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 Slovakia
- Health insurance is mandatory—choose from three public insurers: VšZP (state), Dôvera, or Union ZP.
- Contributions are 14% of gross income (employer pays 10%, employee 4%)—self-employed pay full 14%.
- Bratislava has decent hospitals; Vienna is only 60km away for complex or urgent specialist care.
- No digital nomad visa—expats use employment, business, or family reunification permits.
- Very affordable healthcare costs—private GP visits €30-50, specialists €40-80.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Slovakia?
Slovakia has mandatory health insurance for all residents. You must register with one of three insurers: VšZP (state-owned, largest), Dôvera, or Union ZP. All three provide identical coverage mandated by law—the difference is service quality. Workers are automatically enrolled; self-employed register independently and pay 14% of declared income. Non-EU citizens need insurance proof for residence permits—international insurance works initially, but you'll join the Slovak system once you have legal residence and income.
Insurance is required for:
- All residents—mandatory enrollment with VšZP, Dôvera, or Union ZP
- Self-employed—must register and pay 14% of income directly (minimum base applies)
- Non-EU visa applicants—need coverage for residence permit applications
- Those wanting shorter waits—public specialist appointments can take 2-6 weeks
- Expats outside Bratislava—regional hospitals vary; private insurance provides more options
Public vs Private Healthcare in Slovakia
Public Healthcare
Slovak Health Insurance (VšZP, Dôvera, Union ZP)
- Access: All legal residents with registered employment or self-employment; EU citizens with EHIC
- Cost: 14% of gross income (10% employer + 4% employee); self-employed pay full 14% (min ~€80/month)
All three insurers provide the same coverage—GP visits, specialists, hospital care, medications (with copays). Choose based on customer service reputation: VšZP is largest and most bureaucratic; Dôvera and Union ZP often have better service. Main hospitals in Bratislava: Univerzitná nemocnica Bratislava, Nemocnica sv. Michala. NÚDCH is the main children's hospital. Outside Bratislava, hospital quality drops significantly. English is common among younger doctors in Bratislava, less so elsewhere.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €60-120/month (local supplemental); €100-200/month (international)
Private clinics in Bratislava: ProCare, Medissimo, Euromedic, Mediclinic. Private care offers faster access, modern facilities, and better English. However, Slovakia's private sector is smaller than neighbors—for serious conditions, many expats prefer Vienna (60km from Bratislava). International insurance is valuable primarily for Vienna access and travel coverage. Local supplemental plans from Generali, Allianz, or Kooperativa add private room coverage and faster specialist access.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Slovakia. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Vienna hospital access (60km) and worldwide travel flexibility
Not ideal for: Long-term residents joining Slovak insurance—VšZP/Dôvera is much cheaper
Allianz Care
Best for: EU-wide coverage including Austria for complex care
Not ideal for: Budget expats—Slovak healthcare is already very affordable
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions; limited private mental health options in Slovakia
Not ideal for: Those registering živnosť—mandatory Slovak insurance required anyway
IMG Global
Best for: Short-term stays and basic coverage at low cost
Not ideal for: Those needing Vienna access or comprehensive specialist care
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Slovakia
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 | Vienna hospital access (60km) | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | EU-wide coverage including Austria | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions; limited private | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Short-term stays and basic | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Slovakia
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Vienna is your backup: Bratislava is only 60km from Vienna—closer than Košice (Slovakia's second city). Many expats get complex care in Austria. Ensure your insurance covers EU-wide or specifically Austria.
- No digital nomad visa: Slovakia hasn't introduced a DN visa. Remote workers typically use business/trade license (živnosť) which requires joining Slovak insurance system and paying social contributions.
- Regional quality gap: Bratislava hospitals are adequate; eastern Slovakia (Košice, Prešov) has older facilities and fewer specialists. If living outside Bratislava, international coverage with evacuation is more important.
- Minimum contribution base: Self-employed pay 14% on declared income, but there's a minimum base (~€600/month in 2025). Even low earners pay at least €80-90/month for health insurance.
- Language barrier: Outside Bratislava and tourist areas, English is limited. Younger doctors usually speak English; administrative staff often don't. Bring translation help for non-emergency care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Slovak health insurer should I choose?
All three insurers—VšZP, Dôvera, and Union ZP—provide identical coverage mandated by law. The difference is service. VšZP is state-owned and largest but more bureaucratic. Dôvera and Union ZP are private and often have better customer service, shorter phone waits, and more helpful staff. You can switch insurers once per year (by September for January change). Most expats choose Dôvera for better English support.
Can I use Vienna hospitals with Slovak insurance?
With Slovak public insurance, you can get emergency care in Austria under EU rules (EHIC), but planned care requires pre-approval (S2 form) which is rarely granted. For routine access to Vienna's hospitals, you need international insurance that covers Austria or private Austrian insurance. Many Bratislava expats maintain international coverage specifically for Vienna access—it's often faster to drive 60km to Vienna than wait weeks for a Slovak specialist.
How do I register as self-employed in Slovakia?
Self-employment (živnosť) registration: 1) Register trade license at District Office (okresný úrad)—takes 3-5 days, costs €5, 2) Register with health insurer (VšZP/Dôvera/Union) within 8 days, 3) Register with Social Insurance Agency (Sociálna poisťovňa). Health contributions are 14% of declared income (minimum base ~€600/month = ~€85/month minimum). You'll also pay social insurance (~33% of income) and income tax (19-25%). Total burden is high—consider whether Slovak residence is worth it.
What residence options exist for non-EU expats?
Non-EU options: 1) Employment permit (employer sponsors, tied to job), 2) Business/trade license—živnosť for sole traders or s.r.o. company formation, 3) Family reunification (if spouse is Slovak/EU), 4) Study permit, 5) Investment (significant capital required). There's no digital nomad visa or retirement visa. The živnosť route is most common for freelancers but comes with mandatory social contributions. All permits require health insurance proof.
How much does healthcare actually cost in Slovakia?
With Slovak insurance: GP visit €0 (may need small registration fee), specialists €0, hospital €0, medications €0-50% copay depending on drug. Private pay (no insurance): GP €30-50, specialist €40-80, MRI €150-250, basic surgery €1,500-4,000. Slovakia is one of the EU's most affordable countries for healthcare. Dental is partially covered—cleanings included, major work has copays. Optical not covered except for children.
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.