Info for foreigners

How does the healthcare system work in Slovenia?

• Slovenia has a public healthcare system, mostly covered by mandatory health insurance.
• With public insurance, most visits to doctors, hospitals, and specialists are free or partly covered.
• You usually start with your family doctor (GP). Each patient should have their own family doctor.
• You sign a consent form with the doctor you choose.
• For all medical conditions (diagnosis, treatment, and possible further referrals to specialists) and for managing your medical records or sick leave, you should always visit your family doctor first — except in emergencies, when you should go to the emergency department or call 112.
• Emergency care is always available to everyone, even without insurance.

How to make an appointment with a specialist (using a referral)

• First, visit your family doctor.
• If needed, the doctor will give you a referral (“napotnica”) for a specialist.
• You can make an appointment:
  • Online: https://zvem.ezdrav.si
  • By phone: Call the chosen clinic or hospital
  • In person: At the specialist’s office
• After making the appointment, you will receive an email or SMS message with the date and time of your visit.
• Bring your referral, health insurance card, and ID to the appointment.

Arrange sick leave with your family doctor (GP)!

You must report your absence from work to your GP within 3 working days!

An employee who is on sick leave due to illness or injury is allowed to carry out only essential daily activities within their place of residence or visit the nearest appropriate healthcare provider. For any travel outside the place of residence, prior explicit approval from your personal doctor is required. At home, you are allowed to do household chores and light physical activities. You may take walks within your place of residence twice a day for 30 minutes each. If your personal doctor has given you specific instructions that differ from those listed above, you must follow your doctor’s instructions.