Free Healthcare for Serbian Tourists in 25 Countries: Paradise or Illusion?
Is this really free or just another bureaucratic trap?
Serbian tourists can rejoice this summer – or so claims Aleksandra Beslać, director of the Information Service of the Republic Health Insurance Fund (RFZO). According to her, Serbia has signed social security agreements with 25 countries worldwide, allowing citizens to use free emergency healthcare in those countries. But, as always, the devil is in the details.
How to get free healthcare?
To use this “free” healthcare, Serbian tourists must obtain a bilingual form from RFZO. The procedure? Visit your chosen doctor, get a certificate confirming you are healthy and have no acute or chronic illnesses in the last 12 months, then go to your local RFZO branch to get the form. Just two steps, they say. But anyone who has dealt with bureaucracy knows it can take time.
Which countries are included?
Out of 25 countries, 19 allow this procedure without any cost to the insured. Among them are Poland and the United Kingdom, where it is enough to show your travel document and health insurance card. However, in Nordic countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, there is a reimbursement agreement, meaning you pay first and then claim a refund.
How popular is this service?
Last year, RFZO issued 67 forms for 19 countries with agreements and only 5 forms for countries without agreements. This suggests the interest in this service is still modest, possibly due to lack of information or complicated procedures.
Is it really free?
Only the issuance of the certificate is free, but not the healthcare itself in all countries. In some cases, like Nordic countries, you must pay first and wait for reimbursement. Also, many tourists prefer to buy commercial travel insurance because it is simpler and faster.
Conclusion: Paradise or bureaucratic nightmare?
On paper, this looks like a great opportunity for Serbian tourists not to worry about healthcare costs abroad. But in practice, the procedure is complicated, and conditions vary by country. Will tourists actually use this option or rely on commercial insurance? Time will tell.
If you have used this service or plan to, drop a comment below – is this a lifesaver or just another paper maze? And would you rather pay a bit more for peace of mind or struggle with bureaucracy?
Aleksandra Beslać and RFZO promise quick issuance of certificates, even during the holiday season, but is that enough?
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