Medicine & Veterinary Slovenia

In Slovenia, the healthcare system is based on mandatory and voluntary health insurance, providing citizens and residents access to medical services.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Mandatory health insurance is the foundation of Slovenia's healthcare system and applies to the following categories of individuals:

Working citizens and residents: Individuals employed under a labor contract, self-employed, farmers, and others are required to participate in mandatory health insurance.

Family members of insured persons: Spouses, children, and other dependents can be insured as family members of the main insured person.

Unemployed individuals receiving unemployment benefits: Individuals officially registered as unemployed and receiving relevant benefits.

Pensioners: Individuals who receive a pension under Slovenian law.

Mandatory insurance covers a wide range of medical services, including primary healthcare, specialized services, hospitalization, medications, and medical devices. However, some services may be partially covered, requiring the patient to pay the difference out-of-pocket or through supplemental insurance.

Voluntary Health Insurance

Voluntary insurance complements mandatory insurance and is divided into:

Supplementary health insurance: Covers the costs of medical services not fully paid by mandatory insurance, reducing or eliminating the need for co-pays by the patient. As of January 1, 2024, supplementary insurance has been integrated into mandatory insurance, with a monthly premium of 35 euros becoming part of mandatory health insurance.

Supplementary health insurance provides extended services and a higher standard of medical care, including improved hospitalization conditions and access to certain premium services.

Voluntary insurance is offered by private insurance companies such as Generali, Triglav, and Vzajemna.

Specifics for Foreign Students and Residents

Foreign students: Students with a temporary residence permit for education can obtain private health insurance covering emergency medical care. The cost of such insurance varies from 200 to 600 euros per year, depending on the chosen package.

Foreign residents: Individuals with permanent residence permits can obtain mandatory health insurance through the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia. Contributions for this insurance are usually paid by the employer or the insured person themselves if they are self-employed or entrepreneurs.

In Slovenia, the healthcare system includes public and private medical facilities, providing broad access to medical services for citizens and residents.

Public Medical Facilities

Public hospitals and clinics offer a wide range of medical services, including primary, specialized, and inpatient care. Key public medical centers include:

University Clinical Center of Ljubljana: The largest hospital in Slovenia, offering a wide range of medical services. Address: Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana.

University Clinical Center of Maribor: The leading medical institution in the Štajerska region. Address: Ljubljanska ulica 5, 2000 Maribor.

Additionally, public hospitals operate in the cities of Brežice, Jesenice, Izola, Murska Sobota, Nova Gorica, Novo Mesto, Ptuj, Slovenj Gradec, Trbovlje, and Celje.

Private Medical Facilities

Private clinics and medical centers offer specialized services and often provide shorter waiting times. Some of them operate in cooperation with the public healthcare system, allowing patients with mandatory health insurance to receive services on favorable terms. However, most private services are paid for directly by the patient or through supplementary health insurance. Below are some of the popular private hospitals and clinics:

Clinic "Barsos": One of the most renowned private clinics in Ljubljana, offering a wide range of services, including general medicine, diagnostics, specialized consultations, and medical examinations. Address: Njegoševa cesta 4, 1000 Ljubljana.

Clinic "Medico": A private medical clinic in Koper offering services from prevention to specialized diagnostics. Address: Dolinska cesta 1c, 6000 Koper.

Clinic "Medicor": A prestigious private clinic located in Ljubljana, specializing in cardiology and preventive medicine. Address: Šabec 1, 1000 Ljubljana.

Clinic "Kirurški sanatorij Rožna dolina": A private clinic specializing in surgery and inpatient treatment. Address: Cesta v Rožno dolino 43, 1000 Ljubljana.

Clinic "Estetika Fabjan": A private network of clinics specializing in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery. Cities: Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, and others.

Clinic "Paracelzus": A private clinic known for its multidisciplinary approach and modern equipment. Address: Tomšičeva ulica 1, 1000 Ljubljana.

Clinic "Poliklinika Murgle": A private multi-specialty clinic in Ljubljana providing comprehensive medical services. Address: Cesta v Mestni log 55, 1000 Ljubljana.

Thus, Slovenia offers a wide range of medical services in both public and private institutions, ensuring quality healthcare for all categories of the population.

Registration with a family doctor:

Every insured resident of Slovenia has the right to choose a family doctor who will be the main contact for medical inquiries.

Choosing a doctor: Family doctors can be found in local medical centers or among private practitioners with a state license. It is recommended to choose a doctor located closer to your residence.

Submitting an application: To register, it is necessary to fill out a written application and submit it to the chosen doctor. The application can be delivered in person, sent by mail, or emailed (in the latter case with a digital signature). Sample applications are usually available at medical centers or on their websites.

Application review: The doctor is obliged to inform the applicant of the acceptance or refusal of registration within seven working days after receiving the application. In case of refusal, a reason must be provided, such as registry overcrowding or residence outside the doctor's service area.

Appointment with a specialist

For a visit to most specialists, a referral from a family doctor is required.

Obtaining a referral: After assessing the health condition, the family doctor issues an electronic referral to a specialist if necessary. This referral is registered in the eZdravje system and is available to the chosen specialist.

Booking an appointment: With the referral, you can make an appointment with a specialist in the following ways:

In person or by phone: By contacting the reception of the medical institution where the specialist practices.

Online: Through the zVEM portal, which provides access to electronic medical services, including appointment bookings. A digital certificate confirming the identity is required to use the portal.

Online services

zVEM portal: Provides access to medical records, test results, electronic prescriptions, and referrals. You can book appointments with specialists and receive notifications about upcoming visits through the portal.

Mobile applications: Some medical centers offer their own apps for booking appointments and consultations. It is recommended to check the availability of such services at the local medical center.

Important: Although electronic services simplify the booking process, primary registration with a family doctor usually requires personal presence or submission of the application in traditional ways. After registration, many processes can be carried out online, which significantly saves time and enhances the accessibility of medical services.

Emergency numbers

112: The unified European emergency number for calling emergency services, including medical services, fire services, police, mountain rescue, and other services.

Organization of emergency assistance

Emergency medical services: Ambulance crews go to any settlement in Slovenia. Helicopters are also available for quick response in inaccessible areas.

Emergency departments: They operate 24/7 in all major cities and at university clinical centers such as Ljubljana and Maribor. For instance, in Ljubljana, the emergency department is located at: Zaloška cesta 7, entrance from Njegoševa street.

Categories of Urgency in Medical Care

In Slovenia, an urgency scale is used to allocate medical care:

Emergency care: Medical assistance is required immediately in life-threatening situations. The patient must be seen immediately or within 24 hours.

Very urgent care: Assistance should be provided within 7 days for serious, but not life-threatening conditions.

Urgent care: The patient needs assistance within several weeks for conditions that may progress without treatment.

Less urgent care: Treatment can be deferred for months since the issue does not pose a threat to health at the moment.

Payment for Services

Citizens and Residents of Slovenia: Mandatory health insurance covers 100% of emergency medical care cases, including the cost of emergency services.

Foreign Nationals: Emergency care is usually provided free of charge. After stabilization, proof of insurance or payment for services may be required.

Submitting Medical Tests

Through a Family Doctor: Primary contact for submitting tests is usually made through a family doctor. After an examination and assessment of health, the doctor issues a referral for necessary laboratory tests. With this referral, the patient visits a laboratory where the corresponding tests are conducted.

Without a Referral: In some cases, particularly when visiting private laboratories, a referral from a doctor may not be required. The patient can independently choose the necessary tests and pay for them.

Undergoing Medical Examinations

Specialized Examinations: For conducting specialized diagnostic procedures, such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or radiography, a referral from a family doctor or specialist is usually required. After obtaining the referral, the patient schedules an examination at the appropriate medical facility.

Private Clinics: Many private medical centers offer a wide range of diagnostic services without the need for a referral. The patient can directly contact the chosen clinic, agree on the list of necessary examinations, and pay for them according to the price list.

Popular Medical Laboratories in Slovenia

Rogaška Medical Center: One of the largest private medical centers in Slovenia, offering a wide range of laboratory tests, including hematology, biochemistry, immunology, urine and stool analysis, as well as a breath test for Helicobacter pylori. Address: Zdraviliški trg 9, 3250 Rogaška Slatina.

University Medical Center of Ljubljana: A leading medical institution in Slovenia, providing a full range of outpatient, diagnostic, and treatment services. Address: Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana.

Payment and Insurance

Mandatory Health Insurance: Covers most standard tests and examinations with a referral from a family doctor.

Additional Health Insurance: May cover expenses for additional or specialized examinations not included in the basic mandatory insurance package.

Self-payment: When visiting private laboratories without a referral or conducting additional tests not covered by insurance, the patient pays for the services independently.

Choosing a Hospital and Doctor

Gynecological Supervision: Pregnancy is managed by a gynecologist, who can be chosen at a local polyclinic, specialized gynecological clinic, or private office. Many private gynecologists work with state insurance, allowing services to be received without additional costs.

Maternity Hospitals: There are 14 maternity hospitals operating in Slovenia. The conditions and rules of each can be found on their official websites or through consultation with a gynecologist.

Health Insurance

Mandatory Health Insurance (MHI): Arranged upon employment or based on another legal status of residence in Slovenia. MHI covers pregnancy management and childbirth. To arrange MHI, one must register in their place of residence and choose a family doctor or gynecologist.

Additional Health Insurance: May cover services not included in MHI, such as enhanced comfort wards or additional examinations. It is recommended to clarify coverage details with an insurance company.

Partner Childbirth

Presence Conditions: A partner or another companion may be present during childbirth. In many maternity hospitals, a fee ranging from 15 to 25 euros is charged for this. Some institutions require prior participation in childbirth preparation courses for partners.

Documents and Preparation

Materinska knjižica: The main document for a pregnant woman, issued at the first examination by a gynecologist. It must be brought to every visit and kept with the woman, especially closer to childbirth.

Referral to Maternity Hospital: Closer to the end of pregnancy, the gynecologist issues a referral to the chosen maternity hospital and an application for calling an ambulance if necessary.

Vaccination of Newborns

In Slovenia, vaccination of newborns and children is mandatory for a number of diseases under the national immunization program. Mandatory vaccination is carried out free of charge and is funded by the compulsory health insurance system.

Mandatory Vaccines

The vaccination schedule is regulated by the Ministry of Health of Slovenia and includes the following vaccines:

BCG (tuberculosis): administered in the first days of life but only for risk groups.

Hepatitis B: as part of a combined vaccine.

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP): administered as a combined vaccine.

Polio: included in combined vaccines.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): protects against meningitis and other serious infections.

MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR): the first dose is administered at the age of 12–15 months.

Exemptions and Refusal of Vaccination

Medical Contraindications: Children with certain medical conditions may be exempt from vaccination. In such cases, confirmation from a doctor is required.

Parental Refusal: Formally, refusal of vaccination is possible, but it may entail legal consequences, as vaccination is mandatory for public health protection.

Control and Consequences of Refusal

Monitoring: Compliance with the vaccination schedule is monitored by pediatricians. Parents receive notifications about the need for the next vaccination.

Consequences: Refusal of mandatory vaccinations may affect access to preschool institutions and lead to fines. In extreme cases, government bodies may intervene to ensure compliance with the law in the child's interests.

Important Information for Foreigners

If a child was born outside of Slovenia, previous vaccination data must be provided. Medical personnel will adapt the vaccination schedule to local requirements. Vaccination documents must be translated into Slovene and certified.

Notification of Competent Authorities

Local Authorities: In case of death, local law enforcement agencies or medical services should be immediately notified. They will conduct the necessary procedures, including body examination and preparation of initial documentation.

Embassy or Consulate of the Deceased’s Country: It is important to contact the diplomatic representation of the deceased’s country. The embassy will assist in coordinating further actions, such as notifying relatives, preparing documents, and organizing the repatriation of the body.

Issuance of Death Certificate

Death Registration: The death must be registered at the local civil registry office where the death occurred. A medical certificate of death issued by a doctor is required for this.

Obtaining Death Certificate: After registration, an official death certificate is issued. This document is necessary for further legal procedures, including body repatriation and settlement of property matters.

Burial, Repatriation, Cremation

Burial: In Slovenia, burial is conducted in local cemeteries. If the deceased was not a resident, a burial site may be allocated with the municipality's permission. It is recommended to contact a funeral agency to help organize the funeral, including documentation, choosing a burial site, and religious or cultural rites. Service cost: from 1,500 to 3,000 euros (depending on location, agency services, and additional services).

Repatriation: Transporting the body back home requires compliance with international and local sanitary standards. It is recommended to contact specialized funeral agencies experienced in international repatriation. They will help with the preparation of necessary documents, body preparation, and transportation arrangements.

Cremation: Slovenia has several crematoriums, with the largest located in Ljubljana. A funeral agency can assist with booking a cremation. Documents required for cremation include: Medical certificate of death; Cremation authorization from municipal authorities; If the deceased was a foreigner, family or consular consent may be required. Cost of services: from 800 to 2,000 euros, including body preparation and ashes issuance.

Financial and Legal Aspects

Insurance: If the deceased had active insurance covering repatriation or funeral costs, contact the insurance company to settle payment issues.

Property Issues: In the case of property or assets in Slovenia, you should consult a lawyer to handle inheritance matters in accordance with local laws and international agreements.

Additional Recommendations

Documents: All documents related to death and repatriation should be translated into the language of the destination country and, if necessary, certified.

Consultations: It is recommended to consult with the embassy or consulate, as well as local lawyers specializing in international law, to ensure proper completion of all procedures.

Mandatory Vaccinations

Rabies: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs. For cats, vaccination is not legally required but recommended for the pet's health protection.

Recommended Vaccinations

Dogs: Distemper, parvovirus enteritis, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis.

Cats: Feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus.

Mandatory Procedures

Identification (microchipping): All dogs in Slovenia must be identified with a microchip that meets ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standards. This allows quick and accurate determination of the animal's owner in case of loss or verification needs.

Pet Passport: After microchipping and rabies vaccination, an international standard veterinary passport is issued. This document contains information about the owner, pet's health, vaccinations, and parasite treatments. The passport is necessary for traveling with your pet and confirms compliance with all mandatory procedures.

Additional Recommendations

Parasite Treatment: Regular deworming and treatment against external parasites (fleas, ticks) are important for maintaining the pet's health and preventing disease spread.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Periodic visits to the vet allow for timely detection and treatment of possible diseases, as well as updating necessary vaccinations.

Hotels

Many hotels and apartments in Slovenia welcome guests with pets. It is advisable to confirm the conditions for staying with animals when booking, as policies may vary.

Examples of pet-friendly hotels

Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (Ljubljana): A centrally located hotel offering comfortable conditions for guests with pets.

Hotel Nox (Ljubljana): A modern hotel that allows guests with pets.

Hotel Park (Bled): A hotel near Lake Bled where pets are allowed.

Animal Shelters

Slovenia has shelters providing temporary refuge for homeless and lost animals. They care for, treat, and find new owners for these animals.

Examples of shelters

Živalski vrt Ljubljana (Ljubljana): A zoo also involved in animal rescue and rehabilitation programs.

Mačja hiša (Maribor): A shelter specializing in cats, offering them temporary housing and medical assistance.

Shelters often work with volunteers and accept donations to support their activities. If you are interested in adopting a pet or wish to help, it is recommended to contact local shelters directly.

Veterinary Clinics with Boarding Services

Some veterinary clinics in Slovenia offer temporary boarding services for animals. This can be useful if you need to leave your pet under professional care for some time.

It is recommended to plan pet accommodations in advance and confirm conditions with the chosen facilities.

In Slovenia, the keeping of pets is regulated by legislation aimed at ensuring their welfare and the safety of the public.

Identification and Registration

Microchipping: All dogs in Slovenia are required to have a microchip.

Registration: After microchipping, a dog must be registered with the local municipality. The owner is issued a registration certificate and a tag confirming the registration.

Vaccination

Mandatory vaccinations: Compliance with the schedule of mandatory vaccinations is required.

Walking and Public Areas

Leash and muzzle: In public areas, dogs must be on a leash. For certain breeds or in specific zones, a muzzle may be required.

Pet waste cleanup: Owners are obliged to clean up their animals' waste in public areas, using special bags.

Breeding and Sale

Licensing: Breeding pets for sale requires obtaining the appropriate license and adhering to care standards.

Prohibition of modifications: Procedures for modifying pet bodies, such as ear and tail docking, are prohibited except for medical reasons.

Owner Responsibility

Safety: Owners must ensure their pets do not pose a threat to others or damage property.

Fines: Violating pet care rules may result in administrative fines.

Travel and Transportation

Documents: Travel within EU countries with a pet requires a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and a European pet passport.

Transportation: When transporting animals, it is necessary to ensure their safety and comfort, following transportation rules set by companies and legislation.