Medical tourism in Croatia: how do foreign patients receive treatment in the country
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The medical tourism industry in Croatia has only just started to develop, but the country has already become a key destination for foreign tourists. The main reason for this is the high quality of medical care, qualified doctors, a wide range of services, state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and affordable prices. We suggest further reading about the features of treatment in Croatia, visa requirements, conditions of stay in the country, and other useful information for foreign patients.
European Health Insurance Card. Read here how to get preferential medical care in the EU countries.
What you need to do to come to the country for medical care
When planning a trip to Croatia for treatment or examination, the first thing that needs to be done is to find a suitable medical facility. There are several types of hospitals and clinics in the country, some of which are highly specialized. Therefore, we recommend that you approach your search with particular care and choose an institution that meets your needs.
Below we share a selection of hospitals that are considered to be among the very best ones for medical tourism:
• Axis Specialty Hospital;
• Specijalna bolnica Sveta Katarina;
• County General Hospital Vukovar hospital and the Croatian Veterans;
• Poliklinika Marin Med.
Each medical facility has its website with the necessary information, contacts, and application forms. Choose appropriate procedures and agree on further treatment, including hospitalization (if necessary), with your doctor. Also check information on document requirements, medical certificates, etc.
A visa may be required to receive medical care. As Croatia is a member of the European Union, citizens of countries that are also members of the EU can only enter the country with a passport and stay for up to 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you must obtain a long-term visa.
Citizens of non-EU countries need a visa to travel to Croatia. Usually, a tourist visa is suitable for medical treatment, which gives you the right to stay in the country for up to 90 days. If a longer treatment is expected, a long-term one should be issued.
You must take out medical insurance before traveling, which will cover the cost of treatment and protect you from risks. Contact the qualified specialists on our website who can help you choose a safe insurance plan that fits your needs.
Terms and conditions
Foreign patients who have come to Croatia for medical care can usually stay in the country for up to 90 days. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, medical certificates, test results, medical history, doctors' opinions, etc. for the trip. Organize your travel itinerary in advance, book a hotel room or arrange with a medical facility for a temporary stay in the hospital (if necessary). Also, take care of any safety measures.
There are no other special conditions for medical care in the country. Medical tourism is growing in Croatia and many medical facilities are equipped to receive foreign patients. Usually, all staff speaks English, so there should be no language barriers.
Documents required
To obtain a visa for medical care in Croatia, you will need to submit the following documents:
• completed and signed form (in Croatian or English);
• foreign passport valid for at least 3 months;
• copy of the first page of your passport;
• passport color photograph;
• health insurance with a policy valid for the entire stay in the country and a minimum amount of EUR 30,000.
• confirmation of hotel or flat booking or invitation from a medical facility;
• round-trip air tickets;
• profit and loss statement;
• document from a medical facility confirming the need for medical care;
• confirmation that sufficient funds are available to pay for medical treatment;
• bank statement.
In some cases, additional documents will need to be provided. Therefore, contact your embassy for information on visa requirements and a complete documentation package before submitting your application.
Funds
Croatian medical facilities provide a wide range of services. The most popular among foreign patients:
• surgery;
• plastic surgery;
• cosmetic procedures;
• dentistry and orthopedics;
• physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• IVF.
The level of medical care in Croatia is high and prices are considered among the most affordable in Europe. For example, the cost of plastic surgery in local clinics can range from $2-6,000, while the same procedures in European hospitals will cost 40-50% more. If you have to pay around $250-300 for teeth whitening in Croatia, such a service will cost $1,500 in a clinic in the US. This means that the difference would be 80%.
Treatment abroad is becoming increasingly popular and has many advantages. In particular, medical care in Croatia allows foreign tourists to save considerably on many procedures while receiving quality services. And also - the country is famous for its unique landscapes, picturesque mountains, scenic rivers, and other luxurious spots. That is why a medical trip to the country is a great opportunity not only to receive treatment but also to visit many unique places.
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