Changes to Croatian health insurance rules come into force

Major changes to Croatia’s health insurance system took effect on 1 August 2025, bringing higher sick leave payments, simplified procedures for policyholders, and a new way of calculating travel expenses.

The Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) has reminded citizens of the main updates following the adoption of amendments to the Compulsory Health Insurance Act, writes Večernji list.

Easier communication with HZZO

A large group of insured persons will no longer need to report in person to HZZO to renew their status. This includes:

• recipients of maternity and parental benefits,

• people with third- and fourth-degree disabilities,

• those with serious illnesses or caring for seriously ill family members,

• single parents of children under the age of seven,

• students temporarily interrupting their studies but re-enrolling.

On the other hand, students who lose regular status must now report to HZZO within 90 days, and then every three months.

Failure to do so will result in their insurance being cancelled.

Higher sick leave payments

One of the most significant changes is the increase in sick leave compensation.

• The minimum monthly amount has risen from €110 to €353.

• The maximum limit has almost doubled, from €565 to €995.45.

The increase applies to sick leave longer than 42 days, pregnancy complications, family care, and isolation.

Parents caring for a sick child under the age of seven are now entitled to full salary compensation – previously this applied only to children up to three years old.

The first higher payments will be made in September for sick leave taken in August. Policyholders do not need to file any additional requests, as HZZO will adjust the payments automatically.

Fairer travel reimbursements

From now on, travel expenses for treatment will be calculated by distance – €0.11 per kilometre – regardless of the cost of public transport. This applies to insured persons travelling more than 50 kilometres for treatment, unless entitled to ambulance transport.

According to HZZO, this ensures all citizens are reimbursed equally, whether they travel by bus, train, or private car.

More information

Detailed guidelines and required documentation for different categories of insured persons are available on the HZZO website. Citizens can also contact the nearest HZZO office or call the free helpline on 0800 7979.