Learn about the Healthcare System & Insurance Options for Expats in Slovenia
Slovenia is a part of the European Union (EU) and offers healthcare services at par with other European countries. Healthcare services are dispensed through public as well as private healthcare service providers. The government of Slovenia started implementing its current healthcare system, which was designed to create structural reforms since the 1990s. The objective was to engage the private and public sectors to finance the healthcare system through compulsory health insurance plans.
The Slovenian government ensures that all citizens and expats can access quality medical and healthcare services. Yet, to ensure that they have access to top-notch global health assistance, expats residing in Slovenia are advised to buy an international health insurance policy.
Additionally, it is important to visit your doctor a month before travelling. The CDC has more information on vaccinations to get before travelling to Slovenia.
Overview of Healthcare System
Slovenia has a nationalized healthcare system that ensures the highest standards of care to all its residents and citizens. All businesses and employees contribute to the public healthcare system by paying taxes. On the other hand, citizens need to produce a medical card while seeking treatment. Even under the public healthcare system, specialists may charge an additional fee for some of their services. However, there are no extra charges for children with illness or infection.
How the Slovenian Healthcare System Works for Expats
Slovenia is focusing on boosting production in the automotive industry employing its local and international employees. Top-notch medical services are available in the country. Plus, medicines and prescription drugs are easily accessible at pharmacies operating 24/7. EU citizens with EHIC cards have access to various medical services as well. Residents, including expats, have to enroll themselves for health insurance compulsorily.
Public Healthcare
All employees of a company or an organization must register themselves with the healthcare system provided by their employer. Both the employer and the employees have to contribute a total of 13.45% of their income towards healthcare. Employees must also cover dependent children and the elderly in the family. The self-employed also provide a certain percentage of their income. The public healthcare system covers most of the medical services, including visits to general practitioners, prenatal and childbirth care, prescription medicine costs, emergency hospitalization, and other specialist services.
Private Healthcare
Digital nomads, global citizens, and expats outside of the EU must purchase private health insurance for themselves and their dependent family members. Furthermore, non-EU residents must show proof of the purchase of private health insurance to obtain a visa. At times, global citizens, residents and expats under the public healthcare system also opt for private insurance.
Emergency Medical Services
In case of an emergency, dial 144 for ambulance and rescue, 122 for fire brigade, 112 for an emergency, 140 for mountain rescue, and 133 for police.
Medicines and Pharmacies
Medical centers across the country offer outpatient care, general practitioner services, and a range of other specialized medical services. Public hospitals and emergency clinics are accessible in all the main cities and towns and provide emergency medical services. Treatments at private clinics are more expensive than public hospitals. Pharmacies are located throughout the country, and they offer necessary first-aid supplies and over-the-counter medicines.
Best Private International Medical Insurance Plans for Expats
Global citizens, digital nomads, and expats in Slovenia must obtain an inclusive international health insurance policy that offers overseas medical evacuation and airlifting coverage, should a medical emergency arise. Out of all the famous international insurance plans, those provided by Cigna Global and Allianz International are mostly recognized by public healthcare institutions and private hospitals of Slovenia.
Learn about top 5 countries in Europe to retire.
