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Dubrovnik's old town walls overlooking the Adriatic Sea

Health Insurance for Students in Croatia

Very affordable! HZZO student rate ~€15/month or private from €20/month. EU students can use EHIC for free access.

5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
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Insurance Requirements

  • Health insurance mandatory for all students in Croatia
  • Students enrolled at Croatian universities can register with HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund)
  • EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Croatian healthcare for free
  • Non-EU students need proof of insurance for visa and residence permit
  • HZZO student rate ~€15/month for Croatian public healthcare

Available Insurance Options

HZZO Student Insurance

~€15/month

Best for: Students enrolled at Croatian universities

Register at HZZO office. Covers public healthcare: GP, hospital, emergency, specialists.

Learn more

Private Health Insurance (Comprehensive)

€30–€60/month

Best for: Students wanting premium private care with dental and faster access

Full private coverage with English-speaking doctors, dental, optical, private hospitals.

Learn more

Cost Overview

Item Cost Details
HZZO Student Rate ~€15/month Very affordable public healthcare access for students
Private Insurance (Basic) From €20/month Emergency and basic medical coverage
Private Insurance (Comprehensive) €30–€60/month Premium care with private hospitals and specialists
Doctor Visit (Public) Free with HZZO Public healthcare free with HZZO registration. Small prescription co-pays.
Item

HZZO Student Rate

Cost

~€15/month

Details

Very affordable public healthcare access for students

Item

Private Insurance (Basic)

Cost

From €20/month

Details

Emergency and basic medical coverage

Item

Private Insurance (Comprehensive)

Cost

€30–€60/month

Details

Premium care with private hospitals and specialists

Item

Doctor Visit (Public)

Cost

Free with HZZO

Details

Public healthcare free with HZZO registration. Small prescription co-pays.

Visa & Insurance Requirements

  • Student residence permit requires proof of health insurance
  • EU students: EHIC sufficient
  • Non-EU students: HZZO registration or private insurance certificate required
  • Insurance must cover entire stay duration
  • Minimum €30,000 medical coverage recommended for visa

How to Get Insured

1

Apply for Student Visa

Submit visa application with proof of insurance (EHIC for EU, or declaration to register with HZZO/private insurance for non-EU).

2

Enroll at Croatian University

Complete university enrollment. You'll need enrollment certificate for HZZO registration.

3

Register with HZZO

Visit local HZZO office with enrollment certificate, passport, and residence permit. Pay student rate (~€15/month).

4

Receive HZZO Card

Your Croatian health insurance card arrives by mail. Use this when visiting doctors or hospitals.

5

Choose a GP (Liječnik Opće Prakse)

Register with a family doctor (liječnik opće prakse/obiteljski liječnik) near your accommodation.

Student Health Insurance in Croatia

Croatia offers very affordable healthcare for international students. Students enrolled at Croatian universities can register with HZZO (Hrvatski Zavod za Zdravstveno Osiguranje) — Croatia’s public health insurance — for just ~€15/month.

HZZO — Croatian Public Health Insurance

Students at Croatian universities can register with HZZO for ~€15/month. This grants access to:

  • GP visits (liječnik opće prakse / obiteljski liječnik)
  • Hospital treatment (public hospitals)
  • Emergency care (hitna pomoć)
  • Specialist consultations
  • Prescription medications (small co-pays)

To register, visit your local HZZO office with your enrollment certificate, passport, and residence permit.

EU Students with EHIC

EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access Croatian public healthcare completely free. EHIC provides the same coverage as Croatian citizens.

Private Health Insurance

If you prefer private care or are not enrolled at a Croatian university, private insurance starts from €20/month. Private insurance offers:

  • Faster appointments
  • English-speaking doctors
  • Modern private clinics
  • Dental and optical coverage (comprehensive plans)

Popular providers include Croatia osiguranje, Allianz, and private clinic networks like Poliklinika Bagatin.

Why Croatia?

With over 15,000 international students, Croatia offers beautiful coastal cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar, alongside vibrant student hubs like Zagreb and Rijeka. Enjoy Mediterranean lifestyle, stunning Adriatic coastline, affordable living costs, and very accessible healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can EU students use EHIC in Croatia?

Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Croatian public healthcare (HZZO) for free, including doctor visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care.

How much does HZZO cost for students?

HZZO student insurance costs approximately €15/month, making it one of Europe's most affordable public healthcare options.

What does HZZO cover?

HZZO covers GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, specialist consultations, and prescription medications (with small co-pays).

Should I choose HZZO or private insurance?

HZZO is more affordable (€15/month) and provides access to public healthcare. Private insurance (from €20/month) offers faster access and English-speaking doctors.

How do I see a doctor in Croatia?

With HZZO: Visit your registered family doctor (liječnik opće prakse). For emergencies, call 194 (ambulance) or visit hitna pomoć (emergency room).

Ready to Study in Croatia?

Register with HZZO for affordable coverage or explore private insurance for premium care.

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