Montenegro, a stunning Balkan country known for its Adriatic coastline, rugged mountains, and rich history, is also home to a developing healthcare system that strives to provide universal access to medical services. With a population of approximately 620,000 people, Montenegro’s healthcare system is a blend of public and private services, ensuring that residents and expats alike can access quality care.

For expats considering Montenegro as their new home, understanding the healthcare system is essential. The country’s affordable cost of living, natural beauty, and growing expat community make it an attractive destination. While the healthcare system is still evolving, it offers a solid foundation of services for those in need.

Montenegro’s healthcare system is primarily public, funded through mandatory health insurance contributions. The system aims to provide universal coverage, ensuring that all residents have access to essential medical services. However, private healthcare is also available, offering faster access and additional services for those who can afford it.

The Montenegrin healthcare system operates at three levels:

• Primary care: Provided by general practitioners (GPs) and family medicine doctors
• Secondary care: Specialist consultations and diagnostics
• Tertiary care: Hospital treatments and advanced medical procedures

Patients typically need a referral from their GP to access specialist care, except for emergency services, gynecology, and pediatrics.

As of 2021, Montenegro spent about 7.5% of its GDP on healthcare.

Structure of the Healthcare System in Montenegro

Public healthcare

Montenegro’s public healthcare system is funded through mandatory health insurance contributions, which are deducted from salaries for employed individuals. Self-employed individuals and freelancers must also contribute to the system. The public system provides coverage for primary care, specialist consultations, hospitalization, and emergency services.

Coverage and accessibility

The public healthcare system covers:

• GP consultations
• Specialist visits (with referral)
• Hospitalization
• Emergency care
• Maternity and pediatric care
• Vaccinations
• Basic dental care
• Prescription medications (with co-payments)

While public healthcare is accessible to all residents, some services require co-payments, which are generally affordable. However, the quality of care and availability of services can vary depending on the region.

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How to Register for Health Insurance in Montenegro

To access public healthcare in Montenegro:

1. Obtain a residence permit (if non-EU).
2. Register with the Health Insurance Fund of Montenegro (Fond za zdravstveno osiguranje Crne Gore).
3. Choose a general practitioner within the public system.

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays, but long-term residents must register with the Montenegrin health insurance system.

Government-run healthcare programs

The Montenegrin healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health, which oversees policy and ensures national standards. The Health Insurance Fund administers the public healthcare system, ensuring coverage for all insured individuals.

Private healthcare

Private healthcare in Montenegro complements the public system, offering faster access to specialists, private hospital rooms, and additional services. Many residents and expats opt for supplementary private insurance to enhance their coverage and reduce waiting times.

Pharmacy healthcare

Pharmacies (apoteke) are widely available in Montenegro, especially in urban areas. Prescription medications require a doctor’s prescription and are partially subsidized by public insurance. Over-the-counter medications are also accessible. Pharmacies operate on a rotation system for night and holiday services.

Children’s Healthcare in Montenegro

Pediatric care in Montenegro is provided by specialized pediatricians and includes:

• Regular check-ups
• Vaccinations (as per the national immunization program)
• Treatment for childhood illnesses

Children up to age 18 receive comprehensive coverage under the public system.

Montenegrin Dentists

Basic dental care is covered under the public healthcare system, but more complex procedures often require out-of-pocket payments or private insurance.

Mental Healthcare in Montenegro

Mental health services in Montenegro include consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, therapy programs, and inpatient care. While public healthcare covers these services, waiting times can be long, prompting some individuals to seek private care.

Other Forms of Montenegrin Healthcare

Alternative therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and naturopathy are available in Montenegro, though they are generally not covered by public health insurance.

Emergency healthcare

Emergency care is provided free of charge to all individuals, including tourists and undocumented immigrants, in urgent situations.

What to Do in an Emergency

For emergencies in Montenegro, dial 112, the European emergency number that connects to ambulance, police, and fire services. Emergency departments in hospitals are called "hitna pomoć."

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Access and Coverage for Free Healthcare in Montenegro

Who is covered under public healthcare in Montenegro?

Montenegro’s public healthcare system covers all employed individuals, their dependents, retirees, students, and legal foreign residents. EU citizens can receive care through the EHIC for temporary stays.

Waiting times and availability of services in Montenegro

While Montenegro’s public healthcare system provides essential services, waiting times for specialist treatments can be longer compared to private healthcare. Urban areas generally have better access to advanced facilities than rural regions.

Geographic disparities in healthcare access in Montenegro

Healthcare access in Montenegro varies by region, with urban centers like Podgorica and coastal cities offering more advanced facilities and shorter waiting times than rural areas.

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Access and Coverage for Private Healthcare in Montenegro

Private insurance options

Private health insurance in Montenegro is primarily supplementary, covering additional services such as private hospital stays, faster access to specialists, and specialized treatments.

Popular insurance networks and hospitals

Montenegro has several private hospitals and clinics, particularly in Podgorica and coastal cities like Budva and Kotor. Many private insurers offer plans tailored to expatriates and professionals seeking enhanced coverage.

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Quality of Healthcare in Montenegro

Standards and regulations in Montenegro

The Montenegrin healthcare system is regulated by the Ministry of Health, which sets national standards and ensures quality control. While the system is still developing, it strives to meet European healthcare standards.

Comparison of public vs. private healthcare quality in Montenegro

Both public and private healthcare in Montenegro offer quality medical services. The public system ensures broad access to care, while private healthcare provides additional comfort and reduced waiting times.

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Out-of-pocket Expanditure

regional comparison

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Useful Resources

• Montenegrin Ministry of Health: https://www.gov.me/ministarstvo-zdravlja
• Health Insurance Fund of Montenegro: https://www.fzo.gov.me
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Information: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559

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