Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Croatia
- Digital Nomad Visa requires health insurance—international coverage accepted, €2,539/month income needed.
- HZZO (public healthcare) available to residents; EU citizens can use EHIC for first year.
- Croatia adopted the Euro (€) in January 2023—prices now align with EU standards.
- Private clinics in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik offer English-speaking care.
- Medical evacuation coverage recommended—complex cases may require transfer to Zagreb or abroad.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Croatia?
Health insurance is mandatory for all visa applications in Croatia. The Digital Nomad Visa (1-year, renewable once) requires proof of international health insurance covering Croatia—no minimum coverage amount specified, but comprehensive coverage recommended. Temporary Stay Permits also require insurance. EU/EEA citizens can use EHIC initially, then must register with HZZO after establishing residency.
Insurance is required for:
- Digital nomads—required for the Digital Nomad Visa application
- Non-EU expats on Temporary Stay Permits—insurance mandatory
- Those living on islands or coastal areas—limited local healthcare
- Expats wanting English-speaking doctors and shorter wait times
- Anyone with conditions requiring specialist care not available locally
Public vs Private Healthcare in Croatia
Public Healthcare
HZZO (Hrvatski zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje)
- Access: Croatian citizens, legal residents with work permits, EU citizens after registration
- Cost: ~€50-100/month (15% of income for self-insured foreigners)
Good basic care but long wait times for specialists (months for non-urgent). Quality varies—Zagreb has KBC Zagreb (major teaching hospital), coastal areas more limited. GP visits free with HZZO, prescriptions subsidized. Emergency care available to all regardless of insurance.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €60-150/month local, €100-250/month international
Private clinics: Poliklinika Sunce (Zagreb), Medico (Split), Poliklinika Terme (Zagreb). Private hospitals limited—most complex cases go to public KBC hospitals. Local insurers: Croatia osiguranje, Generali, Merkur. English widely spoken in private clinics and tourist areas.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Croatia. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Croatia
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Croatia
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Croatia
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Digital Nomad Visa holders cannot access HZZO—must maintain international insurance.
- Healthcare quality drops significantly outside Zagreb and major coastal cities.
- Island living (Hvar, Brač, etc.) means limited healthcare—ferry to mainland for serious issues.
- Specialist wait times in public system can exceed 6 months for non-urgent cases.
- Dental care relatively affordable (€50-150 for fillings) but not covered by most international plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do I need for Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa?
International health insurance covering Croatia is required. No minimum coverage amount specified, but comprehensive coverage (€100,000+) recommended. SafetyWing, Cigna Global, and Allianz Care are commonly used. You'll also need proof of €2,539/month income and remote work for non-Croatian company.
Can Digital Nomads access Croatian public healthcare?
No. Digital Nomad Visa holders are explicitly excluded from HZZO (public healthcare). You must maintain international insurance throughout your stay. EU citizens on the DN visa also cannot use EHIC in Croatia—international coverage required.
How is healthcare on Croatian islands?
Limited. Most islands have only basic clinics (ambulanta) for minor issues. Anything serious requires ferry transfer to Split, Rijeka, or Zadar. Medical evacuation coverage is important if you're island-based. In summer, tourist areas have better-staffed clinics.
Is Croatia good for retirees' healthcare?
Mixed. Affordable cost of living and pleasant climate, but HZZO access requires residency (not available on DN visa). Retirees need either Temporary Stay Permit with HZZO enrollment or comprehensive international coverage. Private care in Zagreb is good; coastal areas more limited for complex conditions.
How much does private healthcare cost in Croatia?
GP visit: €30-50. Specialist: €50-100. MRI: €200-400. Dental cleaning: €40-60. Hospital day: €150-300 private room. Significantly cheaper than Western Europe. Many expats pay out-of-pocket for routine care and keep international insurance for major issues.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.