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 Montenegro
- Digital Nomad Visa requires health insurance—Temporary Residence also needs coverage proof.
- FZOM public healthcare is basic—the Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica is the only major facility.
- Coastal areas (Kotor, Budva, Tivat) have limited healthcare—summer tourists strain local resources.
- Private options are few—many expats travel to Belgrade (3 hours) for specialist care.
- Uses euro despite non-EU status; international plans €60-150/month with evacuation coverage essential.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Montenegro?
Montenegro's Digital Nomad Visa (introduced 2022) requires health insurance as part of the application. Temporary Residence permits also need coverage proof. While 90-day visa-free stays don't mandate insurance, it's essential given Montenegro's limited healthcare infrastructure—the country has only 620,000 people and one major hospital. International insurance with Serbia/EU evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Insurance is required for:
- Digital Nomad Visa applicants—mandatory insurance requirement
- Temporary Residence permit seekers—proof of coverage needed
- Anyone living on the coast (Kotor, Budva, Tivat)—limited local facilities
- Retirees choosing Montenegro—evacuation coverage critical for aging-related needs
- Active travelers—hiking, watersports, and skiing create injury risks in remote areas
Public vs Private Healthcare in Montenegro
Public Healthcare
FZOM (Health Insurance Fund of Montenegro)
- Access: Montenegrin citizens and registered residents
- Cost: ~€40-80/month contribution for self-employed; employer-based for workers
The Clinical Center of Montenegro in Podgorica is the country's only tertiary hospital. Smaller general hospitals exist in Nikšić, Bijelo Polje, and coastal cities, but capabilities are limited. Wait times for specialists can be weeks. Complex cases are routinely referred to Belgrade, Serbia. Public healthcare quality is below Western European standards—most expats prefer private care or treatment abroad.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €30-60/consultation; €200-500/night hospitalization
Private healthcare options in Montenegro are limited. Poliklinika Moja Praksa in Podgorica and a few private clinics offer outpatient services. For anything beyond basic care—surgery, cardiac treatment, cancer care—most patients travel to Belgrade (3 hours by car) where facilities like Bel Medic and Medigroup serve Montenegrin patients regularly. Tivat has Porto Montenegro's medical center for minor issues.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Montenegro. 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 Montenegro
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 Montenegro
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 Montenegro
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Montenegro has ONE major hospital—complex cases require evacuation to Belgrade or beyond.
- Summer coastal crowds (Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi) strain limited healthcare resources—expect delays June-August.
- Mountain areas (Durmitor, Kolašin ski resort) have minimal facilities—helicopter evacuation may be needed.
- Despite using the euro, Montenegro is not in the EU—EHIC cards don't work here.
- Pre-existing conditions require careful planning—local specialists are scarce; factor in Belgrade travel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Montenegro's Digital Nomad Visa require insurance?
Yes. Montenegro's Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of health insurance covering your stay. International insurance from providers like Cigna, Allianz, or SafetyWing is accepted. The visa allows 2-year stays and requires proof of remote work income (approximately €1,000/month minimum). Given Montenegro's healthcare limitations, comprehensive coverage with evacuation is essential regardless of visa requirements.
Why do people go to Belgrade for healthcare?
Montenegro's small population (620,000) means limited specialist availability and no advanced medical facilities for complex procedures. Belgrade, only 3 hours away by car, has modern private hospitals (Bel Medic, Medigroup) with full specialist teams, advanced diagnostics, and surgical capabilities. Many Montenegrins routinely travel there for planned procedures—it's a well-established medical corridor.
Is coastal healthcare adequate in Montenegro?
Coastal cities (Kotor, Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi) have basic hospitals and clinics for emergencies and minor issues. However, anything serious requires transfer to Podgorica (1-2 hours) or Belgrade (4-5 hours from coast). Summer tourist season (June-August) significantly strains coastal facilities—expect longer waits. Porto Montenegro in Tivat has a private medical center, but it's limited to outpatient care.
What about healthcare for skiing and mountain activities?
Kolašin ski resort and the Durmitor National Park area have very basic medical facilities. Ski injuries or mountain accidents may require helicopter evacuation to Podgorica—this can cost €5,000-15,000 without insurance. Ensure your policy explicitly covers winter sports, mountain rescue, and helicopter evacuation. The nearest adequate trauma care for serious injuries is Podgorica or Belgrade.
Do EHIC cards work in Montenegro?
No. Despite using the euro as currency, Montenegro is not an EU member (though it's a candidate country). European Health Insurance Cards are not valid here. You need separate travel or expat health insurance. This catches many European visitors off guard—don't assume EU coverage applies just because they use euros.
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.