How to Use Healthcare in Serbia as a Foreigner

The Serbian healthcare system is built on a combination of state insurance and a developed commercial sector. For foreigners settling in Serbia, medicine here offers flexible solutions adapted to different budgets and legal statuses.

The core of the state system is mandatory health insurance in Serbia, coordinated by the RFZO fund. Officially employed expats and their families receive a plastic policy—zdravstvena kartica. This document grants access to free treatment in local polyclinics (Dom zdravlja).

The private sector serves as an alternative. Any major private clinic in Serbia offers a European level of service, modern equipment, and no queues. Treatment in Serbia for foreigners in commercial centers is available through private health insurance (DMS) programs or via direct payment. Meanwhile, the average cost of a doctor's appointment in Serbia remains low compared to Western European countries, which actively promotes medical tourism in Serbia (especially in dentistry and surgery).

Understanding these basic differences will help you effectively build a healthcare strategy from the first days of your stay in the country.

Stage 0: Understanding the Serbian Healthcare System: Basics for Foreigners

The medical issue is one of the most important when planning a long stay or relocation. The Serbian healthcare system, like any other, has its peculiarities that it is important to understand in advance. It is not enough to simply know that care is available; you need to understand how it is organized, what documents are required, and what the financial nuances are. In this section, we will break down the fundamental basics so you can navigate the labyrinth of Serbian medical institutions.

We will look at how the system is structured overall so you understand what options are available to you: from mandatory state insurance to premium private clinics. We will also break down key terms you will definitely encounter: from polyclinics to the policy itself. Understanding these basics is your first and most important step toward a confident stay in Serbia.

Goals: How the System Works and What Options to Choose?

When relocating or staying in the country for a long time, it is important to immediately understand how the Serbian healthcare system works to avoid chaos when you first feel unwell. Local medicine functions on a mixed principle, combining state insurance and a developed private sector. For a foreigner planning life in Serbia, medicine offers three main paths to receiving care:

• State Insurance (RFZO). Operates on the principle of compulsory health insurance. Foreigners with a residence permit (based on work, business, or marriage) receive a plastic policy—zdravstvena kartica. This system provides access to free services in local polyclinics (Dom zdravlja), but it is associated with queues.
• Private Medicine. A network of commercial clinics and laboratories offers a high level of service and no queues. Appointments can be paid for independently (the cost of a doctor's appointment in Serbia in the private sector is quite affordable) or by obtaining private health insurance in Serbia.
• Medical Tourism. Serbia attracts patients from abroad due to affordable prices for quality dentistry, plastic surgery, and rehabilitation.

Understanding these options allows you to effectively combine state guarantees with the speed of private care, minimizing treatment costs in Serbia for foreigners.

Key Concepts: Zdravstvena kartica, Polyclinic (Dom zdravlja), Private Sector.

To navigate local medicine confidently, a foreigner needs to master the three pillars upon which the entire Serbian healthcare system rests:

• Zdravstvena kartica: This is the plastic chipped card for mandatory health insurance (RFZO). It confirms that you or your employer are paying contributions. Without this card, it is impossible for foreigners to receive free or subsidized treatment in state institutions in Serbia.
• Dom zdravlja: The municipal health center (polyclinic). This is the primary point of contact with state medicine. Here, you register with a specific general practitioner (izabrani lekar) who manages your card, prescribes medications, and issues referrals (uput) to specialists or for hospitalization.
• Private Sector (Privatne klinike): A network of commercial medical centers and offices. Any private clinic in Serbia offers fast service, modern equipment, and no queues. People go here for payment or under a private health insurance policy.

Understanding these three elements allows you to effectively combine the opportunities of the state and private sectors to maintain your health.

Important Facts: What Distinguishes Serbian Healthcare from European Countries (Queues, "Polako" Approach).

The Serbian healthcare system has a unique character that often surprises expats accustomed to strict Western European standards or fast, commercialized medicine.

The main feature that defines life in Serbia and local medicine in particular is the famous mentality of "polako" (slowly, unhurriedly). In state institutions, this approach manifests as a lack of rush, but simultaneously as a slowness of processes.

What distinguishes the level of medicine in Serbia from other European countries:

• Queues and Waiting Lists. For planned examinations (e.g., MRI) or appointments with a specialist in the state sector, you can wait for months. However, emergency care works reliably and quickly.
• Human Factor. The attitude of doctors here is more heartfelt and informal than in Western Europe. The doctor is ready to spend more time with you, but this also causes shifts in appointment schedules.
• Moderate Digitalization. The Serbian healthcare system still retains a love for paper certificates and prescriptions, although electronic medical records are being actively implemented.

Understanding these nuances will save you unnecessary stress and help you correctly structure your interaction with local clinics.

Section 1: Foundation of Stay – Documentation and Insurance

Legal stay in Serbia and access to medical services are inextricably linked to proper documentation. To avoid depending on chance circumstances and not paying for every doctor's visit out of pocket, a foreigner must understand the local insurance system in advance. It is the presence of a policy that determines which clinics you can access and under what conditions.

In this section, we will examine the practical side of legalizing your medical status: how insurance works in Serbia, what documents are required to obtain a state card (zdravstvena kartica), and what type of coverage—state, corporate, or private—is best suited for your relocation scenario.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Health Insurance in Serbia (zdravstvena kartica)?

Obtaining the State Health Card (zdravstvena kartica) — a mandatory step for full access to the Serbian healthcare system through the RFZO fund. This chip-enabled plastic document replaces old paper booklets and grants access to free (or nearly free) care in state polyclinics.

Step-by-Step Algorithm for Obtaining the Card:

1. Determining Eligibility. You are entitled to the card if you are officially employed in Serbia, registered as a sole proprietor (preduzetnik), have a residence permit (RV) through family reunification with a resident, or pay voluntary contributions.
2. System Registration. If you are an employee, your employer registers you in the Central Register of Social Insurance (CROSO). If you are a sole proprietor, you or your accountant must complete this procedure yourself.
3. Visit to the RFZO Branch. You must contact the local branch of the fund at your registration address (the address on your 'white card' or RV).
4. Fee Payment. Pay the administrative fee for issuing the plastic card (about 400 dinars) using the details provided by the inspector.
5. Receiving a Temporary Certificate. While the plastic card is being made (usually taking 1 to 3 months), you will be issued a paper certificate (potvrda) which has full legal validity.

Once the card is ready, you collect it at the same RFZO branch. From this moment, you can register with a general practitioner at the state Health Center (Dom zdravlja).

Required Documents: List for Obtaining Status and Policy.

To successfully obtain state health insurance in Serbia and receive the plastic card (zdravstvena kartica), you must provide a package of documents to the RFZO branch. The exact list depends on your legal status in the country.

Basic Document Package for All Foreigner Categories:

• Foreign Passport (original and copy of the personal data page);
• RV Confirmation (approved 'D' visa or plastic boravak card);
• White Card (residence registration) or proof of property ownership;
• Completed Application (issued directly at the fund's branch);
• Fee Payment Receipt for the issuance of the plastic card (about 400 dinars).

Additional Documents Depending on Eligibility:

• For Employees: Employment contract (Ugovor o radu) and confirmation of employer registration in the social insurance system (Form MA).
• For Business Owners (Preduzetnik): Extract from the APR register and a certificate from the tax office confirming the payment of mandatory contributions.
• For Family Members (Reunification): Marriage or birth certificate with a certified translation into Serbian (from a court translator) and a copy of the main applicant's policy.

After submitting the documents, you will be issued a temporary paper certificate (Potvrda), which replaces the plastic card during its manufacturing period.

Coverage Options: Comparing State Insurance, Employer Insurance, and Travel Policies (for Expats).

Choosing a medical coverage system is a key decision for any expat, and it must be based on your residency status and financial stability. There are three main ways to secure medical assistance in Serbia, and each has its pros and cons.

1. State Insurance (zdravstvena kartica):
This is the foundation for long-term residents. If you are officially employed or have an RV and pay contributions, you are entitled to a policy through the Republican Health Insurance Fund (RFZO). This is the most reliable and economically advantageous option for permanent residence, as it covers primary care in state polyclinics (Dom zdravlja) and grants the right to free medication for many drugs. However, this path requires bureaucratic effort, regular status confirmation, and may involve a slower pace of service.

2. Employer Insurance (Corporate Programs):
If you work under a contract, your employer may include you in a corporate program, which may be linked to the state system or be an additional private package. This is convenient because the company handles the application process. Always clarify exactly what the policy covers: only consultations, or also hospitalization, dentistry, and emergency care.

3. Private Travel Policies (For Short-Term Visits):
This is the optimal option for tourists or expats who are in Serbia for a short time and do not have resident status. Such policies cover emergencies and basic treatment, but their coverage may be limited by the number of days or by specific types of services (e.g., chronic conditions that would require long-term monitoring).

Comparison Table for Decision Making:

Insurance Type	Residency Status	Advantages	Disadvantages	Ideal For
State (RFZO)	Resident (RV, Employment)	Maximum coverage, low cost, access to primary care.	Bureaucracy, queues, slow pace.	Long-term stay, family.
Employer	Employed	Convenience, automatic processing, often includes extra services.	Dependence on the company, details must be checked.	Working expats.
Travel/Private	Short-term visit	Quick processing, access to private clinics.	Limited coverage, high cost for long stays.	Tourists, transit visitors.

Section 2: Your First Visit – Receiving Care by Scenario

Once you have decided on the type of coverage—whether it is the state RFZO card or a private company policy—you will inevitably have to use it in practice. The Serbian medical system has its own logical algorithms that may seem unfamiliar to a foreigner. It is important to clearly distinguish between the scenarios for seeking care: a routine visit, sudden illness, or an emergency requiring immediate intervention.

The correct choice of action algorithm will not only save you time and nerves but also help you avoid unnecessary financial costs. Let's break down specific practical scenarios: from a standard appointment with a general practitioner to emergency calls and obtaining referrals to specialized doctors.

1. Scheduled Examination (Primary Care):

• Where to go: First, go to the local polyclinic (Dom zdravlja). This is your "primary care level." Here you will make an appointment with a general practitioner or a specialist (e.g., dermatologist, ophthalmologist) with a referral.
• How to make an appointment: The ideal option is to book through the portal or by phone using your health card. If you have just arrived, you may need to visit the polyclinic in person for registration and to obtain an initial referral.
• What to bring: Passport, migration card (if required), health card (or proof of entitlement to one).

2. With a Referral (Specialist):

• If the general practitioner deems an examination by a cardiologist or endocrinologist necessary, they will issue you a referral. You use this referral to book an appointment with the specialist at the same polyclinic or at another institution that accepts the mandatory health insurance system (OMS).

3. Private Sector (Fast and without queues):

• If you need help quickly and do not want to wait in a state polyclinic, go to private clinics. Appointments here are usually made through their websites or by phone. The cost of services will be higher, but you will receive a guaranteed appointment time and more comfortable conditions.

EMERGENCY: What to do if you suddenly fall ill or get injured (calling an ambulance)?

When dealing with a sudden deterioration of health or an injury, the main thing is to remain calm and act quickly. In Serbia, the emergency care system functions based on calling an ambulance (Hitna pomoć). However, it is important to understand that "ambulance" in Serbia is not always an instantaneous and perfectly streamlined process like in Western countries, and it often requires the patient to know their rights and be able to articulate the problem correctly.

1. Calling an Ambulance (Hitna pomoć):

• Number: Dial 194. This is the main number for calling emergency medical assistance. Remember that the operator may only speak Serbian or English, so be prepared to describe the situation as clearly as possible.
• What to say: Clearly state your location (address, nearest landmark) and describe the symptoms or injury. Do not exaggerate, but do not downplay the seriousness. This will help the team assess the priority of the call.
• Preparation: If you are traveling with someone, designate one person to coordinate the call and wait for the arrival of help.

2. Actions on Site:

• For Injuries: If the injury is clearly not critical (e.g., a deep cut, a sprain), and you are in a tourist area, consider going to a private clinic (Privatna ordinacija). This might be faster and more comfortable than waiting for state emergency services, which can be overloaded.
• At the Hospital (Bolnica): If you are taken to a hospital, you will first be admitted to the Emergency Department. A duty doctor will examine you there, determine if hospitalization is required, and prescribe further treatment. Be sure to present your health card (zdravstvena kartica) or insurance.

Important nuances for expats:

• Insurance: In an emergency, always present your insurance documents. If you cannot prove your status, you may be denied assistance or required to pay the full cost. Having private insurance significantly simplifies the process.
• Language: If you do not speak Serbian, use a translator and learn key phrases in advance: "I am in pain" (Bolno mi je), "Injury" (Povreda), "Call a doctor" (Pozovite doktora).

Dispensary Care and Specialized Assistance: How to undergo an examination and get a referral to a specialist.

If you require planned treatment in Serbia for foreigners or a consultation with a specialist in the state system, your journey begins with the general practitioner. The Serbian healthcare system requires possession of a health card (zdravstvena kartica) and registration with a doctor (izabrani lekar) at a polyclinic (Dom zdravlja).

The process of obtaining specialized care:

1. Visit to the General Practitioner: The chosen doctor conducts the initial examination.
2. Obtaining a Referral (uput): Without this document, a free visit to a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, or other specialist is impossible.
3. Waiting for the Appointment: Booking an examination with a referral can take from a couple of weeks to several months.

A referral from the general practitioner is also required for regular dispensary check-ups (sistematski pregled).

Alternative route:

If you want to avoid queues, the optimal choice is a private clinic. Serbia has a developed network of commercial medical centers where a referral is not required. The average cost of a doctor's appointment in Serbia's private sector is 3000–6000 dinars. For many expats assessing life in Serbia, private clinics become the primary choice due to speed and comfort.

Section 3: Finance and Language: How much does it cost and who will understand?

Transitioning to the practical use of Serbian medicine inevitably raises two main questions: financial and communicative. Even with state insurance in hand, expats often face the need for co-payments or turn to the private sector to save time. It is also important to understand how much a doctor's visit will cost without a policy and how to overcome the language barrier if Serbian is only at a beginner level.

In this section, we will detail the real cost of medical services in Serbia, compare expenses in the state and private sectors, and find out how realistic it is to find a Russian-speaking specialist in local clinics and how to minimize treatment costs.

Budget for Care: Average Cost of Consultation and Diagnostics in Serbia (State vs. Private Sector Comparison).

The financial aspect of medical care in Serbia is one of the most important topics for expats. The cost of care heavily depends on whether you use the state system (with a policy) or go to the private sector. Understanding this difference will help you minimize financial risks.

🏥 State Sector (Dom zdravlja and Hospitals)

If you are a resident and have a valid health card (OMS policy), a primary visit at the local polyclinic (Dom zdravlja) for general issues (cold, ARVI, basic check-up) will be free or require a minimal co-payment (a symbolic fee for the service).

• Primary Visit (with policy): Close to free. You pay not for the visit, but for the contributions that cover the service. This is the most economical option for residents.
• Complex Procedures/Hospitalization: The cost is covered by insurance, but personal contributions may be required for certain consumables or medications not included in the basic list.

Important: If you are a tourist or an expat without a policy, visiting a state institution is possible, but you will pay the full cost of the services, which may be significantly higher than in the private sector, and may require additional documentation.

💎 Private Sector (Private Clinics)

Private clinics are the choice for those who value speed, comfort, and do not want to wait in line. Here you pay directly, without insurance (unless it covers a specific private clinic).

• Therapist/Specialist Consultation: Price ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 RSD (approximately 30-70 euros) per appointment. This is significantly more expensive than a primary care visit under a policy, but you get guaranteed time and a high level of service.
• Diagnostics (Tests, Ultrasound): The cost depends on the complexity. A basic set of tests can cost from 5,000 to 10,000 RSD. Ultrasound ranges from 6,000 to 12,000 RSD.
• Advantages: Speed, modern equipment, no queues. Ideal for scheduled check-ups or in urgent situations when there is no time to wait in a state polyclinic.

💰 Cost Summary Table (Estimated, 2026)

Service	State Sector (Under Policy)	Private Sector (Paid)	Comment
Primary Care Visit	Free/Minimal co-payment	3,000 – 7,000 RSD	State is slow but cheap; Private is fast but expensive.
Basic Tests	Under policy (with limitations)	5,000 – 10,000 RSD	The private sector offers a wider and faster range of tests.
Ultrasound	Under policy (with referral)	6,000 – 12,000 RSD	Referrals are often not required in private clinics.

Conclusion: If you are a resident with a policy, use the state system for basic care. If you need speed, comfort, or do not have a policy—choose private clinics, budgeting for a higher cost.

Language Barrier and Assistance: Do Russian-Speaking Specialists Work? How and Whom to Contact?

Overcoming the language barrier in Serbian medical institutions is a completely solvable task, especially in large cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš.

English and Russian in Clinics:

• Private Sector: Most doctors in large networks (such as MediGroup or Euromedik) speak English fluently. Furthermore, Serbian specialists who studied in the Russian Federation or relocated Russian doctors often work here. When booking via the call center, it is sufficient to ask: “Да ли има лекара који говори руски или енглески?” (Is there a doctor who speaks Russian or English?).
• State Sector (Dom zdravlja): Staff here speak English less often, and older doctors may only remember basic Russian. For a visit to a state polyclinic, it is better to prepare a translator on your phone or invite a Serbian-speaking friend.

How to Find a Russian-Speaking Doctor:

1. Expat Communities: Telegram chats (e.g., searching for “Medicine Serbia”) have regularly updated lists of verified Russian-speaking pediatricians, gynecologists, and dentists.
2. Clinic Website Filters: Large private centers allow you to filter the doctor database by language proficiency.
3. Telemedicine: Many Russian-speaking specialists conduct online appointments, helping to adapt familiar treatment regimens to the assortment of Serbian pharmacies.

Clarifying Questions: What Does Insurance Cover? How to Minimize Financial Losses.

When understanding how medical insurance in Serbia works, it is important to clearly separate state coverage (RFZO) and private policies.

The state zdravstvena kartica fully covers:

• Therapist visits and referrals to specialists in state Dom zdravlja.
• Emergency hospitalization and urgent surgeries.
• Medications from the special RFZO list (free or with minimal co-payment).

Private policies (e.g., from Generali, Uniqa, Triglav) cover comfortable treatment in Serbia for foreigners in commercial networks. This includes fast appointments without queues, advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT), and physiotherapy. However, they rarely cover chronic diseases diagnosed before purchasing the policy, or pregnancy care (unless it is a premium package).

How to Minimize Financial Losses:

1. Use Direct Billing: Before visiting a private clinic in Serbia, ensure that it works directly with your insurance provider. Otherwise, you will have to pay on the spot and collect receipts yourself for reimbursement.
2. Combine Systems: Use the state system for routine tests and basic medication prescriptions, and use private insurance for complex consultations.
3. Check Limits (Suma osiguranja): Dentistry and ophthalmology often have strict limits (e.g., up to 150–200 euros per year). Sometimes it is more profitable to pay for minor procedures directly, saving the limit for an emergency.

Section 4: Comparative Analysis and Decision Making (Practical Tips)

We have reached the final point of our practical guide, where it is time to bring together all the knowledge about the Serbian healthcare system. Before this, we detailed how to get insurance, how to act in emergencies, and how to navigate financial matters. But knowing the theory is only half the battle. At this stage, we will conduct a comparative analysis so that you can make the most informed decision based on your status and goals of staying in Serbia.

In this section, we will discuss common misconceptions, compare Serbia with other countries, and determine when it is worth considering medical tourism. Our goal is to give you not just a set of facts, but a comprehensive view of how to organize your life and health in Serbia as safely and effectively as possible.

Myths and Risks: Typical Mistakes of Foreigners in Serbian Medicine.

Medicine is a topic where information is often mixed with emotions and rumors. To make a well-informed decision, it is important to separate facts from myths. Here are the most common misconceptions foreigners face in Serbia:

• Myth: “Everything in Serbia is free, like in Russia/Europe.” This is the most dangerous misconception. State healthcare is available, of course, but it is not entirely free. Even with an RFZO policy (zdravstvena kartica), you may face payment for certain services, medications, or consultations not included in the basic package. Always clarify exactly what your policy covers.
• Myth: “It is impossible to receive quality care in Serbia.” This is untrue. Serbian doctors regularly receive training abroad, and many clinics are equipped with modern equipment. The problem often lies not in the quality, but in bureaucratic processes and organization (queues, the need for referrals).
• Myth: “You only need private insurance.” Not necessarily. The choice depends on your status. If you are a resident and work officially, state insurance is the foundation. If you are a tourist or an expat without a residence permit, a private policy is your only reliable option.
• Risk: Ignoring primary care. Many foreigners, upon arriving in Serbia, immediately try to book an appointment with a specialist (e.g., a cardiologist). Remember: the system is built on the principle of “general to specific.” Always start with the Dom zdravlja (local polyclinic) and a general practitioner. They will not only refer you to the necessary specialist but also provide an overall assessment of your condition.
• Risk: Delaying a doctor's visit. Due to fear or the perceived “insignificance” of symptoms, people postpone a visit. In Serbia, as everywhere, small problems can turn into serious ones, and the sooner you seek help, the cheaper and simpler the treatment will be.

Medical Tourism and Treatment: When to Choose Private International Clinics?

When it comes to treatment, it is important to understand that Serbia offers two fundamentally different paths: the state system and the private sector. The choice between them depends on your financial readiness, urgency, and the type of care required.

State Medicine (Dom zdravlja and hospitals): This is the foundation for residents with an RFZO policy. It covers basic needs and is the most affordable, but it often suffers from bureaucracy, queues, and limited specialist choice. It is ideal for routine check-ups and chronic diseases if you are already integrated into the system.

Private International Clinics: This is your choice if you need speed, comfort, and a guarantee of a high level of service comparable to Western standards. Such clinics often specialize in specific areas (e.g., dentistry, cardiology) and operate under international protocols. They are not tied to local bureaucracy and can offer faster diagnosis and treatment.

When to choose the private sector?

1. Urgency and Comfort: If you need help “right now,” and time is a critical factor. Queues in the state sector can take weeks.
2. Complex Diagnostics: For high-tech examinations (MRI, CT) or consultations with specialists where maximum accuracy and modern equipment are required.
3. Protocol-Based Treatment: If you are traveling for treatment that requires adherence to international standards (e.g., planned surgery or long-term rehabilitation).

Important nuance: Private clinics can be significantly more expensive than state counterparts and often require a preliminary consultation with your insurance agent to determine if your policy covers their services. Always clarify the cost and list of services before your visit.

Tips for Living: Comparing Serbia with Other Countries (from a health and accessibility perspective).

From a health perspective, Serbia is an attractive but ambivalent choice. It is not among the world leaders (Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands), but it offers a very affordable level of medical care, which is a huge plus for expats on a limited budget. When compared to more expensive Western European countries, Serbia wins on cost but may lose on speed and technological equipment.

Key differences in comparison:

• Accessibility vs. Comfort: Unlike Germany, where everything is maximally standardized and expensive, Serbia offers a more flexible approach. You can choose between the slow but guaranteed accessible state system and the fast but paid private alternative.
• Integration: For residents planning long-term stays, Serbia offers a simpler integration process into the system (obtaining a zdravstvena kartica) than some EU countries, where bureaucracy can be excessive.
• Medical Tourism: If your goal is to undergo highly specialized treatment, Serbia can be an excellent alternative. Many clinics successfully work with international patients, offering quality services at prices significantly lower than in Turkey or Western European countries.

Decision-making advice: Your choice should depend on your priority. If maximum speed and comfort are critical for you, consider the private sector. If saving money and the possibility of gradual integration into local life are important, the state system combined with private policies is your optimal path. Always remember that no country is perfect, and a thorough study of local nuances (such as queues and bureaucracy) is critical.

Quick Checklist: Checklist for Preparing for Medical Issues in Serbia

To make your trip or move to Serbia as comfortable as possible, you need to prepare in advance for potential medical issues. This checklist will help you not miss anything, whether you are planning a short visit or long-term residence.

Before Travel (Planning):

• Determine Status: Understand what type of medical care you need (tourist insurance, insurance for a residence permit, or a state card). This will determine your course of action.
• Arrange Insurance: If you are not planning a long stay, be sure to purchase international travel insurance that covers emergencies. For expats, study the process of obtaining a zdravstvena kartica.
• Gather Contacts: Save emergency service numbers (194/112) and the contacts of nearby private clinics. Keep a list of medications you take regularly with you.
• Translate Terms: Learn basic medical terms in Serbian (e.g., “терапевт,” “травма,” “аптека”).

During Your Stay (Actions):

• In case of emergency: If you suffer an injury or acute illness, first call an ambulance (if it is an emergency) or go to the nearest private clinic (if it is not life-threatening).
• Routine visits: For a general check-up or consultation, always start with the primary care level—a polyclinic (Dom zdravlja) or a private general practitioner. Remember to make an appointment.
• Finances: Always clarify with the doctor or at the reception whether the service is covered by your insurance and what the approximate cost is to avoid surprises.

For Long-Term Residents (Expats):

• Registration: As soon as you receive your residence permit (VNZh), start the process of obtaining a permanent health insurance card (zdravstvena kartica) through your employer or at your place of residence. This is your top priority.
• Consultation: Have an initial consultation with a general practitioner to establish your status and receive a referral to a specialist if necessary.
• Updates: Regularly check information regarding insurance requirements and medical services, as legislation can change.