Croatia is no longer just a summer getaway; it’s a prime choice for international students. With an increasing array of English-taught programs, affordable tuition compared to Western Europe, and a lively Mediterranean culture, it attracts students worldwide. However, before starting university or landing in Zagreb, addressing health insurance is crucial.
If you’re an international student heading to Croatia, grasping the local healthcare system and picking the right insurance isn’t just crucial—it’s required. Here’s the breakdown.
Health Insurance in Croatia: Why It Matters
International students in Croatia must have health insurance. Regardless of your origin—EU, Balkans, or elsewhere—Croatian immigration laws demand proof of valid health insurance for visa and residency applications.
Croatia provides accessible health insurance options, including public plans like HZZO and international providers like Allianz Care, Cigna Global, and Swisscare. Understand your nationality’s requirements and select a plan that fulfills legal and practical needs.
📌 Mandatory Health Insurance: Rules for Different Student Categories
Croatia’s requirements are clear, but they vary depending on where you’re from. Let’s walk through the different scenarios.
1. Non-EU/EEA Students
If you’re from outside the EU or EEA, you must either:
- Show proof of private international insurance that’s valid and accepted by Croatian authorities, or
- Register with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) after arrival.
Most students who don’t already have a recognized plan opt for HZZO. It’s a public insurance system that offers extensive coverage for a monthly fee. In 2025, the standard HZZO rate for students is approximately €70/month.
👉 Pro Tip: Registration must be done shortly after arrival. Failing to do this may delay your residence permit or even make you ineligible for certain services.
2. EU/EEA Students
Students from EU or EEA countries have access to public healthcare in Croatia through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This means:
- You’re eligible for the same healthcare services as Croatian nationals.
- Coverage includes emergency care, GP visits, prescriptions, and hospitalization.
But you must register your temporary stay with Croatian authorities to activate this benefit.
💡 Caution: EHIC only covers medically necessary treatment. For comprehensive protection—including elective care, dental, mental health, and repatriation—private insurance is highly recommended.
3. Students from Countries with Health Care Treaties
Students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey benefit from special healthcare arrangements due to bilateral agreements with Croatia.
Show valid insurance proof from your country, and you might skip HZZO fees. Ensure documents are correctly formatted and officially verified.
🏥 What Does Croatian Health Insurance Cover?
Here’s a quick look at what the Croatian public health system (HZZO) generally includes:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Primary care and general practitioner visits
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., blood tests, X-rays)
- Prescription medications
- Referrals to specialists
But public insurance doesn’t cover everything. You’ll often pay out of pocket for:
- Private dental care
- Specialized exams without referrals
- Premium hospital rooms
- Non-emergency treatments
Which is why many students also consider private or international insurance, especially those with specific needs or who prefer private clinics.
🧾 Top Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Croatia
Now let’s look at the leading health insurance options—both public and private—available for international students in Croatia.
1. HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund)
- Type: Public/National
- Coverage: Full access to public healthcare system
- What it covers: Doctors, hospital visits, prescriptions, referrals, emergency care
- Cost: ~€70/month (as of 2025)
✅ Best for students without valid private insurance and required for most non-EU arrivals.
2. Swisscare
- Type: International Student Insurance
- Coverage: Emergency + optional extras (ambulance, liability, repatriation)
- Benefits: Online application, fast visa-compliant certificate, EU/Schengen approved
- Cost: Varies, generally affordable
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✅ Great for short-term students and those wanting lightweight coverage for emergencies with repatriation.
3. AXA Global
- Type: International/Expats
- Coverage: $160,000–$8,000,000
- Features: Global hospital access, repatriation, mental health, specialist care, direct billing
- Cost: Custom quote required
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✅ Excellent for students who want peace of mind and broad international coverage, especially if traveling across Europe.
4. Allianz Care
- Type: International/Expats
- Coverage: $2.5M–$5M depending on plan
- Highlights: Access to private and public hospitals, digital claims, maternity and outpatient add-ons
- Cost: Custom pricing based on plan
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✅ A strong option for those seeking extensive coverage from a trusted name.
5. Bupa Global
- Type: International/Expats
- Coverage: Tiered plans up to Premier/Elite limits
- Extras: Mental health, maternity, dental, wellness services, 24/7 multilingual support
- Cost: Premium pricing, custom quotes
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✅ A high-end choice for students or families looking for premier care options worldwide.
6. Cigna Global
- Type: International/Customizable
- Coverage: Modular plans—you choose benefits
- Perks: Medical evacuation, outpatient, mental health, telemedicine, digital tools
- Cost: Based on age, country, plan
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✅ Flexible and scalable. Perfect for students who know exactly what they want covered.
7. IMG Global (International Medical Group)
- Type: International Student Insurance
- Coverage: Up to $8,000,000
- Plan Names: “Student Health Advantage,” “Journey Plans”
- Extras: Mental health, repatriation, dental, sports injuries, 24/7 support
- Cost: $29–$50/month
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✅ IMG is known for strong student-focused plans with budget-friendly pricing.
8. April International
- Type: International/Expats
- Coverage: Up to €2,500,000
- Offerings: Online application, flexible terms, global coverage (excludes U.S. by default)
- Cost: Custom quotes
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✅ Ideal for non-U.S. international students needing simple but strong protection.
9. William Russell
- Type: International/Expats
- Coverage: Up to $3,000,000
- Extras: Mental health, maternity, family plans, emergency evacuation
- Cost: Quote-based
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✅ Good for older students, couples, or students traveling with dependents.
10. DavidShield / GeoBlue
- Type: International/Expats
- Coverage: U.S. and worldwide
- Highlights: Specialized plans for students, expats, and long-term travelers
- Cost: Variable, quote required
✅ A viable alternative if you’re already insured under a U.S. or international parent plan and want worldwide portability.
📋 Choosing the Right Plan: What to Look For
Here’s a quick checklist to help you compare your options:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Visa Compliance | Must be accepted by Croatian immigration |
| Coverage Limit | Ensure it covers at least €30,000 (preferably €60,000+) |
| Emergency Coverage | Includes ER, ambulance, hospitalization |
| Repatriation | Required by many visa rules |
| Mental Health | Increasingly vital for student well-being |
| Language Support | Multilingual hotlines and claims assistance |
| Online Services | Digital claim filing and customer service |
| Price | Balance cost with real coverage value |
✈️ Final Thoughts: Secure Your Coverage Before You Arrive
Health insurance isn’t just a formality; it’s your safety net. Croatia’s public system is robust but can be slow and inconvenient. Many students prefer a hybrid approach: register with HZZO and add a basic private plan for dental, mental health, or extra expenses. Whatever you choose, ensure it meets your needs:
- The policy is visa-compliant
- You receive documentation in Croatian or with certified translation
- You understand what is excluded
Planning ahead will not only satisfy immigration rules but also help you focus on what matters most—your education and experience in Croatia.
✅ Top 10 health insurance for overseas international students in The Croatia
- HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund)
- Swisscare
- AXA Global
- Allianz Care
- Bupa Global
- Cigna Global
- IMG Global (International Medical Group)
- April International
- William Russell
- DavidShield / GeoBlue
📚 References:
All references were accessed on July 30, 2025.
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International student health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- April International. (n.d.). Student health insurance abroad. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.april-international.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). Health insurance for students and expats. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Bupa Global. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.bupaglobal.com
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). Health insurance for students abroad. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com
- Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). (n.d.). Zdravstveno osiguranje za strane studente [Health insurance for foreign students]. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.hzzo.hr
- DavidShield. (n.d.). International student insurance solutions. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.davidshield.com
- GeoBlue. (n.d.). Student health plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com
- IMG Global. (n.d.). Student Health Advantage and Student Journey plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Health insurance for foreign students in Croatia. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.swisscare.com
- William Russell. (n.d.). Health insurance for international students and expats. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.william-russell.com
