Hospital
To call an ambulance, dial 194. You may reach someone who doesn't speak your native language, so being able to provide at least your location will be helpful.
Hospitals are all associated with the national healthcare system, but any patient will be treated in an emergency, regardless of whether he or she is enrolled in HZZO. Hospitals operate 24 hours a day, and each hospital has an emergency room (hitna služba or trauma).
Hospitals in Zagreb:
- Klinicka bolnica Merkur - Zajceva 19; Tel.: +385 (0)1 24 31 390
- Klinicka bolnica Sveti Duh - Sveti duh 64; Tel.: +385 (0) 1 3712 111
- Klinicka bolnica Dubrava - Avenija Gojka Šuška 6; Tel.: +385 (0) 1 2902 444
- Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb (Rebro) - Kišpaticeva 12; Tel.: +385 (0) 1 2388 888
- Klinicki bolnicki centar Zagreb (Šalata) - Šalata 2-4; Tel.: +385 (0) 1 4554 333
- Klinicki bolnicki centar Sestre milosrdnice - Vinogradska 29; Tel.: +385 (0) 1 3787 111
- Klinika za djecje bolesti Zagreb (Klaiceva Children's Hospital) - Klaiceva 16; Tel.: +385 (0) 1 4600 111
- Klinika za traumatologiju (Traumatology Clinic) - Draškoviceva 19; Tel.: +385 (0) 1 4697 000
Pharmacy
Pharmacies are called "ljekarna," and they are very common throughout the city. Pharmacies are easily identified by their green, cross-shaped signs that are usually lit up during working hours. In Zagreb, pharmacies are generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays, though hours do vary from location to location. Gradska ljekarna Zagreb, one chain of pharmacies, provides a map of locations online.
There are five city pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day, including Sundays and holidays:
- Trg bana J. Jelacica 3; Tel. +385 (0) 1 4816 198
- Ilica 301; Tel. +385 (0) 1 3750 321
- Grižanska 4 , Tel. +385 (0) 1 2992 350
- Av. V. Holjevca 22, Tel. +385 (0) 1 6525 425
- Ozaljska 1, Tel. +385 (0) 1 3097 586
To purchase a prescription medication, you will need a doctor's prescription. However, for less serious conditions such as cold, flu, and minor aches and pains, there are many effective "over the counter" medications available. In general, pharmacists in Zagreb speak English well, and can advise you on a medication to treat your symptoms.
The cost of medications depends on the product. There is a list of medications that are free to patients with national health insurance, but if the medication you need is not on this list or you do not have Croatian health insurance, you will have to pay for the medication yourself.
Update 14/03/2016
Expatriate health insurance in Croatia
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Zagreb is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Croatia So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
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