Health Care in Varazdin
Summary: Learn about the health system in Varazdin: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Varazdin.
The healthcare system in Varazdin, offers both public and private options for residents and foreigners. The public healthcare system, known as the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO), provides comprehensive coverage for Croatian citizens, while private healthcare facilities offer additional services for those who prefer 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 from their home country or purchase local insurance. Public hospitals in Varazdin, such as the Varazdin General Hospital, are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. However, some expats may prefer to use private hospitals for these services due to shorter waiting times and more personalized care. Private hospitals in Varazdin, such as the Poliklinika Aviva, offer a range of services and are often preferred by expats for their modern facilities and English-speaking staff.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Varazdin
Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Varazdin include:
- Varazdin General Hospital (public) - located in the city center
- Poliklinika Aviva (private) - located in the city center, offers a range of services including dental care and cosmetic surgery
- Varazdin Health Center (public) - offers primary care services and is located in the city center
If specialized medical care or surgeries are not available in Varazdin, expats may need to travel to larger cities such as Zagreb, which is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) away by car.
Emergency Services in Varazdin
Ambulance services are available in Varazdin, and in case of an emergency, you can call 112 for assistance. Response times may vary depending on the location and severity of the emergency, but generally, ambulances arrive promptly to provide care.
Health Insurance Companies in Varazdin
Popular private health insurance companies in Varazdin include Allianz, Croatia Osiguranje, and Wiener Osiguranje. Expats and digital nomads may choose to use these local companies for their health insurance needs, or they may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers that offer coverage tailored to their unique needs while living abroad.
About the Author
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.