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 Serbia
- 90-day visa-free entry for most nationalities—Temporary Residence requires health insurance proof.
- RFZO public system available to residents (10.3% contribution)—but most expats prefer private care.
- Private consultations are very affordable: RSD 3,000-6,000 (€25-50) at Bel Medic or Medigroup.
- International plans cost €50-120/month; local insurers (Dunav, Generali) offer plans from €25/month.
- Belgrade and Novi Sad have excellent private hospitals; southern Serbia has limited facilities.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Serbia?
Serbia's generous 90-day visa-free policy means many digital nomads come without formal insurance. However, Temporary Residence (for stays over 90 days) requires proof of health insurance—either RFZO enrollment or private coverage. Note: Serbia is not in the EU, so European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are not valid here. Private international insurance is strongly recommended for quality care access.
Insurance is required for:
- Anyone applying for Temporary Residence (90+ days)—mandatory requirement
- Digital nomads wanting coverage during visa-free stays
- Expats seeking access to Belgrade's private hospitals without out-of-pocket costs
- Those traveling regionally—coverage should include Montenegro, Bosnia, Kosovo visits
- Anyone living outside Belgrade who may need evacuation for specialist care
Public vs Private Healthcare in Serbia
Public Healthcare
RFZO (Republic Health Insurance Fund)
- Access: Serbian citizens and residents with 10.3% salary contribution
- Cost: 10.3% of salary; minimum ~RSD 5,000 (€40)/month for self-employed
Belgrade has major public hospitals including the Clinical Center of Serbia (largest in the Balkans), VMA Military Medical Academy, and Dragiša Mišović Hospital. Quality is decent for emergencies but wait times for specialists can be weeks. Public facilities outside Belgrade vary significantly—Novi Sad and Niš have good hospitals, but smaller cities have limited capabilities. Most public doctors speak limited English.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: RSD 3,000-6,000 (€25-50)/consultation; RSD 50,000-150,000 (€425-1,275)/night hospitalization
Belgrade's private healthcare is excellent and affordable. Top facilities include Bel Medic (part of Acibadem), Medigroup, Euromedic, and MediVita. Novi Sad has Euromedic and Medigroup branches. Private doctors typically speak English. Dental tourism is popular—quality work at 50-70% less than Western Europe. Serbia's private sector attracts regional patients from Bosnia, Montenegro, and Kosovo.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Serbia. 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 Serbia
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 Serbia
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 Serbia
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Serbia is NOT in the EU—EHIC cards don't work here. Don't assume EU coverage applies.
- Southern Serbia (Niš and below) has limited private healthcare—evacuation to Belgrade may be needed.
- Kosovo border areas have travel advisories—verify your insurance covers these regions.
- Dental and cosmetic procedures aren't covered by travel insurance—budget separately if planning medical tourism.
- 90-day visa-free stays can complicate insurance—ensure your policy covers non-visa situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in Serbia without health insurance?
For the initial 90-day visa-free period, there's no official insurance requirement for most nationalities. However, this is risky—medical costs without insurance can be significant, and evacuation extremely expensive. For Temporary Residence (over 90 days), health insurance is mandatory. Most digital nomads choose international coverage even for short stays.
What's the best hospital in Belgrade?
For private care, Bel Medic (Acibadem) is generally considered best—modern facilities, English-speaking staff, and a wide range of specialists. Medigroup and Euromedic are also excellent. For public emergencies, the Clinical Center of Serbia is the main referral hospital (largest in the Balkans) and VMA Military Medical Academy has a good reputation, especially for trauma.
Is Serbia good for dental tourism?
Yes, Serbia (especially Belgrade) is a popular dental tourism destination. Expect to pay 50-70% less than Western Europe for high-quality work. A dental implant might cost €500-800 vs €1,500-2,500 in Germany. Clinics like Stomatoloska Poliklinika, Belgrade Dental House, and Apolonia cater to international patients with English-speaking staff. Travel insurance won't cover elective dental—budget separately.
How does the digital nomad scene affect healthcare?
Belgrade has a large digital nomad community, which has increased demand for English-speaking private healthcare. Most private clinics in the city center are accustomed to foreign patients. Coworking spaces often have insurance recommendations. SafetyWing and World Nomads are popular among the community, though comprehensive international plans (Cigna, Allianz) are better for long-term stays.
Do I need evacuation coverage in Serbia?
Recommended, especially if living outside Belgrade or Novi Sad. While Belgrade's private hospitals are good for most situations, complex cases (major trauma, specialized surgery, advanced cancer treatment) may require evacuation to Vienna, Budapest, or Germany. Southern Serbia near Kosovo has limited facilities—evacuation coverage is essential there.
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.