Healthcare System in Slovakia: everything you need to know

How does the Slovakian Healthcare System work? 

Slovakia has a public Healthcare System that is free, mandatory and global to all it’s residents and citizens. The public system is offered by three different insurance companies, and citizens can choose which one to be a part of. There is also a private system, offered by private insurance companies. 

Everyone must allocate a percentage of their income to the National Health Insurance System. 

Public hospitals usually have long waiting periods, and they don’t count with the best technology in comparison to other European countries. Even though the system is cheap and covers almost every medical service - including dental care - it is poorly funded and is missing staff. Private clinics are of a better quality and count with more and better qualified professionals, but seeking attention in this type of establishment is much more expensive than attending the public system. 

This is one of the reasons for which many Slovakians prefer to travel to neighboring countries such as Germany or Austria when in need of medical treatment, considering the quality of the medical attention offered in these countries is much better.

How does the Healthcare System work for foreigners?

All visitants (non residents or member of the EU) must pay the totality of the costs incurred when seeking medical attention. If they have Travel Insurance or an International Health Insurance, they can get reimbursed afterwards. 

All citizens of countries members of the EU can access medical attention in the public system using their European Healthcare Card.

All foreigners moving to Slovakia can sign up for either the public or private system by paying the monthly allocation. Most of the foreigners who are able to pay more than the monthly allocation for the public system, choose to sign up for the private one in order to get better coverage and quality of attention. 

To quote and hire the best Travel or International Health Insurance, visit InternationalHealth.com, where you’ll find a wide variety of insurances with coverage not only in Slovakia, but in the whole Schengen area. You can compare, quote and hire from a variety of the insurances in the market today, without additional costs and 100% online. 

How do pharmacies in Slovakia operate?

To buy prescribed medicines, you’ll need a prescription from a local doctor. Non-prescribed medicines are usually cheaper than in other countries. Nonetheless, if you need certain medicine, it is better to take it with you from your own country.  

Foreigners must pay full price for all medicines. You need to make sure the insurance you hire covers the costs of medicines in order to get reimbursed afterwards.

There are many pharmacies throughout the country, so you should not have any trouble finding one. 

If taking medicines with you from your country of origin, take the original box and the prescription.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

The number for emergencies is the same as in all other European countries, 112; but when in Slovakia, you can also call 155  in case of emergencies, accidents or an illness. 

Other numbers you should be aware of are:

Police: 158

Firefighters: 150

Ambulance transportation is free for anyone enrolled on the local Health System. If you’re a tourist, you’ll have to pay full price, but can get reimbursed later if counting with health insurance. 

Entry Requirements

There are no current restrictions regarding Covid-19 in order to enter Slovakia.

Remember Slovakia is a member of the EU, and therefore, restrictions are the same as in other membered countries. Depending on your nationality, you might need a Visa to enter the country.