Medicine & Veterinary Slovakia

State Mandatory Health Insurance

State health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Slovakia, including foreign citizens with a residence permit. It covers a wide range of medical services, including preventive examinations, diagnostics, treatment, and hospitalization.

 

Who is subject to state health insurance:

Citizens of Slovakia.

Foreigners with permanent residence in Slovakia.

Foreigners with temporary residence who:

- Are employed or self-employed in Slovakia.

- Are students receiving a scholarship from the state.

- Are family members of an insured person.

 

Insured persons are entitled to choose any of these insurance companies. Main insurance companies: Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa (state insurance company); Dôvera zdravotná poisťovňa; Union zdravotná poisťovňa.

 

 

Commercial (Private) Health Insurance

Commercial health insurance is intended for those who are not covered by mandatory state insurance, such as foreign citizens without a residence permit or tourists. It can also supplement state insurance to expand the range of covered services.

 

Types of Commercial Health Insurance

Emergency Medical Insurance: covers expenses related to urgent medical cases, such as injuries or acute illnesses.

Comprehensive Health Insurance: includes not only emergency care but also preventive examinations, planned visits to specialists, diagnostics, and treatment of chronic diseases.

 

Main insurance companies providing commercial health insurance: Union poisťovňa, a.s.; AXA Assistance; Maxima pojišťovna.

The healthcare system in Slovakia is based on mandatory health insurance and is financed from state and private sources. Medical services are provided by:

State institutions: hospitals, polyclinics, and outpatient clinics.

Private clinics and hospitals: offer additional services and comfort.

 

State Medical Services

State hospitals and polyclinics offer a wide range of medical services, including:

- Primary healthcare: family doctors and pediatricians.

- Specialized care: cardiology, oncology, surgery, etc.

- Emergency medical services: in urgent cases.

To receive services in state institutions, a valid health insurance is required.

 

Private Medical Services

Features of private institutions

- Shorter waiting times.

- Modern equipment and comfortable conditions.

- A wide range of additional services.

Services are paid for directly by the patient or through private insurance. It is recommended to take out additional medical insurance to cover expenses.

 

How to Find Medical Institutions

Online Resources

In Slovak: National Health Portal www.npz.sk

List of medical institutions: www.e-vuc.sk

In English: Ministry of Health of Slovakia: https://www.health.gov.sk/?lang=en;

Information for foreigners: https://www.health.gov.sk/Clanok?HpiGuideForForeigners

 

Examples of Popular State and Private Hospitals

 

Bratislava

 

State Hospitals

University Hospital Bratislava - The largest state hospital with several branches:

- Kramáre Hospital

- Ružinov Hospital

- Mikuláš Dula Hospital

- Staré Mesto Hospital

 

Private Hospitals

Medissimo: a modern private clinic offering a wide range of services.

Sanatorium Koch: specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.

ProCare Central Clinic Bratislava: part of the ProCare private clinics network.

 

Košice

 

State Hospitals

University Hospital L. Pasteur Košice - a leading medical institution in Eastern Slovakia.

 

Private Hospitals

Svet Zdravia Košice-Šaca: a private hospital, part of the Svet Zdravia network.

Agel Clinic: offers specialized medical services.

 

Prešov

 

State Hospitals

J.A. Reiman University Hospital Prešov: The main state medical facility in the region.

 

Private Hospitals

Svet Zdravia Prešov: A private clinic from the Svet Zdravia network.

 

Žilina

 

State Hospitals

University Hospital with Polyclinic Žilina: The main state hospital in the city.

 

Private Hospitals

Dr. Martinka Clinic: A private clinic with various medical services.

 

Banská Bystrica

 

State Hospitals

F.D. Roosevelt University Hospital with Polyclinic Banská Bystrica: A major state medical facility in the region.

 

Private Hospitals

New Hospital Banská Bystrica: A private clinic with modern equipment.

 

Nitra

 

State Hospitals

University Hospital Nitra: The main state medical facility in the city.

 

Private Hospitals

ProCare Nitra: A private clinic, part of the ProCare network.

 

Trnava

 

State Hospitals

University Hospital Trnava: The main state hospital in the region.

 

Private Hospitals

ProCare Trnava: A private medical facility from the ProCare network.

 

Trenčín

 

State Hospitals

University Hospital Trenčín: The main state medical facility in the city.

 

Private Hospitals

IstroMed Clinic: A private clinic with various medical services.

 

Note: When choosing a medical facility, it is recommended to check service availability, language support, and admission conditions in advance. Many private clinics offer services in English and other languages, which can be useful for immigrants.

Registering with a Family Doctor

A family doctor is a general practitioner who provides primary healthcare, conducts preventive check-ups, and refers patients to specialists if necessary.

Choosing a Doctor

Use online directories of medical institutions, such as [ZZZ.sk](https://www.zzz.sk/zariadenia/slovensko/ordinacia), to find a family doctor in your region.

Consider the doctor's communication language, cooperation with your insurance company, and the possibility of accepting new patients.

Contacting the Chosen Doctor

Contact the doctor by phone or email to inquire about the possibility of registration. Confirm the necessary documents and arrange a time for a visit to sign the agreement.

Doctor's Visit

Bring the necessary documents (ID, insurance policy). Sign an agreement for medical services provision.

Important: Due to a shortage of doctors, some specialists may not be accepting new patients. In this case, it is recommended to contact another clinic or consult your insurance company.

 

Making an Appointment with a Specialist

In most cases, a referral from a family doctor is required to visit a specialist.

Making an Appointment: Use the contact details provided in the referral to schedule an appointment.

Online Booking: In some regions of Slovakia, online booking is available through the e-VÚC platform.

Note: The e-VÚC platform is available in the following regions: Banská Bystrica region, Trenčín region, Trnava region, Žilina region.

Useful Resources

ZZZ.sk: Directory of medical institutions in Slovakia.

e-VÚC: Platform for online doctor appointments in certain regions.

Emergency Numbers

The following emergency numbers operate in Slovakia:

112: Unified emergency assistance number, available to contact the police, fire service, and emergency medical services.

155: Direct number for emergency medical services.

Both numbers are free and available 24/7.

 

The emergency medical system in Slovakia includes:

Emergency Medical Services: Provide mobile teams to assist on-site and transport patients to medical facilities.

Hospital Reception Departments: Receive patients brought by emergency services or those who come in emergencies on their own.

 

Calling Emergency Services

Emergency services are called for conditions that threaten life or health, such as:

- Severe chest pain.

- Loss of consciousness.

- Severe injuries.

- Acute allergic reaction.

 

How to call an ambulance: Dial 112 or 155 and inform the operator:

- Location of the incident.

- Nature of the problem.

- Age and gender of the victim.

- Your contact details.

The operator may provide recommendations before the team arrives.

 

Emergency departments of hospitals

If the condition does not require immediate intervention but is still urgent, you can go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

What to bring: identity document; medical record or insurance policy; list of medications being taken.

 

Cost of services: For insured persons, emergency medical care is usually covered by insurance. However, additional charges may apply in some cases, such as for transportation if it was not medically justified.

Language barrier: Ambulance and hospital staff in major cities often speak English. Nonetheless, it is recommended to carry a card with basic medical phrases in Slovak or use translation apps.

In Slovakia, the healthcare system provides a wide range of medical tests and examinations in both public and private medical institutions.

 

Getting a referral: A family doctor (or specialist) issues a referral for specific tests or examinations.

 

Choosing a laboratory: You can have tests done at a laboratory affiliated with your doctor or choose another, considering your insurance coverage.

Popular laboratories in Slovakia: Medirex, Synlab.

 

Receiving results: Results can be sent to your doctor or available online via the laboratory portal.

 

If more in-depth examination is required, the family doctor will refer you to a specialist or for diagnostic procedures (e.g., ultrasound, MRI).

In Slovakia, both public and private hospitals deliver childbirth.

 

Public hospitals: Provide a standard level of medical care; covered by mandatory health insurance.

 

Private clinics: Offer additional services and comfortable conditions; may require extra payments not covered by standard insurance.

 

Recommendations for choosing: Visit several hospitals to familiarize yourself with the conditions. Learn about the available services such as the availability of individual delivery rooms, partner attendance, and postpartum care.

 

Choosing a doctor: In Slovakia, pregnancy is managed by obstetricians-gynecologists working in public or private institutions.

 

Steps to choose a doctor

Consultation with a family doctor: get recommendations for choosing an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Finding a specialist: use online catalogs such as ZZZ.sk to find doctors in your area.

Making an appointment: contact the chosen doctor for a consultation and discussion on pregnancy management.

 

Medical insurance

To cover expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth, it is necessary to have valid medical insurance.

Mandatory medical insurance: Covers basic medical services, including pregnancy and childbirth management in public institutions.

Private medical insurance: May cover additional services, such as childbirth in private clinics or extended postpartum programs.

 

 

Preparatory courses: Many hospitals and private centers offer childbirth preparation courses.

 

Partnered childbirth

Partnered childbirth in Slovakia is becoming increasingly popular, allowing future parents to experience the birth of a child together. Many state maternity hospitals offer the possibility of partnered childbirth. However, conditions may vary, so it is recommended to clarify the details in advance. Private medical institutions often provide more flexible conditions for partnered childbirth, including individual rooms and expanded services.

 

Vaccination of newborns

In Slovakia, vaccination of newborns is mandatory and regulated by the national vaccination schedule. According to this schedule, children must receive vaccinations against a number of infectious diseases at certain age intervals.

 

Basic vaccinations for newborns:

Hepatitis B: The first dose is administered in the maternity hospital within the first 24 hours of life.

Tuberculosis (BCG): Vaccination is carried out in the first few days of life.

Then, within the first months of life, the child receives vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and other diseases.

 

It is important to note

In some cases, if there are medical contraindications, vaccination may be postponed or not conducted. The decision is made by a doctor based on the child's health status.

In the event of the death of a foreign citizen on the territory of Slovakia, the following steps should be taken:

 

Notification of competent authorities

Medical services: Immediately report the incident to the emergency service by dialing 112 or 155. After confirming the death, the medical institution issues a Medical Death Certificate.

Police: Call the police to officially register the fact of death.

 

Identification of the deceased

Documents: Provide the identification document of the deceased (passport, residence permit).

Consulate: Contact the consulate of the deceased's country of citizenship for information and further instructions.

 

Obtaining a death certificate

Contact the civil registry office at the place of death to obtain a death certificate.

Necessary documents:

- Medical Death Certificate.

- Document identifying the deceased.

- Document identifying the applicant.

 

Translation and legalization of documents

Translation: The death certificate and other documents must be translated into the language of the deceased's country of citizenship.

Legalization: Depending on the requirements of the country of citizenship, documents may require an apostille or consular legalization.

 

Arranging a funeral or body repatriation

Funeral in Slovakia: Contact a local funeral home to arrange the ceremony.

Repatriation: If transport of the body to the homeland is planned, it is necessary to:

- Obtain permission to export the body from local authorities.

- Organize transport through specialized companies.

- Clarify the destination country's requirements for importing the body.

 

Arranging cremation

In Slovakia, both public and private funeral homes offer cremation services. The consulate or local authorities can provide a list of licensed bureaus.

The funeral home will help gather the necessary documents, including the death certificate and cremation permits. Cremation is carried out in accordance with local laws and traditions.

The ashes are placed in a hermetically sealed urn, complying with international standards. The funeral home arranges the urn's transport to the deceased's country of citizenship. Appropriate documents must be prepared for border crossing, including the cremation certificate and ashes import permits.

 

Notification of insurance company

If the deceased had medical or life insurance, report the incident to the insurance company to receive possible payments or cover expenses.

 

Settlement of inheritance issues

Consultation with a lawyer: Contact a lawyer specializing in international inheritance law for asset settlement and other legal issues.

 

It is recommended to involve professionals and consult with consular services to ensure proper execution of all procedures.

In Slovakia, mandatory vaccination and procedures for dogs and cats are established to ensure pet health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

 

Identification (microchipping): All dogs and cats must be identified with a microchip compliant with ISO standard 11784 or 11785. Microchipping must be completed before the first rabies vaccination.

 

Rabies vaccination: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats. The first shot is administered no earlier than 12 weeks of age, followed by revaccination according to the vaccine manufacturer's recommendations, usually annually or every three years.

 

Other Mandatory Vaccinations for Dogs

For dogs, mandatory vaccinations include those against the following diseases: distemper; parvoviral enteritis; infectious hepatitis; leptospirosis. These vaccines are usually part of complex vaccines and are administered during puppyhood with subsequent revaccination according to the schedule.

 

Other Mandatory Vaccinations for Cats

For cats, mandatory vaccinations include those against: panleukopenia; calicivirus infection; viral rhinotracheitis. These vaccines are also part of complex vaccines and are administered during kittenhood with subsequent revaccination.

 

Deworming and Ectoparasite Treatment

Regular deworming and treatment against ectoparasites (fleas, ticks) are recommended for all pets, especially if they come into contact with the external environment.

 

Veterinary Passport

All vaccinations and procedures must be documented in an international format veterinary passport issued by a licensed veterinarian. The passport contains information about the owner, the animal, vaccinations conducted, and other medical procedures.

 

Animal Registration

In some municipalities in Slovakia, dog registration with local government authorities is required. It is recommended to check local requirements in your area of residence.

Pet Hotels

Pet hotels provide temporary accommodation and care for pets when owners are away or cannot temporarily care for their animals. These facilities offer comfortable living conditions, feeding, walking, and, in some cases, additional services such as grooming or training.

Examples of Pet Hotels in Slovakia

Pet Hotel Bratislava: Located in Bratislava, offers individual rooms for dogs and cats, 24-hour care, and video surveillance.

Dog Paradise Košice: Situated in Košice, provides spacious kennels, daily walks, and training opportunities.

Animal Shelters

Shelters are designed for the temporary housing of homeless, lost, or abandoned animals. They provide care, medical assistance, and strive to find new owners for their wards.

Examples of Shelters in Slovakia

Shelter in Piešťany: The main goal is to find a new, kind home for homeless dogs and cats and to achieve responsible pet ownership. Operating hours: Monday – closed (sanitary day); Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 – 16:00. Outdoor activities and visitors: 12:00 – 15:30. Address: Priemyselná 12a, Piešťany.

Public Organization MAJME SRDCE: Aimed at helping homeless and abused animals. The organization's goal is to assist dogs and cats that end up on the street or live in poor conditions with their owners. The organization actively supports a sterilization program to prevent the uncontrolled reproduction of dogs and cats. Email address: ozmajmesrdce@gmail.com.

Before choosing a hotel or shelter, it is recommended to visit the facility personally, assess the living conditions, and ensure the staff's qualifications.

In Slovakia, pet-keeping is regulated by a set of rules and norms aimed at ensuring the well-being of pets and maintaining public order.

Registration and Identification

Microchipping: All dogs and cats must be identified with a microchip.

Registration: Dog owners must register their pets with the local government authorities where they live.

Vaccination

All dogs and cats must have up-to-date mandatory vaccinations. Vaccination must be carried out according to the schedule set by a veterinarian. Missing vaccination deadlines can lead to fines ranging from 400 to 1000 euros.

Taxes and Fees

Dog Tax: Dog owners must pay an annual tax, the amount of which depends on local government authorities. Exceptions exempting temporary shelter residents from tax payment are provided.

Walking Rules

Walking Areas: Cities have designated dog walking areas, fenced and equipped with exercise equipment. Owners are required to clean up after their pets; violating this rule incurs a fine of 65 euros.

Restrictions: Entry with dogs is prohibited on playgrounds, in some parks, and public places. On public transport, dogs must be muzzled or in a carrier.

Veterinary Services

Veterinary Clinics: Slovakia has a network of public and private veterinary clinics that provide a wide range of services, including vaccination, microchipping, and disease treatment.

Animal Cruelty

Animal cruelty is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. In cases of identifying such incidents, it is recommended to contact the police or local government authorities.