Health insurance provides adequate health and social security in times of illness or injury as it covers the cost of risk in cases when you get sick, injured or have any other medical needs. Its basic characteristic is that the rights of each individual or of dependant family members are related to the application for the insurance and the payment of the appropriate contribution. There are two types of health insurance payments: compulsory and voluntary.
Compulsory health insurance does not cover all the expenses that occur during treatment. Full coverage of costs is provided only for children, pupils and students who attend school regularly and for certain diseases and conditions. In other services it assures only a certain percentage of the cost. You can arrange your health insurance at the Department of Health Insurance of the Republic of Slovenia.
Voluntary health insurance covers the difference between the full price and the part that is covered by the compulsory health insurance. You have to cover the insurance premium for supplementary health insurance by yourself and you can arrange your insurance at a health insurance company.
Three health insurance companies offer voluntary health insurance:
Prior to your arrival to Slovenia, in your home country make sure to arrange the European health insurance card or other corresponding documents enabling you to access medical services in Slovenia. With employment in Slovenia, your inclusion into the compulsory health insurance system will be based upon contributions paid out of your salary.
Foreign citizens, who are not insured under the Republic of Slovenia’s health insurance system, have the right to urgent or necessary medical services. Payment for those services is provided in accordance with European Law, international agreements or from the state budget.
Once insured through the compulsory Slovenian health insurance, you will receive a health insurance card, which you will need to use to identify yourself at healthcare institutions when in need of medical attention. All health insurance data is stored in the health insurance card. Usually, you need to make an appointment to see a doctor. As a rule, you visit the health centre closest to your residence.
Additional information on compulsory health insurance is available on The Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia website.