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 Slovenia
- Health insurance is mandatory—ZZZS (compulsory) plus dopolnilno (complementary) covers copays.
- UKC Ljubljana is the main teaching hospital; quality is high but specialist waits can be long.
- No digital nomad visa yet—expats use self-employment permits or EU free movement.
- Complementary insurance (dopolnilno zavarovanje) costs €30-40/month and almost everyone has it.
- Small country (2 million)—complex cases may need Austria or Italy, both within 2-3 hours.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Slovenia?
Slovenia has mandatory health insurance for all residents. The system has two parts: ZZZS (compulsory health insurance) covers 70-95% of costs, and complementary insurance (dopolnilno zavarovanje) covers the remaining copays. Workers are automatically enrolled through payroll; self-employed pay directly. Non-EU citizens need proof of health coverage for residence permits—international insurance accepted initially, but you'll join ZZZS once employed or registered as self-employed.
Insurance is required for:
- Non-EU expats—required for residence permit applications
- Self-employed—must arrange ZZZS enrollment independently (about 13% of gross income)
- Everyone—complementary insurance strongly recommended (copays are 10-30% without it)
- Those wanting shorter waits—specialist appointments can take weeks in public system
- Digital nomads—international coverage needed since no DN visa exists; can't easily join ZZZS
Public vs Private Healthcare in Slovenia
Public Healthcare
ZZZS (Zavod za zdravstveno zavarovanje Slovenije)
- Access: All legal residents, employed persons, self-employed, EU citizens registered as residents
- Cost: ~13% of gross income (employer/employee split for employed); ~€200-400/month for self-employed
ZZZS provides solid coverage but with copays of 10-30% for most services. Nearly all Slovenians add complementary insurance (dopolnilno zavarovanje) from Vzajemna, Triglav Zdravje, or Generali for €30-40/month to eliminate copays. Main hospitals: UKC Ljubljana (University Medical Centre—largest, handles complex cases), UKC Maribor (second city), and regional hospitals. English spoken at UKC Ljubljana; less common elsewhere. Wait times for non-urgent specialists can be 2-8 weeks.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €80-150/month (local private); €120-250/month (international)
Private healthcare is limited compared to Western Europe. Medicofit and some private clinics in Ljubljana offer faster access for outpatient care. For serious conditions, you'll likely use public hospitals—even privately insured patients often end up at UKC Ljubljana for complex procedures. International insurance is more useful for evacuation coverage to Vienna or Milan and for care during travel. Triglav and Adriatic Slovenica offer local supplemental plans.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Slovenia. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Expats needing evacuation coverage to Vienna/Milan and worldwide travel flexibility
Not ideal for: Long-term residents who'll join ZZZS—local system is more cost-effective
Allianz Care
Best for: EU-based expats wanting seamless coverage across Slovenia, Austria, and Italy
Not ideal for: Those registering as self-employed (s.p.)—ZZZS enrollment is mandatory anyway
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health—limited private options in Slovenia
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious expats; ZZZS + dopolnilno costs much less
IMG Global
Best for: Digital nomads under 90-day stays needing basic coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting comprehensive specialist access or staying long-term
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Slovenia
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 | Expats needing evacuation coverage | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | EU-based expats wanting seamless | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Digital nomads under 90-day | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Slovenia
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- No digital nomad visa: Unlike neighboring Croatia, Slovenia doesn't have a DN visa. Remote workers typically use self-employment registration (s.p. status) which requires joining ZZZS, or stay under 90 days on tourist entry.
- Complementary insurance gap: ZZZS alone leaves 10-30% copays. Budget €35/month extra for dopolnilno zavarovanje—without it, a hospital stay could cost hundreds in copays.
- Specialist wait times: Non-urgent orthopedics, dermatology, and ophthalmology can have 4-8 week waits. Private options limited; some expats travel to Austria for faster specialist care.
- Language outside Ljubljana: English is common among younger professionals in Ljubljana but less reliable elsewhere. Bring a translator app for regional hospitals and GPs.
- Small country limitations: Complex cardiac surgery, rare cancers, and pediatric specialties may require transfer to Vienna (3 hours) or Milan (4 hours). Ensure your plan covers medical evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Slovenia's two-part insurance system work?
Slovenia splits health coverage into compulsory (ZZZS) and complementary (dopolnilno). ZZZS covers 70-95% of healthcare costs—you're automatically enrolled if employed. Complementary insurance covers the remaining copays and costs about €35/month from Vzajemna, Triglav Zdravje, or Generali. Without complementary coverage, you'll pay 10-30% of each medical bill out of pocket. About 95% of Slovenians have both.
Can digital nomads get health insurance in Slovenia?
Slovenia doesn't have a digital nomad visa, which complicates things. Options: 1) Stay under 90 days on tourist entry with international insurance (SafetyWing, Cigna Global), 2) Register as self-employed (s.p.) which gives you residence rights and ZZZS access but means paying ~13% income in health contributions plus tax obligations, 3) Use Slovenia as a base while being tax resident elsewhere in the EU. Most nomads choose option 1 and visa-hop to Croatia or Austria.
Is UKC Ljubljana a good hospital?
UKC Ljubljana (University Medical Centre) is Slovenia's flagship hospital and teaching institution. Quality is solid for most care—emergency, general surgery, cardiology, oncology. It handles complex cases that other Slovenian hospitals can't. English is spoken by most doctors. The main drawbacks: bureaucracy, wait times for non-urgent care, and aging facilities in some departments. For serious conditions, you're in capable hands. For elective procedures, some expats prefer Vienna or Milan for newer facilities and shorter waits.
What residence options exist for non-EU expats?
Non-EU citizens can get: 1) Temporary residence permit for employment (requires job offer, employer sponsors), 2) Self-employment permit (s.p. status—need to show business plan, ~€4,200 minimum capital, takes 2-3 months), 3) Family reunification (if spouse is Slovenian/EU resident), 4) Study permit. All require health insurance proof initially. Once you have residence and are working/self-employed, you'll be enrolled in ZZZS. The self-employment route is popular with freelancers but comes with tax and social security obligations.
How much does healthcare cost in Slovenia?
With ZZZS + complementary insurance: GP visit €0, specialist €0, hospital stay €0 (for covered conditions). Without complementary: GP €15-25 copay, specialist €20-40, hospital €50-100/day. Private pay (no insurance): GP €50-80, specialist €80-150, MRI €200-350, basic surgery €2,000-5,000. Dental is partially covered—cleanings and basic work included, crowns and implants mostly out-of-pocket (€300-800 for crown). Costs are moderate by EU standards—lower than Austria or Italy, similar to Czech Republic.
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.