Montenegro Health Insurance

Montenegro is located in the Balkan region of Southeastern Europe. It is formerly part of Yugoslavia and its shares borders with Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Albania and Kosovo. Following the fall of Yugoslavia in 1992, Montenegro entered into a federation with Serbia which lasted until 2006 when a majority of Montenegrins pushed for a referendum and voted for independence. Montenegro now encompasses a land area totaling 13,812 square kilometers and has an approximate population of 625,000 people. Montenegro’s landscape is quite diverse and large parts of the country sit at an elevation in excess of 1,000 meters. Despite recent ethnic and political tension with its neighboring countries, Montenegro is increasingly being seen as an attractive tourist destination. With 294 kilometers of coastline along the Adriatic Sea that enjoys a Mediterranean climate and excellent ski resorts, Montenegro offers a variety of outdoor attractions all year round. Over 1 million tourists now visit the country annually and the tourism industry is widely predicted to become the economy’s most important sector.

Montenegro Health Care and Insurance

Responsibility for the health care system in Montenegro belongs to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Welfare. The government, through this Ministry, has enacted a specific plan for health care reform and delivery which outlines future health policy aimed at continuously improving and developing health services up to the year 2020. Health services in Montenegro are dominated by the public health sector although a small but efficient private health sector does exist. Public health services are available at medical centers, general hospitals and specialist hospitals. Montenegrin citizens are required to join the national Health Insurance Fund (HIF) which guarantees access to services at state run facilities. Contributions are made to the fund direct from salary and these payments amount to approximately 10 percent of the total annual Montenegrin health care expenditure. Expatriates and short term travelers to Montenegro should note that services received at both public and private health facilities require a cash payment at the time of treatment. Purchasing a Montenegro international health insurance policy is therefore strongly advised.

Primary health and general consultative services are available at one of the 18 public medical centers, while secondary and tertiary services can be found at the country’s seven general hospitals and three specialist hospitals. The HIF covers a majority of health services with the notable exception of dental services. Dental services are operated exclusively by private health dental clinics and all patients are required to pay out of pocket for dental treatment. In addition to dental clinics, health centers and pharmacists constitute the remainder of private health sector facilities. These centers are independently operated and the bulk of these facilities are found in the capital city Podgorica. Private health facilities are popular with expatriates and Montenegrins seeking treatment that is not covered under the HIF scheme. Private health centers are generally well staffed and have modern medical equipment. As a result, administrative problems and long waiting times that blight public health facilities are non-existent.

Health care in Montenegro has made significant progress in recent times and it is now widely acknowledged as being one of the best healthcare systems in the Balkans region. A number of problem areas still require resolving, none more so than the issue of corruption. An estimated 50 percent of patients seeking treatment at public health facilities have confirmed they made underhand cash payments to speed up their access to treatment. These payments are often solicited by medical staff and have created an unequal system which leaves those who are unable to pay at a disadvantage. Improvements in lifestyle and changes in eating and drinking habits have increased the number of Montenegrins seeking medical assistance for illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. An aging population and its subsequent impact on health services all present serious challenges to the health care system going forward. Foreign nationals and expatriates routinely prefer to use private health facilities as they ensure swift access to a good standard of medical treatment. Holders of Montenegro international health insurance are advised to use private health facilities should medical assistance be required.

Montenegro Travel Insurance Concerns

Montenegro lies in a region of Europe that has in recent times been witness to inter ethnic violence and conflict. While the political situation has now stabilized, some ethnic tension remains and foreign visitors and expatriates are advised to avoid political rallies and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent. The border region with Kosovo remains littered with landmines and although many of these areas are well signposted and entry is forbidden, walkers and trekkers visiting this region should remain on well used routes and adhere to local instruction. Overall crime levels are low and while foreign nationals and tourists are rarely targeted, some incidents of purse snatching and robbery do occur, with areas popular with tourists at greater risk. Much of Montenegro’s road infrastructure requires major reconstruction and driving in the country can be hazardous. Many local drivers ignore the rules of the road, drive aggressively and accidents are common.

Consultations with a travel health specialist prior to arrival in Montenegro are advised. The routine and MMR vaccinations should be updated accordingly. Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B, Polio and Rabies are also recommended. Outbreaks of tick borne encephalitis are common during the warm summer months and steps should be taken to reduce the risk of being bitten by insects. Traveler’s diarrhea is a frequent cause of illness among holidaymakers and care should be taken when ordering and eating at restaurants. Shellfish, raw and undercooked meats should be avoided while only bottled water should be consumed.

Montenegro Expat Health Insurance

Expatriates and short term travelers to Montenegro can access a relatively good standard of health care should the need arise. Some specialist or complicated procedures cannot be performed locally and in these instances medical evacuation, usually to Germany, will be required. Cash payments must be made at the time of treatment at all of the country’s health facilities, hence investing in a Montenegro international health insurance policy is a logical solution. Expat Medical Insurance can help you determine which insurance plan is suited to your particular needs. For more information on Montenegro international health insurance, global health insurance plans or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.