Healthcare

Croatia's mandatory public health insurance is managed by HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund). All employed residents are covered through employer contributions (16.5% of salary). The system provides broad coverage — GP visits, specialist care, hospitalization, prescription drugs — but patients are responsible for 20% copayments unless they have supplementary insurance. Quality is adequate in Zagreb and Split; rural areas have longer wait times and fewer specialists.

Dopunsko (supplementary) insurance is an affordable add-on that covers the 20% copayment required under the mandatory HZZO scheme. It costs just €10–15/month from providers like HZZO itself, Croatia osiguranje, or Generali. Most employed Croatians carry it. For expats enrolled in HZZO, it's a no-brainer that effectively makes all public healthcare free at point of use.

Private healthcare in Croatia is growing rapidly, especially in Zagreb and Split. Private clinics offer faster appointments, English-speaking doctors, modern equipment, and zero wait times. For Digital Nomad Visa holders (who can't access HZZO), private international health insurance is mandatory. Prices are significantly lower than Western Europe — a full health checkup runs €150–300.

Zagreb has the country's best hospital infrastructure, including both large public teaching hospitals and modern private clinics. Split has growing private options. Dubrovnik has a general hospital adequate for emergencies, with complex cases referred to Split.