Health Care in Hvar

The healthcare system in Hvar, offers both public and private options for residents and visitors. The public healthcare system, known as the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), provides coverage for Croatian citizens and residents, while private healthcare facilities offer additional services for those who prefer or require them.

Croatia's Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in Croatia is managed by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), which provides coverage for Croatian citizens and residents. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, can also access the public healthcare system if they have valid health insurance and meet certain requirements. However, many expats and digital nomads prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, as they often provide a higher standard of care and shorter waiting times. Public hospitals in Hvar can be crowded and may have limited resources, while private hospitals typically offer more comfortable facilities and a wider range of services.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Hvar

There are several healthcare facilities in Hvar that cater to the needs of expats and digital nomads. Some of these include:

• Dom Zdravlja Hvar (Public Health Center) - Located in the town of Hvar, this public health center offers general medical services.
• Poliklinika Hvar (Private Clinic) - A private clinic in the town of Hvar, offering a range of medical services, including specialist consultations and diagnostic tests.

In case of emergencies or specialized medical care, expats in Hvar may need to travel to nearby cities such as Split, which is approximately 2 hours away by ferry and car. Split has several hospitals, including KBC Split (public) and Medico (private), which offer a wider range of services and specialized care.

Emergency Services in Hvar

Emergency services, including ambulance services, are available in Hvar. To call for an ambulance, dial 112, which is the general emergency number in Croatia. Ambulance response times can vary depending on the location and availability of resources, but they generally arrive as quickly as possible.

Health Insurance Companies in Hvar

Popular private health insurance companies in Hvar include Allianz, Croatia Osiguranje, and Wiener Osiguranje. Expats and digital nomads may choose to use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers that cater specifically to their needs. It is important for expats and digital nomads to ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage while living in Hvar, as this can greatly impact their access to healthcare services.