Zagreb - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Basic medical care is good, and inexpensive. Most surgeries are going to require a medevac. - Jan 2023
Seasonal allergies for humans and dogs. Most cases of medevac are for maternity reasons. - Jul 2018
No major concerns, although I don't have great confidence in the medical system here. Post currently has a full time Croatian doctor and RN. We have used local pediatricians and an ENT. Care is adequate but for complicated (especially pediatric) problems I wouldn't feel great about using the system here. That said, I am a medical professional myself, so I think I am picky about what I expect. Many doctors here seem to have a lot of education but not a lot of clinical training. Some are still very old-school, Yugoslav, "doctor knows best" in their bedside manner. Some facilities are old and not as clean as you'd hope. Others are great, particularly the dental and opthalmological care we've had here. Cost is very cheap----maybe US$30 for a dental check up. - Apr 2016
Healthcare is pretty good generally. Medical personnel are well trained and competent but the government-run facilities sometimes lack modern infrastructure and equipment. The Embassy health unit will refer Embassy personnel to specific doctors and facilities. The dentist the health unit sent me to was hands down the best dentist I have ever had anywhere including the U.S. - Aug 2014
No special health concerns. Care is hit or miss and you will need to figure it out yourself as the Embassy has a poor record in healthcare recommendations. In the end you will probably find someone who can help you. For example, my daughter went to 6 dentists until she found a really good one. One dentist even drilled out the wrong tooth and another treated cavities with rubber cement. Still another said "if you sit with your legs crossed you will confuse your mind" and another "your teeth problems would be solved if you just found a boyfriend." These were not jokes, as Croatians really believe in wives tales and home remedies. A common one is "don't sit on a hard chair or you will catch a cold in your kidneys." - Jun 2014
I have heard some great things about people having knee surgeries and other medical procedures. But I've also heard horror stories about people who have gotten hurt and gone to the emergency room. - Feb 2014
No particular health concerns. Medical care is decent, but not up to U.S. standards. For surgery or any very serious issues I would probably try to go elsewhere. People often went to Austria or London for pregnancy-related care. - Jan 2012
Hospitals are OK, but most Americans that I know went to Vienna for serious conditions. However dental care is extraordinary! - Oct 2010
I've heard the hospitals are okay here--but try not to break a bone or slice a finger here! Dental work can be great and it's very afforable. - Mar 2009
Healthcare is of good standard, even though the look of some of the facilities can be disheartening. Some cultural differences can be puzzling. - Mar 2009
