Insurance requirements for studying in Croatia
Insurance information for Croatia
If you are going to study and live in Croatia, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much.
Students from EU/EEA countries
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance. EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
Some countries have health care agreements with Croatia: Montenegro, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Macedonia. Students from these countries should get in touch with their public health care providers prior to entering Croatia to get the document that allows them to obtain health care/medical assistance in Croatia
Students from outside the EU/EEA
Students are obliged by must get insurance through the Health Insurance Fund of Croatia (HZZO) after arriving the country. For more information, you can visit the official website of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered HZZO health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
It is important to understand that the EHIC or insurance through HZZO is not always enough and that local mandatory health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs,; i.e. dental, and the co-payments applying(*)
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- (*) co-payment means that you will have to pay a certain amount or percentage for certain medical treatments, medicines etc. This can be a very high amount.
Free quote from Aon
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Croatia
In comparison to its Western counterparts, Croatia offers great value for money. University tuition fees are affordable and living costs are below the European average. The local government also provides scholarships and bilateral agreements to attract international students. English is not only used as an instructional language in classes but also widely spoken in cities like Zagreb, Rijeka, and Istria. This is partly due to the thriving tourism industry, ensuring effective communication. To unwind, explore the country, visit national parks, discover ancient palaces and ruins, and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Croatia, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Croatia.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Croatia is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Croatia.
