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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Dalmatia
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Health Care in Dalmatia

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Learn about the health system in Dalmatia: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Dalmatia.

Dalmatia, a region in Croatia, offers both public and private healthcare options for its residents and visitors. 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 and shorter waiting times.

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 Dalmatia are generally well-equipped and staffed, but may have longer waiting times for non-emergency procedures. For serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, many people recommend using private hospitals, which offer shorter waiting times and more personalized care. Private hospitals in Dalmatia are modern and well-equipped, providing a high standard of care for patients.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Dalmatia

Some recommended hospitals and clinics in Dalmatia include:

  • University Hospital Split (public) - located in Split, this hospital offers a wide range of medical services and specialties.
  • Poliklinika Bili? Vision (private) - located in Split, this clinic specializes in ophthalmology and eye care.
  • Poliklinika Sunce (private) - a private hospital group with locations in Split and other Croatian cities, offering various medical services and specialties.

In case of emergencies or specialized medical care not available in Dalmatia, expats may need to travel to larger cities like Zagreb, which is approximately 4 hours away by car.

Emergency Services in Dalmatia

Ambulance services are available in Dalmatia, and can be reached by calling the emergency number 112. Response times may vary depending on the location and availability of ambulances, but generally, they arrive promptly in urban areas.

Health Insurance Companies in Dalmatia

Popular private health insurance companies in Dalmatia 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, depending on their needs and preferences. It is important to research and compare different insurance options to find the best coverage for your specific situation.

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

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

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Cigna Global HealthCigna Global Health

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William Russell
William Russell

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