Overview of Health Insurance in Slovenia
In Slovenia, health insurance is mandatory for all residents, including international students. The system is managed by the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (Zavod za zdravstveno zavarovanje Slovenije or ZZZS). Having valid health coverage is not only a practical necessity for accessing medical services but also a legal requirement for obtaining and maintaining a residence permit.
Since January 2024, the Slovenian health system has undergone a significant reform. The previous "voluntary supplementary insurance" was abolished and replaced by a unified mandatory health contribution. This ensures that most medical services are covered without the need for additional private top-up plans, provided the student is correctly enrolled in the national system.
Insurance Categories by Nationality
The requirements for health insurance depend primarily on your country of origin and the existing agreements between Slovenia and your home nation.
EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals
Students from EU/EEA member states, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card grants access to necessary and emergency healthcare services within the public health network under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens. It is recommended to ensure the card is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Students from Countries with Bilateral Agreements
Slovenia has specific social security agreements with several non-EU countries. Students from these nations can access emergency healthcare services using specific forms from their home insurance providers:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Form BIH/SI 3
- Montenegro: Form MNE/SI 03
- North Macedonia: Form RM/SI 3
- Serbia: Form SRB/SI 03
- Australia: Valid Medicare card and passport
For students from the Balkan nations listed above, the home-country form must be exchanged for a Slovenian certificate (Potrdilo MedZZ) at a ZZZS regional office upon arrival.
Non-EU and Third-Country Nationals
Students from countries without a bilateral agreement must arrange their own insurance. For the initial residence permit application, a private international travel health insurance policy is often required. However, once enrolled in a Slovenian educational institution, these students must register for compulsory health insurance under "Status 048" (foreigners studying in Slovenia).
Registration and Costs
For students required to register directly with ZZZS (Status 048), the process involves visiting a regional ZZZS office with a passport and a certificate of enrollment. The costs are divided into two main components as of the 2025/2026 academic year:
- Compulsory Health Insurance Base: This contribution is approximately 142.82 EUR ($151.39 USD, Jan 2026) per month, though the exact amount is subject to annual adjustments based on average national wages.
- Mandatory Health Contribution (OZP): Introduced to replace supplementary insurance, this flat-rate fee is 37.17 EUR ($39.40 USD, Jan 2026) per month as of March 2025.
Note: Students who are employed via "Student Work" (Študentsko delo) or are over the age of 26 may have different contribution structures. Always verify your specific status with the official ZZZS website.
Accessing Medical Services
Once insured, students receive a Slovenian health card (or use their EHIC). In major cities like Ljubljana, students typically visit the Student Health Center (Zdravstveni dom za študente - ZDŠ), which provides specialized primary care, dental services, and mental health support for the student population.
If you require specialist treatment, you will usually need a referral (napotnica) from a general practitioner. Emergency services are available 24/7 at hospital emergency departments (Urgenca), but these should only be used for life-threatening or urgent medical conditions to avoid long wait times and potential administrative fees for non-emergency use.