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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Slovenia | Expat Exchange
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Congress Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Slovenia

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 04, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Slovenia is generally considered to be on par with the United States. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Emergency services are reliable and efficient, with ambulances responding quickly to calls. To call for an ambulance in Slovenia, dial 112.

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How are healthcare services Slovenia?

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

"Slovenia offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee. Expats in Slovenia can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local health centre and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Slovenian citizens, although they may need to pay a fee for some services," commented one expat who moved to Slovenia.

What are medical services in Slovenia like?

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

"Slovenia has a well-developed healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific medical conditions. In addition, Slovenia has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to researching and developing new treatments and technologies," remarked one expat in Slovenia.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Slovenia?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Slovenia are generally considered to be quite affordable. The government provides universal healthcare coverage to all citizens, and private health insurance is also available. The cost of healthcare services is generally lower than in other European countries, and the quality of care is generally high. Private health insurance can provide additional coverage for services not covered by the public system, such as dental care and specialist care. However, private health insurance can be expensive, and it is important to compare different plans to find the best value for money," said one expat living in Slovenia.

What are emergency services like in Slovenia?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Slovenia wrote:

"Emergency services in Slovenia are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to 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 the caller's location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch the appropriate emergency services," commented one expat living in Slovenia.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Ljubljana is home to some of the best medical specialists in Slovenia. The city is home to a number of hospitals and clinics, including the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, which is one of the largest and most advanced medical centres in the country. Other cities with a good selection of medical specialists include Maribor, Celje, and Koper. Additionally, the coastal region of Primorska is home to a number of medical specialists, particularly in the areas of cardiology, neurology, and oncology," wrote an expat living in Slovenia.

Are common prescription medications available in Slovenia?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Slovenia. Pharmacies in Slovenia are well-stocked with a wide range of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in Slovenia are the same as those available in other European countries. In addition, some medications that are not available in other countries may be available in Slovenia. Patients in Slovenia can also access medications through online pharmacies," said one expat.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Slovenia?

"Slovenia has a high quality of medical care and facilities. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. The country has a high number of qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The healthcare system is well-funded and provides access to modern medical technology and treatments. Patients in Slovenia can expect to receive quality care from experienced and knowledgeable medical professionals," commented one expat living in Slovenia.

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

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Slovenia, you will have access to public healthcare. The healthcare system in Slovenia is considered to be one of the best in Europe, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and residents. The quality of care is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and health promotion. The system is also well-equipped with modern technology and facilities, and there are a number of specialized clinics and hospitals available," said an expat in Slovenia.

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

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

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Slovenia. The government has implemented a number of measures to protect the health of citizens, including the introduction of a national contact tracing system, the closure of schools and universities, and the implementation of social distancing measures. Healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to provide care to those affected by the virus, and the government has provided additional resources to support them. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the healthcare system in Slovenia has been able to provide quality care to those in need," wrote one expat.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Slovenia?

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

"1. Make sure to research the healthcare system in Slovenia and the options available to you for prenatal care and delivery. 2. Consider enrolling in a childbirth education class to help you prepare for the birth of your baby. 3. Familiarize yourself with the maternity leave policies in Slovenia and the benefits available to you as a parent. 4. Consider joining a local expat group or online forum to connect with other expats who have had babies in Slovenia and can provide advice and support. 5. Make sure to register your baby with the local authorities and obtain a birth certificate. 6. Research the different options for childcare in Slovenia and decide which one is best for you and your family," remarked one in Slovenia.

Are healthcare services good in Slovenia?

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

"Slovenia has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers that offer a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The country also has a well-developed system of health insurance that covers most medical expenses. In addition, Slovenia has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions. The country also has a number of health promotion programs that aim to improve the health of its citizens," said one person in Slovenia.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Congress Square in Ljubljana, Slovenia

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