15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Serbia
Last updated on Sep 01, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Serbia is generally considered to be good, although it is not on par with the medical care available in the United States. Emergency services are generally reliable and well-equipped, and ambulances can be called by dialing the emergency number, 112.
How are healthcare services Serbia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Serbia, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Serbia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Serbia is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and emergency services. Expats in Serbia can access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats can also use private healthcare services, which are often more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care," remarked one expat living in Serbia.
What are medical services in Serbia like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Serbia, they replied:
"Serbia has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers that offer a variety of medical services, including general and specialized medical care, preventive health services, and emergency care. Serbia also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. Additionally, Serbia has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," mentioned one expat in Serbia.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Serbia?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Serbia can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is available to all citizens and is funded by the government, but it may not cover all medical costs. Private health insurance is also available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, some medical treatments may not be covered by either public or private health insurance, so out-of-pocket expenses may be necessary," wrote one expat.
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What are emergency services like in Serbia?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Serbia wrote:
"In Serbia, emergency services are provided by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 112. This number is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will ask for your location and the type of emergency, and will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene," said one expat.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Belgrade is widely regarded as having the best selection of medical specialists in Serbia. Other cities such as Novi Sad, Niš, and Kragujevac also have a wide range of medical specialists available. Additionally, the Vojvodina region is known for its excellent selection of medical specialists," commented one expat living in Serbia.
Are common prescription medications available in Serbia?
"Prescription medications are widely available in Serbia. Most pharmacies carry a wide range of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in Serbia are the same as those available in other countries, although some may be produced locally. In addition, some medications may be available in Serbia that are not available in other countries," wrote an expat living in Serbia.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Serbia?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Serbia are generally of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Serbia has a number of highly-trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, who are able to provide quality care to patients. The country also has a number of modern hospitals and clinics, equipped with the latest medical technology. In addition, Serbia has a number of private medical facilities, which offer a range of services at competitive prices. Overall, Serbia provides quality medical care and facilities for its citizens," said one expat living in Serbia.
As a foreigner living in Serbia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Serbia, you will have access to public healthcare. The quality of healthcare in Serbia is generally good, with a wide range of services available. The country has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, and the staff are generally well-trained and experienced. The cost of healthcare is also relatively low compared to other countries in Europe," commented one expat who moved to Serbia.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Serbia if they have access to public healthcare in Serbia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Serbia. The government has implemented a number of measures to protect the public, including the closure of non-essential services, the introduction of social distancing measures, and the provision of free testing and treatment for those affected by the virus. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the number of cases, leading to long waiting times for appointments and tests. Additionally, the lack of resources has meant that many people have had to rely on private healthcare providers, which can be expensive. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Serbia has been resilient and has managed to provide care to those in need," commented one expat who moved to Serbia.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Serbia?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Serbia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"1. Make sure to research the healthcare system in Serbia and find a doctor or midwife that you trust and feel comfortable with. 2. Consider taking a childbirth education class to learn more about the birthing process and what to expect. 3. Ask other expats in Serbia for advice and support, as they may have valuable insight into the local healthcare system. 4. Make sure to have a plan for after the baby is born, such as childcare and transportation. 5. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding parental leave and other benefits. 6. Take time to explore the city and get to know the local culture and customs. 7. Have a support system in place, such as family and friends, to help you during this time. 8. Make sure to take care of yourself and get plenty of rest and relaxation," explained one expat living in Serbia.
Are healthcare services good in Serbia?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Serbia. They wrote:
"Healthcare services in Serbia are generally of a high quality. The country has a well-developed public healthcare system, which is free for all citizens. Private healthcare is also available, and is often of a higher standard than the public system. Serbia has a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, surgeons, and specialists in various fields. The country also has a number of modern hospitals and clinics, which are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. In addition, Serbia has a number of health insurance companies that offer coverage for medical expenses," said one expat in Serbia.
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.
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