatia, the emergency medical care system provides round-the-clock support in life-threatening or health-threatening situations.

 

Single European Emergency Number: 112 - A toll-free number, available 24/7 for calling the police, fire service, and emergency medical services.

Direct Emergency Medical Line: 194 - Used for directly requesting medical assistance when life is at risk or health is seriously compromised.

Calls are free and available 24/7 from any phone.

 

When seeking assistance, use English or German if you are not fluent in Croatian; operators are trained to handle calls in these languages. Ensure you have valid health insurance to cover potential emergency expenses.

Submitting tests and undergoing examinations through public institutions

Referral: A family doctor assesses your condition and, if necessary, issues a referral for laboratory tests or diagnostic procedures.

Medical institutions: Tests and examinations are conducted in institutions that have a contract with the HZZO. A list of such institutions is available on the official HZZO website.

Cost: For insured individuals, most services are covered by compulsory insurance, but small co-payments may apply.

Submitting tests and examinations in private clinics

Without a referral: In private medical institutions, you can undergo examinations without a referral from a family doctor.

Cost: Services in private clinics are paid directly by the patient. Some private insurance may cover these expenses.

Online appointment and results

Online appointment: Many public and private institutions offer the possibility to book an appointment online. Information on the availability of online booking can be found on the websites of specific institutions.

Electronic results: Some clinics provide test results through online portals or send them via email.

Some of the popular laboratories:

Public laboratories

Laboratories at public hospitals and clinics: These laboratories operate under the auspices of the Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO) and provide services to patients with a referral from a family doctor.

KBC Zagreb: Laboratories at the Clinical Hospital Center in Zagreb offer a wide range of tests, including biochemical, hematological, and microbiological studies.

KBC Split: The center's laboratories in Split perform standard and specialized tests.

OB Dubrovnik: A popular laboratory in Dubrovnik for residents of southern Dalmatia.

Dom Zdravlja: In each region, there are public laboratories within Health Homes that perform basic tests such as general blood tests, urinalysis, and biochemistry.

Popular private laboratories

Poliklinika Medikol: The laboratory offers high-level diagnostics, including biochemical, genetic, and oncological tests. Locations: Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek.

Synlab Hrvatska: One of the largest international laboratory networks. Services: a wide range of tests, including allergy tests, hormone studies. Address (Zagreb): Heinzelova 47.

Poliklinika Aviva: Provides laboratory diagnostic services, including comprehensive preventive packages.

Poliklinika Sveti Rok: Popular for its accessibility, high level of service, and wide range of tests. Address (Zagreb): Draškovićeva 23.

Laboratorij Analiza: Specializes in biochemical, hematological, and microbiological tests. Address (Zagreb): Mihanovićeva 10.

Poliklinika Bagatin: Basic laboratory tests are available.

For up-to-date information, visit the laboratory websites or consult with your family doctor.

Choosing a hospital

In Croatia, both public and private maternity facilities are available.

Public hospitals: Childbirth in public institutions is free for women with compulsory health insurance (HZZO).

Private clinics: They offer additional services and comfort, although the cost of childbirth here is significantly higher. For example, the basic price of natural childbirth can be around 3,570 euros, and a cesarean section about 5,300 euros.

Choosing a doctor

In Croatia, there is no practice of continuous support by a single midwife or doctor throughout the pregnancy and childbirth. This means the specialist who monitors you during pregnancy may not be present at the birth.

Health insurance

Compulsory insurance (HZZO): Provides coverage for childbirth expenses in public facilities. Even if a woman was not previously insured, she can apply for insurance during pregnancy by contacting the relevant authorities.

Additional Insurance: It may cover extra services or comfortable conditions, especially in private clinics.

Documents and Formalities

Hospital Registration: Some hospitals require pre-registration or form-filling before delivery. Check the requirements of your chosen facility in advance.

Necessary Documents: Bring your ID, insurance card, and medical exchange card with test results when admitted to the maternity ward.

Postpartum Period

Maternity Leave: Croatia offers one of the longest maternity leaves in Europe, providing time for recovery and care for the baby.

Recommendations for Immigrants

Language Barrier: If you do not speak Croatian, consider hiring a translator or choosing a doctor who speaks your language.

Legal Aspects: Ensure you have all necessary documents for staying in the country and receiving medical services.

Partner Births

Partner births are not available in all hospitals. Check in advance whether your chosen facility supports this practice. Most public and private hospitals in Croatia offer this service.

Popular Hospitals for Partner Births: KBC Zagreb, KBC Split, and KBC Rijeka, private clinics.

 

Newborn Vaccination

In Croatia, newborn vaccination is mandatory according to the national vaccination schedule, regulated by the Ministry of Health and the Public Health Institute. This program aims to protect children from the most dangerous infectious diseases.

Main Vaccines for Newborns: BCG (against tuberculosis), Hepatitis B.

These vaccinations, as per the National Vaccination Schedule in Croatia, are administered at set intervals from infancy to adolescence.

Legal Status: Vaccination is mandatory for all children, including newborns. Parents must ensure compliance with the vaccination schedule. Refusal to vaccinate can lead to fines or restricted access to public childcare facilities.

Exceptions: Exceptions are only allowed for medical reasons if vaccination poses a risk to the child's health. In such cases, a medical certificate is required.

Useful Information for Immigrants

If a child is born outside Croatia, medical documents of prior vaccinations must be provided. A doctor will assess if these vaccinations match the national schedule and, if necessary, prescribe additional doses. Vaccination is mandatory for all children residing in Croatia, regardless of their citizenship.

For additional information, visit the HZJZ website (hzjz.hr).

Informing Authorities

Medical Services and Police: Upon discovering a death, immediately notify the local police and call for medical assistance. Medical personnel and police will conduct necessary procedures to determine the cause of death and arrange the relevant documentation.

Contacting Embassy or Consulate

Consular Support: After confirming the death, it is recommended to contact the deceased’s embassy or consulate. The diplomatic representation will assist in notifying relatives, processing necessary documents, and organizing the repatriation of the body to the home country.

Document Processing

Death Certificate: Death registration is carried out by the local civil registry office. After registration, a death certificate is issued, confirming the fact of death.

Permission for Body Transport: Permission for export is required for transporting the body abroad, which is issued by the relevant Croatian authorities.

Embalming Certificate: Confirmation of the embalming procedure is required for body transportation.

Organizing Repatriation

Insurance Policy: If the deceased had an active insurance policy covering repatriation expenses, the insurance company will organize and pay for the transportation of the body to the home country.

Funeral Homes: In the absence of insurance or need for additional assistance, it is recommended to contact specialized companies engaged in international body repatriation. They will help with document processing and transport arrangement.

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Alternative Options

Cremation: In some cases, it might be simpler and more cost-effective to conduct cremation in Croatia and then transport the urn with ashes back to the homeland. This also requires the appropriate documentation and compliance with international and national transportation regulations.

Recommendations

Preliminary Preparation: When planning a long stay abroad, it is recommended to obtain an insurance policy that includes coverage for death and repatriation expenses.

Consultation with Professionals: In complex situations, it is advisable to seek assistance from specialists experienced in organizing repatriation and familiar with local laws and requirements.

In Croatia, there are mandatory vaccinations and procedures for pets such as dogs and cats to ensure their health and the safety of those around them.

Mandatory Vaccinations

Rabies Vaccination: Required for all dogs and cats.

Comprehensive Vaccines

For dogs: Vaccinations against canine distemper, parvoviral enteritis, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza.

For cats: Vaccinations against panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis.

Mandatory Procedures

Microchipping (Identification): All dogs and cats must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip. The procedure is conducted by a veterinarian and registered in a national database.

Veterinary Passport: After microchipping, a pet is issued an international veterinary passport, which records vaccination data and health status.

Pest Control: Regular deworming and treatment against external parasites (fleas, ticks) is recommended to maintain pet health.

Requirements for Bringing Animals into Croatia

EU Citizens: When bringing pets, it is necessary to have an EU pet passport with valid rabies and other vaccination marks.

Citizens of Third Countries: A veterinary certificate confirming the animal's health condition and necessary vaccinations is required. In some cases, a rabies antibody titer test may be required.

Owner Responsibility

Adherence to the vaccination schedule and mandatory procedures is the owner's responsibility. Violation of veterinary requirements may lead to administrative fines and restrictions on the animal's movement.

Pet Hotels

In Croatia, there are hotels for pet boarding that provide temporary care services for pets during the owner's absence. Such facilities are popular among owners of dogs, cats, and other pets, especially in the tourist season.

Popular pet hotels in Croatia:

Hotel za pse Zagreb (Dog Hotel, Zagreb): Offers boarding services for dogs.

Animal Hotel Vau Vau (Zagreb): Accepts dogs, cats, and small animals. Address: Ivana Matetića Ronjgova 45, Zagreb.

Pet Hotel Split: A modern hotel for dogs and cats.

Hotel za pse Rijeka (Dog Hotel, Rijeka): Provides spacious places for relaxation and play.

Pet hotels in Croatia provide quality care, making them a convenient solution for owners planning trips or temporary absences. For up-to-date information on the nearest hotels, it is recommended to contact local veterinary clinics or use online platforms like PetFriendly.

Animal Shelters

In Croatia, shelters provide temporary refuge for homeless animals and assist in finding them new homes.

Shelter "Stari Maček": Located near Zagreb, specializing in the care of elderly cats.

Vetland Adoption: A shelter for dogs and cats, offering temporary homes and medical assistance to animals seeking new owners.

Mandatory Identification and Registration: All dogs and cats must be identified with a microchip. After microchipping, the pet is issued an international veterinary passport containing information about vaccinations and health status.

Mandatory Vaccinations: Rabies and comprehensive vaccinations.

Conditions of Keeping: Owners are required to provide their pets with appropriate living conditions, regular care, and medical attention.

Movement and Travel with Animals: To move animals between EU countries, a European pet passport is required, containing information about vaccinations and health status.

Public Places and Beaches

Access with Animals: In Croatia, there are special beaches and parks where pets are allowed. However, on many public beaches, the presence of animals is prohibited, so it is recommended to check the rules in advance.

Behavior Rules: Even on beaches where dogs are allowed, certain rules must be followed, such as keeping the dog on a leash and cleaning up after it.

Owners' Responsibility

Compliance with Legislation: Owners are obliged to comply with all established rules and regulations related to pet keeping, including timely vaccination, registration, and ensuring proper living conditions.

Fines for Violations: Violating animal keeping rules may lead to administrative fines and other measures of responsibility.