Healthcare System in Slovenia: Everything you need to know

How does the Slovenian Healthcare System work?

Slovenia has a global healthcare system that offers coverage to all citizens and residents. It is financed by taxes paid by workers and employers. The public system covers most of the medical expenses, including: medical appointments, prescribed medicines, emergency hospitalization and pre and post maternity leave.  

All employees must join a Health Provider via their employer. Together, they have to allocate 13,45% of their monthly income to the Healthcare System. They must include their children and dependents. 

Those who aren’t permanent residents, must hire a private health insurance with coverage in Slovenia in order to access the Healthcare System. Those who wish to obtain a Visa, will be asked to hire a Health Insurance before starting the Visa process. Even many expats living in Slovenia and have access to the public Healthcare System, prefer to hire private insurance since it offers a much more robust coverage. 

Citizens of countries members of the EU have access to health services in Slovenia with their European Health Insurance Card. 

How does the system operate for foreigners?

Everyone who moves permanently to Slovenia must affiliate themselves to the mandatory Healthcare System. This can be done through their employer or independently. 

In order to obtain a residence Visa in Slovenia it is required to show proof of Health Insurance both for yourself and your family members. An alternative to this could be  hiring an International Health Insurance. This type of insurance offers global coverage, which means you’ll be covered in Slovenia and in your country of origin. 

All tourists are required to have either Health Insurance when entering the country. A travel insurance with coverage throughout the EU protects you against any accidents or illnesses you may endure during your travel. 

To quote and hire the best insurance, go to InternationalHealth.com, where you’ll find travel and health insurances with coverage not only in Slovenia, but in the whole Schengen area. You can compare, quote and hire amongst a whole variety of insurances, without additional costs and 100% online. 

How do pharmacies operate in Slovenia?

Throughout the whole country you’ll find pharmacies that provide both medication with and without a prescription. 

If you’re a part of the local Health System, you’ll have to pay between 30-90% of the whole price for a medicine. If you suffer from a chronic or a long term illness, medicines are for free.  

If you are permanently medicated and travel to Slovenia as a tourist, it is best for you to take your medicines with you from you country of origin. You can take enough medicine to cover the amount of time you plan to travel. Remember to carry your prescription with the details and the amount of medicine you need.

What do I do in case of an emergency?

The telephone number for general emergencies is 112, the same one throughout Europe. The police has a unique line you can call by dialing 113. 

All emergency services, including transportation by ambulance, are free to all citizens and residents. 

Emergency attention can not be denied to anyone. Nonetheless, if you don’t have Health Insurance you’ll have to pay full price for the attention in case you suffer an accident or get sick.  

Entry Requirements

There are currently no restrictions regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic to enter Slovenia.

Have in mind that Slovenia is a part of the EU, which means that restrictions are the same as in other countries members of the Union. Depending on your nationality, you might need a Visa to enter the country.