ZAGREB, 16 Feb (Hina) - Health centres in Croatia can now start organising additional medical teams for tourists, which this year will provide services at 62 locations for both domestic and international travellers, with costs covered by insurance, the Ministry of Health has announced, noting a record number of service points.
The ministry expects the network to expand by more than 20 new locations this year. This means clinics will be more accessible, waiting times shorter, and pressure on regular practices and emergency departments lower than in previous summers.
Additional teams are planned across 11 counties -- from Istria and Kvarner, through Dalmatia, to Slavonia and central Croatia. For the first time, Karlovac and Krapina-Zagorje counties are included, reflecting the growing number of tourists in inland areas.
26,500 visits to temporary "tourists" clinics registered in 2024
In 2024, over 26,500 visits to these additional teams were recorded, mainly in Istria, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Šibenik-Knin, and Lika-Senj counties, where summer populations increase dramatically.
Investment in equipment continues, with over €500,000 spent in the past two years on medical equipment for tourist service points, and an additional €190,000 allocated for 2026. The aim is to ensure clinics are well-equipped to handle common summer health issues.
Last year, teams were planned at 56 locations, but staffing shortages meant operations ran at 40 points. The increase to 62 locations signals that tourist health care is now seen as a core part of the overall tourism offer. In months when Croatia’s population nearly doubles, accessible medical care is key to organisation and reputation.
HZZO: 11 counties, two more than last year
Temporary teams can be arranged from 1 February to 31 December. In 2026, there will be two more counties than last year.
Interested healthcare centres can open additional clinics at designated tourist locations. Doctors will be able to issue prescriptions, referrals, and provide basic care, fully integrated with the national health information system. Tourists can thus access care without visiting a hospital or paying on the spot.
Costs are covered through existing insurance systems, for both domestic patients away from home and foreign visitors entitled to care under EU regulations and international agreements.
The Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) also plans improved monitoring of tourist health services to better plan and adapt resources in the future.
Additional tourist teams introduced in 2024
The organised network of additional health teams for tourists was introduced in 2024 to address the summer surge in demand. While some counties had ad hoc solutions before, 2024 marked the first coordinated national system with clear financial and organisational support.
Most issues – from minor injuries and infections to chronic disease flare-ups – could be handled in primary care, easing pressure on hospital emergency departments.
The model continued in 2025 and has been further expanded in 2026, evolving from a pilot initiative into a standard seasonal organisational system for tourist and high-traffic areas.
This initiative results from cooperation between the Ministry of Health, HZZO, counties, and local health centres.
