A practical guide to Serbia's healthcare system: public insurance through RFZO, private clinics, choosing a doctor, pharmacies, and emergency services.
The information in this guide may be incomplete or outdated. Laws and regulations in Serbia may change. Before making important decisions, be sure to consult official sources or professionals.
Serbia has a well-established public healthcare system available to both citizens and foreign residents. The foundation of the system is public health insurance administered by the Republic Fund for Health Insurance (RFZO). In addition to public healthcare, the country has a thriving private clinic and laboratory sector offering faster service for an additional fee.
The Republic Fund for Health Insurance — RFZO — provides mandatory health insurance for all employed residents of Serbia. If you are formally employed, your employer automatically pays contributions to the fund on your behalf. The insurance covers:
To obtain an RFZO health card, you will need: a residence permit (boravak), your passport, an employment contract, and proof of address registration. The card is issued at the RFZO branch office in your area of residence.
Many foreigners opt for additional private insurance to gain access to private clinics without long waiting times. Popular insurance providers include:
The cost of a private policy depends on your age, the scope of coverage, and the insurer. Basic plans start from around 100–200 euros per year.
In the public system, every insured patient must select a chosen doctor (izabrani lekar) — a general practitioner who serves as your primary care physician. This is done at your nearest dom zdravlja (health center) based on your registered address. Your chosen doctor:
To select your doctor, visit the reception desk at your local dom zdravlja with your RFZO health card and passport. You may change your chosen doctor once per year.
Dom zdravlja facilities are the primary public healthcare institutions in Serbia. Every city district and most towns have one. Services typically available include:
Appointments are generally made in advance. You can book through the mojdoktor.rs website, by phone, or in person at the reception desk. Be prepared for waiting times at public facilities — this is one of the main reasons many residents choose private clinics for non-urgent care.
Belgrade, Novi Sad, and other major cities have numerous private medical centers. Advantages of private clinics include:
A consultation with a private doctor typically costs between 3,000 and 7,000 dinars (25–60 euros). Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures are billed separately.
Pharmacies in Serbia are marked with a green cross and can be found throughout the country. Useful information:
In case of a medical emergency, call 194 — this is the ambulance number in Serbia. The pan-European number 112 also works. Important things to know: