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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bosnia & Herzegovina | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Bosnia & Herzegovina

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 22, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Bosnia & Herzegovina is generally considered to be good, although it is not on par with the medical care available in the United States. Emergency services are available in most major cities, and ambulances can be called by dialing the emergency number 112. The response time for ambulances can vary depending on the location, but is usually quite fast.

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How are healthcare services Bosnia & Herzegovina?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bosnia & Herzegovina, they replied:

"Bosnia & Herzegovina has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Bosnia & Herzegovina is generally considered to be good, although there are some areas where the quality of care is lower than in other parts of the country. Foreign residents do have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition to the public healthcare system, there are also private healthcare providers in Bosnia & Herzegovina that offer more specialized services," said one expat.

What are medical services in Bosnia & Herzegovina like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bosnia & Herzegovina, they replied:

"Medical services in Bosnia & Herzegovina are generally of a good standard, with a wide range of both public and private healthcare facilities available. The country has a well-developed network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, offering a range of services from general practice to specialized care. The country also has a number of highly-trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. In addition, the government provides free healthcare to all citizens, and there are a number of health insurance schemes available to cover the cost of medical treatment," wrote an expat living in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Bosnia & Herzegovina can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is free or low-cost, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private healthcare. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to better quality care. Additionally, many private health insurance plans have high deductibles and co-pays, which can make them unaffordable for some people," mentioned one expat in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

What are emergency services like in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Bosnia & Herzegovina wrote:

"In Bosnia & Herzegovina, emergency services are available to provide medical assistance and other emergency services. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 112, which is a free call from any phone. The ambulance service is provided by the Ministry of Health and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ambulance service is staffed by trained medical personnel and is equipped with the necessary medical equipment to provide emergency medical care," said one expat.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Sarajevo is home to some of the best medical specialists in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The city of Banja Luka is also known for its excellent selection of medical specialists. Other cities with a good selection of medical specialists include Mostar, Tuzla, Zenica, and Bihac. Additionally, the region of Herzegovina is known for its high quality medical care and specialists," commented one expat who moved to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Are common prescription medications available in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Most medications are available in pharmacies, and some are available over the counter. The medications available in Bosnia & Herzegovina are generally the same as those available in other European countries. However, some medications may not be available in Bosnia & Herzegovina due to local regulations or availability. It is recommended to check with a local pharmacist or doctor before travelling to ensure that the necessary medications are available," remarked one expat living in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Bosnia & Herzegovina are generally of a good quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Hospitals and clinics are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers, offering advanced treatments and procedures. In addition, the government provides free or low-cost healthcare to citizens, making medical care accessible to all," remarked one expat living in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

As a foreigner living in Bosnia & Herzegovina, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Bosnia & Herzegovina have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of a good standard. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and residents. However, it is important to note that the public healthcare system may not be able to provide the same level of care as private healthcare, so it is advisable to consider private healthcare options if available," wrote one expat.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Bosnia & Herzegovina if they have access to public healthcare in Bosnia & Herzegovina. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, leading to a strain on the healthcare system. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients, leading to long wait times for treatment and a shortage of medical supplies. The government has implemented a number of measures to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, including providing additional funding for hospitals and increasing the number of medical personnel. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Bosnia & Herzegovina is still struggling to cope with the pandemic," wrote one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Bosnia & Herzegovina about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Bosnia & Herzegovina before having a baby there. Make sure to find a doctor or midwife who speaks your language and is familiar with the local healthcare system. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding childbirth and parenting. Additionally, it is a good idea to connect with other expat parents in the area to get advice and support. Finally, make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in Bosnia & Herzegovina," wrote a person living in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Are healthcare services good in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Bosnia & Herzegovina. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Bosnia & Herzegovina are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens. Private healthcare is also available, but it is more expensive and not as widely available. The quality of healthcare services varies across the country, with some areas having better access to medical care than others. In general, the healthcare system in Bosnia & Herzegovina is in need of improvement, with a lack of resources and outdated equipment," said one person in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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.

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