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Expat Exchange - Insider's Guide to the Health System in Slovenia
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Congress Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia


Insider's Guide to the Health System in Slovenia

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Gain insight into the health care system in Slovenia. Explore its accessibility and limitations for expatriates, remote workers, retirees, and others who choose to live in Slovenia.

Slovenia has a public healthcare system that provides universal coverage to its citizens and residents. The public healthcare system is called the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS). Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Slovenia, however, they are not eligible for the same benefits as citizens and residents. The public healthcare system is used by foreigners, but it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Slovenia are generally well-equipped and staffed, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private hospitals.

Slovenia's Private Healthcare System

Slovenia also has a private healthcare system that is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is generally of higher quality. Private hospitals in Slovenia are well-equipped and staffed, and they are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. The most popular private health insurers in Slovenia are Adriatic Slovenica, Vzajemna, and Zavarovalnica Triglav. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Slovenia's Top Hospitals

The top hospitals in Slovenia include:

  • University Medical Centre Ljubljana (public hospital located in Ljubljana, specializes in complex medical care)
  • University Medical Centre Maribor (public hospital located in Maribor, specializes in complex medical care)
  • University Clinical Centre Celje (public hospital located in Celje, specializes in complex medical care)
  • General Hospital Celje (public hospital located in Celje)
  • General Hospital Murska Sobota (public hospital located in Murska Sobota)
  • General Hospital Novo Mesto (public hospital located in Novo Mesto)
  • General Hospital Ptuj (public hospital located in Ptuj)
  • General Hospital Slovenj Gradec (public hospital located in Slovenj Gradec)
  • General Hospital Slovenske Konjice (public hospital located in Slovenske Konjice)
  • General Hospital Velenje (public hospital located in Velenje)
  • General Hospital Škofja Loka (public hospital located in Škofja Loka)
  • Medical Centre Ljubljana (private hospital located in Ljubljana)
  • Medical Centre Maribor (private hospital located in Maribor)
  • Medical Centre Celje (private hospital located in Celje)

Health Insurance Companies in Slovenia

The most popular private health insurers in Slovenia are Adriatic Slovenica, Vzajemna, and Zavarovalnica Triglav. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Slovenia: How to Navigate the Health System

"Slovenia has a well-developed healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific medical conditions. In addition, Slovenia has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to researching and developing new treatments and technologies," commented one member living in Slovenia.

"Slovenia offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee. Expats in Slovenia can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local health centre and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Slovenian citizens, although they may need to pay a fee for some services," commented one member living in Slovenia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Congress Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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