Croatia offers both public and private health insurance systems, each catering to different needs and expectations. While the public system is mandatory and government-regulated, private insurance offers greater flexibility and enhanced services, especially attractive to expats and those desiring faster healthcare access.
Public Health Insurance – HZZO
The public health insurance in Croatia is managed solely by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). It is mandatory for all Croatian residents, including foreigners with legal residence or employment in the country. Funding comes primarily from payroll contributions, state subsidies, and patient co-payments. Every insured person receives an HZZO health card, which is necessary to access medical services.
HZZO provides comprehensive basic coverage, including primary care, specialist consultations, hospital treatment, emergency care, and prescription medications. It also includes partial coverage for dental and orthopedic services, and certain overseas treatments. However, many services require co-payments, which can be reduced or eliminated through supplementary insurance (dopunsko osiguranje) offered by HZZO itself.
Private Health Insurance in Croatia
In contrast, private health insurance is entirely optional and is particularly favored by expats, digital nomads, and residents seeking premium care. Leading international insurers such as AXA, Allianz, Cigna, VUMI, and April International dominate this space. These plans often include global networks, multilingual support, and high or unlimited coverage limits.
Private insurance typically covers inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, specialist visits, diagnostic tests, dental and vision care, psychiatric treatment, and even medical evacuation and repatriation. Importantly, there are usually no co-payments for covered services, and policyholders benefit from much shorter waiting times and access to private clinics and hospitals.
Key Similarities and Differences
The primary similarity between the two systems is that both aim to ensure access to healthcare for those residing in Croatia. However, the scope, cost, and quality of access differ significantly. Public insurance is affordable and broad in scope but often entails long waiting times and additional costs via co-payments. Private insurance, on the other hand, requires higher out-of-pocket monthly or annual premiums but offers fast, premium-level care and international flexibility.
While HZZO contracts some private providers, full private insurance allows access to a much wider and often better-equipped network of private and international clinics. The choice between public and private insurance often depends on individual circumstances, such as budget, healthcare expectations, and whether the person frequently travels or lives internationally.
Top Public Health Insurances in Croatia
Croatia operates under a predominantly public healthcare system, and unlike some other European countries, it is largely unified under one main public health insurance provider. This system ensures universal coverage for all citizens and residents. Below is a detailed overview of Croatia’s public health insurance scheme and related programs.
1. Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO – Hrvatski Zavod za Zdravstveno Osiguranje)(Official website: https://www.hzzo.hr)
Cost:
The Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) is funded through mandatory contributions, primarily from salaries (approximately 16.5% of gross income). For unemployed citizens, students, retirees, and certain vulnerable groups, the government covers the premium.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
HZZO provides comprehensive healthcare coverage including:
- General practitioner (GP) visits
- Specialist consultations and diagnostics
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency services
- Maternity care
- Preventive screenings
- Vaccinations
- Mental health services
- Subsidized prescription drugs
- Limited dental care
- Rehabilitation services
Additional voluntary insurance is available through HZZO for covering co-payments, which are required for some services under the basic insurance.
Open for All or Limited:
HZZO is open to all Croatian citizens and legal residents. Foreigners with long-term or permanent residence permits are also eligible to enroll. EU citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access services temporarily.
Core Financial Features:
- Mandatory contributions for employees and employers
- Government-funded for specific groups
- Co-payments exist for some services (e.g., specialist visits, diagnostic tests, hospital stays) unless the patient has supplementary coverage
- Optional supplementary and additional plans available for broader coverage and co-payment exemptions
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Croatian consumers generally rate the HZZO system moderately high.
- Consumer Satisfaction Score: 3.8/5
Users appreciate the comprehensive and affordable nature of the services but occasionally report dissatisfaction with wait times and access to certain specialists or advanced treatments.
2. Supplementary Health Insurance (Dopunsko Osiguranje – under HZZO)
Cost:
This is a voluntary add-on provided by HZZO itself to cover co-payments and out-of-pocket costs not included in the basic plan. The monthly premium ranges from €10–€20, depending on coverage level.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Covers co-payments for GP and specialist services
- Covers hospital stays and diagnostic procedures
- Covers medications listed in the HZZO’s reimbursable list
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all HZZO-insured persons. Particularly recommended for individuals with chronic conditions or those who frequently use medical services.
Core Financial Features:
- Flat monthly fee
- No co-payments for most services after purchase
- Significant out-of-pocket cost reductions
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Rated highly for cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
- Consumer Satisfaction Score: 4.2/5
Top Private Health Insurances in Croatia
Croatia’s healthcare system is predominantly public, but private health insurance is increasingly gaining popularity—especially among those seeking faster access to services, more personalized care, and extended specialist coverage. While the private health insurance market in Croatia is not vast, a few prominent providers offer comprehensive policies that complement the public system. Below are the leading private health insurance providers in the country, with key details on their offerings.
1. Croatia Osiguranje – Croatia Supplementary and Additional Health Insurance(Official website: https://www.crosig.hr)
Cost:
Premiums start from €15 to €50 per month, depending on age, health condition, and the level of coverage selected.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Access to a wide network of private clinics and hospitals
- Shorter wait times for diagnostic tests and specialist consultations
- Coverage for preventive check-ups and executive health screenings
- Discounts on dental care and cosmetic procedures
Open for All or Limited:
Open to all Croatian citizens and legal residents, subject to medical underwriting in some cases.
Core Financial Features:
- Monthly premiums based on age and health risk
- Co-payment coverage for services not fully covered by HZZO
- Optional family plans
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- 4.1/5
Users are particularly satisfied with reduced wait times and service quality in affiliated clinics.
2. Allianz Croatia – Private Health Insurance(Official website: https://www.allianz.hr)
Cost:
Premiums generally range between €20 to €100 per month, depending on the coverage level, age, and selected package.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Choice of doctor and hospital
- Specialist care and diagnostics without referral
- Hospitalization in private facilities
- Annual preventive exams and vaccinations
- International medical assistance in some packages
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals and corporate clients; some packages require initial health assessments.
Core Financial Features:
- Tiered coverage plans (basic, standard, premium)
- Optional deductibles to reduce premium costs
- Direct billing available with partner providers
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- 4.3/5
Clients value the flexibility, international options, and clarity in claims handling.
3. Uniqa Osiguranje – Voluntary Health Insurance(Official website: https://www.uniqa.hr)
Cost:
Monthly premiums range from €18 to €80, with various individual and family plans.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Specialist services without referral
- Diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, ultrasound)
- Dental packages and physiotherapy
- Preventive health programs
- Optional travel medical coverage
Open for All or Limited:
Open to citizens, residents, and foreign nationals with legal residence.
Core Financial Features:
- No co-payments for services included in the plan
- Family discount options
- Annual limits depending on selected plan
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- 4.0/5
Customers appreciate transparency and fast customer support, but note occasional administrative delays.
4. Triglav Osiguranje – Private Medical Coverage(Official website: https://www.triglav.hr)
Cost:
Typical premiums range between €20–€70 per month, depending on individual needs.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Faster access to private medical services
- Direct billing for covered services
- Preventive medical check-ups
- Wide network of partner clinics
Open for All or Limited:
Available to individuals and business clients; some restrictions may apply for pre-existing conditions.
Core Financial Features:
- Customizable plans
- Additional premiums for extended services like rehabilitation and second medical opinions
- Transparent pricing for bundled services
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- 3.9/5
Generally well-rated for value and provider network but has fewer plan options than competitors.
5. Generali Osiguranje – Private Health Packages(Official website: https://www.generali.hr)
Cost:
Premiums vary from €25 to €85 per month, depending on plan type, age, and optional features.
Available Services / Coverage Features:
- Outpatient specialist services
- Emergency services and diagnostics
- Wellness and preventive programs
- Maternity-related care in private settings
Open for All or Limited:
Available to Croatian residents and expatriates; eligibility may vary based on health assessments.
Core Financial Features:
- Offers reimbursement-based and direct service plans
- Annual or semi-annual payments available with discounts
- Optional coverage for international medical treatment
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
- 4.2/5
Users are pleased with flexibility, especially those seeking premium care and wellness services.
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