Stay healthy in Croatia - Information about health and safety in Croatia

Croatia health and safety - quick answers

Emergency number: Dial 112 for any emergency. It connects you to the appropriate emergency service.

Medical care: Croatia has a public healthcare system supported by private clinics. Emergency medical help is available when needed, but visitors may still be charged depending on their insurance and entitlement.

Pharmacies: Pharmacies (ljekarne) are easy to find in cities and towns. Larger towns and cities normally operate an on-duty pharmacy system (dežurna ljekarna) outside standard opening hours; availability is more limited in small towns and on islands.

Tap water: Tap water is generally safe to drink. If your accommodation uses a private well or another uncertain source, ask locally before drinking it.

Travel insurance: Strongly recommended even if you have EHIC or GHIC, particularly for private treatment, medical evacuation, outdoor activities and island travel.

Vaccinations: Review routine vaccination status and check current official travel-health advice before departure.

Common problems: Sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, insect bites and minor injuries are among the most frequent health issues for visitors.

What to do if you get sick or injured in Croatia

• Minor problem: For mild sunburn, insect bites, headaches, cold symptoms or minor stomach upset, a pharmacy is often the easiest first stop.
• Need a doctor: Seek a clinic, family doctor or hospital service if symptoms persist, worsen or include significant pain, fever, dehydration or suspected infection.
• Emergency: For chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe allergic reaction, serious injury, heavy bleeding or loss of consciousness, call 112 immediately.

EHIC, GHIC and travel insurance in Croatia

Visitors should not assume that healthcare in Croatia is automatically free. Coverage depends on your entitlement, the provider you use and whether treatment is medically necessary during your stay.

EU, EEA and Swiss visitors - EHIC

A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles eligible visitors to medically necessary healthcare within Croatia’s HZZO-contracted healthcare system during a temporary stay, under the same conditions as people insured in Croatia. This can include applicable patient co-payments.

EHIC applies to contracted providers, including public healthcare facilities and some contracted private practices. It does not normally cover treatment from a provider operating entirely outside the contracted system.

Before non-emergency treatment, ask whether the provider accepts EHIC and is contracted with HZZO.

If you have lost or forgotten your EHIC, eligible travellers may be able to obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate from their home health insurer.

EHIC does not replace travel insurance and does not generally cover private healthcare outside the contracted system, repatriation or all rescue and evacuation costs.

Official references:

• Using healthcare in the Republic of Croatia (HZZO)
• European Health Insurance Card (gov.hr)
• How to use EHIC in Croatia (European Commission)

UK visitors - GHIC / UK-issued EHIC

Eligible UK visitors can use a valid GHIC or qualifying UK-issued EHIC for medically necessary state-provided healthcare in Croatia. Treatment is provided under the same conditions as for people insured in Croatia, including applicable patient co-payments.

GHIC/EHIC does not replace travel insurance and does not cover every circumstance, including most private healthcare and medical repatriation.

Non-EU visitors

Travellers without EHIC/GHIC entitlement should arrange comprehensive travel medical insurance. At private clinics and for some other services, payment may be required upfront.

If you plan boating, diving, hiking, mountain activities or travel to remote islands, check that your policy covers emergency transport, rescue and medical evacuation where relevant.

How to get medical care in Croatia

Public or private healthcare?

For minor health issues, pharmacies are often the simplest first stop. For symptoms that require examination, use a local GP, clinic or hospital service appropriate to the situation.

If you use private healthcare, request an itemised receipt and medical documentation in case you need to claim through your insurer.

Pharmacies in Croatia

Pharmacies (ljekarne) are widespread in cities, towns and major tourist areas. Pharmacists can advise on common over-the-counter medicines and tell you when medical assessment is more appropriate.

Opening hours and on-duty pharmacies

Outside standard pharmacy hours, larger towns and cities normally use an on-duty system known as dežurna ljekarna. The designated pharmacy may rotate according to a local schedule.

Small towns and islands may have more limited pharmacy hours, particularly overnight, on Sundays or outside the main tourist season.

If you need an after-hours pharmacy, search for “dežurna ljekarna” plus your location or ask your accommodation provider.

Prescription and non-prescription medicines

Brand names can differ from those used in your home country. If necessary, ask for a medicine by its active ingredient.

Sun and heat safety in Croatia

Heat, sun exposure and dehydration are among the most common health problems for summer visitors, particularly along the coast and islands.

• Drink water regularly, particularly during physical activity.
• Use high-SPF sunscreen and reapply it after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Wear a hat, sunglasses and lightweight clothing.
• Reduce strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Take regular breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces.

Children, older travellers and people with chronic medical conditions may be more vulnerable to heat. Confusion, severe weakness, fainting or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Food and water safety in Croatia

Food hygiene standards are generally high and Croatia follows EU food-safety rules.

• Choose food that has been stored and prepared appropriately.
• Be cautious with food left standing for long periods in high temperatures.
• Wash fruit and vegetables when preparing your own meals.
• Seek medical advice for severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly if accompanied by fever, blood or significant dehydration.

Tap water

Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Croatia. In rural or remote accommodation supplied by a private well or uncertain local source, ask the host whether the water is suitable for drinking.

Mosquitoes and ticks in Croatia

Mosquitoes

For most travellers, mosquito bites are mainly a nuisance, although mosquitoes can transmit disease, so basic bite prevention remains sensible.

• Use insect repellent, particularly around dusk and in areas with standing water.
• Wear longer clothing when mosquitoes are active.
• Use screens or air conditioning where available.

Ticks

Ticks occur in grassy, wooded and rural areas. Hikers, campers and others spending time in vegetation should take precautions.

• Wear long trousers and closed footwear.
• Use suitable repellent on exposed skin and clothing.
• Check skin and clothing after outdoor activity.
• Remove attached ticks promptly and correctly.

Seek medical advice if you develop fever, rash or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite.

Sea and swimming safety in Croatia

The Adriatic is one of Croatia’s main attractions, but rocky coastlines, heat and changing weather still require basic precautions.

• Water shoes can reduce cuts from sharp rocks and may reduce the risk of stepping directly on sea urchins.
• If stung by a jellyfish or other marine organism, leave the water, avoid rubbing the affected area and follow local first-aid or medical advice if symptoms are significant.
• Avoid swimming while heavily affected by alcohol.
• Pay attention to weather, currents, boat traffic and local warnings.
• Use extra caution at remote or unsupervised swimming spots.

For emergencies at sea, call 112 or 195.

Medicines and prescriptions in Croatia

If you take regular medication, bring enough for the full trip plus a reasonable extra supply in case of delays.

• Keep medicines in original labelled packaging.
• Carry copies of prescriptions and a medication list where relevant.
• Use active ingredient names if you need help finding an equivalent product.
• Do not assume a medicine has the same prescription status in Croatia as in your home country.

Controlled or highly regulated medicines: Verify Croatian entry rules before travel rather than assuming that a foreign prescription alone is sufficient.

Vaccinations and travel health advice for Croatia

Travellers should make sure routine vaccinations recommended in their home country are up to date and consult current official travel-health guidance before departure.

Additional advice may be appropriate depending on your health, length of stay, rural or outdoor exposure and planned activities.

Animal bites

Avoid contact with stray or wild animals. If bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice promptly.

Chronic conditions and special planning

Travellers with long-term conditions should carry sufficient medication, a concise medical summary, a list of allergies and appropriate insurance documentation.

If your condition requires regular specialist care, consider staying somewhere with practical access to a larger medical centre rather than relying on services on a small island or in a remote village.

Dialysis and specialist treatment

Arrange dialysis or other scheduled specialist treatment well in advance and confirm appointments before travelling.

Mobility and accessibility

Historic Croatian towns can include stairs, steep streets, cobbles and older buildings without lifts. Confirm accommodation accessibility and transport arrangements before booking if mobility is an important consideration.

Health and safety on islands and in remote areas

Smaller islands and rural areas can have more limited medical services than Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Dubrovnik and other major centres.

• Some islands have only a basic clinic or limited pharmacy hours.
• Specialist treatment may require transfer to a larger town or the mainland.
• Emergency response and transport can be affected by distance, sea conditions or weather.
• Bring enough essential medication and do not rely on obtaining specialist medicines locally.

Travel insurance covering appropriate emergency transport is particularly important for remote travel and higher-risk outdoor activities.

What to pack - mini health checklist

• Regular medications: enough for the trip plus a small buffer
• Documentation: prescriptions, medication list, allergies and insurance details
• Basic first aid: plasters, blister care and basic wound supplies
• Pain and fever relief: medication you normally tolerate
• Hydration: oral rehydration salts can be useful during illness or hot-weather travel
• Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
• Insect protection: suitable repellent
• Outdoor items: appropriate footwear, including water shoes for rocky beaches if useful

Common traveller health issues in Croatia

Most travel-related health problems are minor. Common examples include heat-related illness, sunburn, stomach upset, insect bites, seasonal allergies and small injuries from walking, swimming or outdoor activities.

Symptoms that are severe, rapidly worsening or persistent should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than managed solely with self-treatment.

Health and safety FAQ for Croatia

Is tap water safe to drink in Croatia?

Yes. Tap water is generally safe to drink. Ask locally if you are staying somewhere supplied by a private well or another uncertain source.

What emergency number should I call in Croatia?

Call 112 for any emergency. If you are unsure whether you need police, ambulance, fire or another emergency service, use 112.

Can EU visitors use EHIC in Croatia?

Yes. Eligible EU, EEA and Swiss visitors can use EHIC for medically necessary healthcare from HZZO-contracted providers during a temporary stay. Applicable patient co-payments may still apply.

Does EHIC cover private healthcare in Croatia?

Not generally. EHIC applies to Croatia’s contracted healthcare system. A fully private provider may require payment, which you may then be able to claim through travel insurance.

Can UK visitors use GHIC in Croatia?

Eligible UK visitors can use a valid GHIC or qualifying UK-issued EHIC for medically necessary state-provided healthcare, subject to the same applicable co-payments as locally insured patients.

Do I need travel insurance if I have EHIC or GHIC?

Yes, it is strongly recommended. EHIC and GHIC do not replace travel insurance and do not normally cover private care, repatriation or every rescue or evacuation cost.

What should I do if I get sick in Croatia?

Use a pharmacy for minor problems, seek a clinic or doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, and call 112 for serious or life-threatening symptoms.

Are pharmacies open on Sundays and at night?

Larger towns and cities normally operate an on-duty pharmacy system outside standard hours. Smaller places and islands can have more limited availability.

Are mosquitoes and ticks a problem in Croatia?

Both occur, particularly in warmer months and in wooded, grassy or wet areas. Use repellent, suitable clothing and tick checks after outdoor activities.

Can I bring prescription medicine into Croatia?

Regular medication should be kept in original packaging with supporting prescription or medical documentation where relevant. Check Croatian rules in advance for controlled or highly regulated medicines.

Is healthcare available on Croatian islands?

Basic healthcare is available on many inhabited islands, but smaller islands can have limited clinic and pharmacy services and may require transfer to the mainland for specialist care.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Croatia?

Travellers should make sure routine vaccinations are up to date and follow current official travel-health advice. Personal recommendations depend on your health, itinerary and activities.