How to Navigate the Health System in Serbia
Summary: Familiarize yourself with the health system in Serbia. Understand its usage options and constraints for those who choose to move to and reside there, including expats, digital nomads, and retirees.
Serbia's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is called the Health Insurance Fund of Serbia and is funded by the government. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Serbia, however, it is not commonly used by foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is generally good. Public hospitals in Serbia are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Serbia's Private Healthcare System
Serbia's private healthcare system is composed of private hospitals and clinics, as well as private health insurance companies. Private medical care is more expensive than public healthcare, however, it is generally of a higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more likely to have English-speaking staff and more modern facilities. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is generally higher. Private hospitals in Serbia are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Serbia's Top Hospitals
Some of the most well-known hospitals in Serbia include:
- Clinical Center of Serbia (public hospital) in Belgrade
- Clinical Center of Vojvodina (public hospital) in Novi Sad
- Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases (public hospital) in Belgrade
- Clinical Center Nis (public hospital) in Nis
- Clinical Center Kragujevac (public hospital) in Kragujevac
- Clinical Center Banja Luka (public hospital) in Banja Luka
- Clinical Center Zemun (private hospital) in Belgrade
- Clinical Center Zvezdara (private hospital) in Belgrade
- Clinical Center Dr Dragisa Misovic (private hospital) in Belgrade
Health Insurance Companies in Serbia
The most popular private health insurers in Serbia are Delta Generali, Wiener Stadtische, and Dunav Osiguranje. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Serbia: How to Navigate the Health System
"Serbia has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers that offer a variety of medical services, including general and specialized medical care, preventive health services, and emergency care. Serbia also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Additionally, Serbia has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," commented one member living in Serbia.
"Healthcare services in Serbia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Serbia is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and emergency services. Expats in Serbia can access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats can also use private healthcare services, which are often more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care," commented one member living in Serbia.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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