Croatia – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Croatia?

Like most of continental Europe, Croatia’s health landscape is defined primarily by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Cardiovascular conditions and cancers together are responsible for more than three in every five deaths recorded in recent years, making them the chief drivers of premature mortality across the country.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels claim the top positions on the mortality list. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) stands as the foremost cause of premature death — a position it has held for well over a decade — and deaths from this condition rose by 12% between 2005 and 2015. Cerebrovascular disease, or stroke, consistently occupies second place.

Cancer accounts for the next several leading causes of death. Alzheimer’s disease has grown in prevalence alongside COPD, hypertensive heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer. Among newly diagnosed cases estimated for 2022, breast cancer ranked highest in women and prostate cancer in men, with colorectal and lung cancers featuring prominently in both sexes.

Croatia records some of the highest mortality rates in the EU across several categories, including overall cancer deaths, deaths from preventable causes such as lung cancer and alcohol-related illness, road traffic fatalities, and harm attributable to air pollution. This pattern of excess mortality within an EU member state implies that lifestyle and environmental factors — not merely demographic ageing — are generating a significant proportion of avoidable deaths.

Behavioural risk factors account for a substantial proportion of total deaths: poor diet, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and sedentary living all play a role. Chronic kidney disease is an increasingly pressing concern, with high estimated prevalence, poor patient awareness, and an unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile among those affected — reflecting inadequate health literacy in both the wider population and among healthcare professionals.

Some parts of the country — including the islands along the Adriatic coast and rural stretches of central and eastern Croatia — face shortages of healthcare resources, which can complicate the management of long-term conditions. Expats choosing to settle outside major cities should incorporate this reality into their healthcare planning.

Is Croatia considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Croatia’s life expectancy reached 78.9 years in 2024, placing it below the EU average of 81.5 years and ranking it among the lower tier of member states on this measure. The disparity between the sexes is pronounced: Croatian women can expect to live to 82.0 years, while men reach only 76.1 — a gap of 5.8 years, wider than the EU average difference of 5.2 years.

Croatians aged 65 and over are more likely than the EU average to be living with several concurrent chronic conditions, and they spend fewer years in good health. For expats relocating to Croatia at an older age, this context is relevant: the public health system faces considerable strain in managing multimorbidity among older populations, and care may not always meet the standards of countries with more expansive geriatric health infrastructure.

Mortality from causes that are either preventable or treatable remains higher in Croatia than in many peer EU nations. This reflects not merely a higher burden of disease incidence, but also limitations in the system’s capacity to forestall and effectively manage conditions that are well understood — a meaningful distinction when assessing Croatia against countries with more robust preventive health frameworks.

Croatia allocates a smaller per-capita budget to health than most EU counterparts, with total health expenditure representing 9.1% of GDP in 2021. Nevertheless, the public share of that spending stands at 84.1% — well above the EU average of 75.5% — and out-of-pocket costs represented only 9.4% of current health expenditure in 2021. In practical terms, this means that despite the lower overall spend, patients benefit from relatively strong financial protection, broadly comparable to universal systems like those in France or Germany.

For the most current data on Croatia’s health indicators, refer to the WHO Croatia country profile and the European Commission’s State of Health in the EU country profiles, both of which are updated on a regular basis.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Croatia?

By global standards, Croatia is a low-risk country for infectious disease. Nonetheless, there are several vector-borne and environmental hazards that expats — especially those planning outdoor activities or living in rural settings — should understand both before and after making the move.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most significant infectious disease threat for those spending time in the Croatian countryside. The disease is endemic in parts of the country, particularly in the forested northeastern regions that border Slovenia and Hungary — Koprivnica-Križevci, Međimurje, and Bjelovar-Bilogora counties carry the highest risk. Transmission in Croatia follows a bimodal seasonal pattern, with a major peak between April and August and a secondary peak in October and November.

Anyone who hikes, camps, or spends extended time in Croatia’s forested continental areas should seriously consider TBE vaccination, which is available at selected local clinics and through the Croatian Public Health Institute. The vaccine is particularly strongly recommended for expats who reside in or make regular visits to endemic regions.

Lyme disease is another tick-borne illness present in Croatia’s forested zones. Additionally, West Nile virus can occur and has no available vaccine, making the consistent use of insect repellent an important preventive habit rather than an optional precaution.

Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), also known as ‘mouse fever’, poses a further risk in woodland environments. This condition is caused by hantaviruses transmitted by rodents and is more frequently encountered during the warmer months.

Dengue has emerged as a growing concern along the Croatian coast. The spread of the tiger mosquito along the Adriatic shoreline has created localised transmission potential, and while case numbers remain low compared to tropical regions, expats living near the coast should remain vigilant and take protective measures during summer.

Food and water safety in Croatian towns and cities is generally reliable. Tap water meets drinking standards in most urban areas, though quality can be variable in more remote rural settings. No vaccinations are required as a condition of entry, but relocating presents a useful opportunity to review your immunisation history — hepatitis A is specifically recommended, along with hepatitis B, rabies for those venturing frequently into rural or mountainous terrain, and a tetanus booster where necessary.

Air quality deserves attention as an ongoing background concern. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone is identified as a contributor to mortality in Croatia. Residents of Zagreb and other urban centres may notice deteriorating air quality during particular seasons. Consult your home country’s travel health authority for up-to-date advice and recommendations before you relocate.

Is smoking common in Croatia, and what are the laws around it?

Tobacco use is widespread in Croatia and constitutes one of the country’s most significant and persistent public health problems. Roughly 1.11 million Croatian adults currently smoke, and tobacco is identified as a key behavioural driver of the country’s high burden of preventable deaths.

Croatia’s tobacco control policies have been characterised as underdeveloped, with insufficient smoke-free environments and limited public awareness campaigns compared to EU peers. The contrast with countries such as Ireland or the United Kingdom — where comprehensive indoor smoking legislation has been in force for around two decades and public attitudes have changed substantially — is stark.

Croatia has enacted legislation restricting smoking in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, cafés, and offices, in accordance with EU directives. In practice, however, enforcement has been inconsistent. Expats arriving from countries with firmly established indoor smoking bans are likely to find Croatia’s hospitality and leisure sectors noticeably smokier than they are used to, and should bear this in mind when selecting residential areas and entertainment venues.

Youth smoking rates sit at approximately 9%, which alongside the high adult prevalence suggests that tobacco use remains culturally normalised across age groups. While cessation resources and awareness programmes do exist, they fall short of what is available in many western European countries in terms of both scale and effectiveness.

Electronic cigarettes and vaping products are governed by EU-level regulation, which Croatia applies as a member state under the Tobacco Products Directive — these items cannot legally be sold to minors. For the latest information on tobacco and vaping legislation, visit the Croatian Ministry of Health website.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Croatia?

Obesity stands out as one of Croatia’s most urgent public health issues, and the scale of the problem is considerable. Croatia holds the highest rate of obesity among all EU member states, with over 65% of adults classified as either overweight or obese — a figure that far exceeds the EU average and approaches levels more commonly associated with the United States.

Physical inactivity compounds the problem. In 2022, just 14% of Croatian adults reported exercising more than three times per week, against an EU average of 31%. There is a brighter picture among young people — Croatian 15-year-olds are more physically active than their counterparts in many other EU countries — though this positive trend does not yet offset the broader national shortfall.

Excess body weight is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and various cancers. Conditions including high blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia, chronic pain, and diabetes are significantly more prevalent among those with elevated BMI, amplifying the healthcare burden associated with obesity at the population level.

Dietary traditions vary considerably across Croatia. In the continental interior, cuisine tends to be hearty and meat-focused, featuring cured meats, stews, bread, and dairy products. The coastal and Dalmatian regions, by contrast, draw on Mediterranean culinary traditions — emphasising fish, olive oil, fresh vegetables, and legumes — and offer a diet that is generally regarded as more conducive to long-term health. Expats relocating to different parts of the country will encounter meaningful differences in local food culture.

In April 2023, the Croatian Parliament adopted a Resolution on Obesity, calling for coordinated intervention across government, health services, schools, and media to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment — including establishing supportive environments in educational and workplace settings and broadening access to multidisciplinary care teams. This was followed in March 2024 by the Action Plan for Obesity Prevention 2024–2027, which prioritises healthy lifestyle promotion and improved identification and management of obesity across all age groups.

Despite these policy commitments, available data from 2022 to 2024 indicate no meaningful improvements in body weight satisfaction, exercise levels, or dietary habits among the general population, suggesting that political intentions have yet to translate into measurable behavioural change at scale.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Croatia?

Mental health remains a socially sensitive area in Croatia, and the stigma attached to psychological difficulties continues to deter many people from seeking professional help. Although attitudes are slowly evolving — especially among younger generations and in urban settings — a significant proportion of the population still manages mental health challenges privately or raises them only in the context of general primary care rather than specialist consultation.

Data from the European Health Interview Survey indicate that depression is considerably more common in Croatia than the EU average. The male suicide rate, while trending downward, remains above the EU mean. Together these figures point to a substantial unmet need for accessible and effective mental health support.

Basic psychiatric care is covered through Croatia’s national health insurance system (HZZO). However, access to outpatient specialist therapies — such as psychotherapy — via the public system is constrained, and waiting periods can be lengthy. This stands in contrast to countries like the Netherlands or Germany, where mental health referral pathways are more structured and public funding for psychotherapy is more readily available.

Private mental health practitioners — including psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists — operate in larger cities such as Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka and offer a more immediate option for expats who have not yet joined the Croatian public health system or who prefer to bypass the public waiting list. Fees for private sessions vary considerably; it is worth researching local rates on arrival.

Croatia allocates around 5% of total health expenditure to mental health services, compared to an EU average of 7% as of 2024. This relative underfunding is visible in the scarcity of community-based mental health provision outside major urban centres.

Expats going through the inevitable adjustment that comes with living in a new country — whether dealing with language barriers, social isolation, or professional pressures — should seek support proactively rather than waiting until difficulties become acute. International therapists and telehealth platforms offering therapy in languages other than Croatian are increasingly available and can serve as a practical bridge while you find your footing.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Croatia?

Croatia does not carry the extreme health hazards associated with tropical or politically unstable destinations, but expats do face a number of particular challenges that are worth addressing before arrival.

Climate adaptation: Croatia’s climate differs substantially between its coastal and inland regions. The Adriatic coast is Mediterranean in character, with hot, dry summers — heat-related illness is a genuine concern for those not accustomed to high temperatures, and is especially relevant for older expats or individuals engaged in outdoor labour. The continental interior, by contrast, endures cold winters that can worsen existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Tick and vector-borne disease exposure: Expats settling in rural or forested parts of continental Croatia — especially those who garden, walk dogs, or hike regularly — face a substantially higher tick-bite risk than they may have encountered in typical urban environments. Applying insect repellent and conducting thorough body checks after outdoor activity should become routine rather than exceptional practices. TBE vaccination should be kept current for those living in or visiting endemic zones.

Registering with a doctor: Health insurance is compulsory in Croatia and entitles registered residents to a broad range of publicly funded services. Upon gaining resident status, expats should enrol with Croatia’s national health insurance fund (HZZO) and register with a local family doctor (izabrani doktor) without delay. EU nationals can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary coverage in the interim.

Healthcare availability in remote locations: Healthcare on the Croatian mainland is generally of a reasonable standard, but services on the islands are considerably more limited. Expats residing on the Dalmatian islands or in isolated rural areas should ensure they hold comprehensive health insurance — or supplementary private cover — that includes medical evacuation or transfer to mainland facilities if required.

Preventive care and screening: Expats arriving from countries with well-established national screening programmes for cancers such as bowel, breast, or cervical should clarify their eligibility for Croatia’s equivalent initiatives after registering with a local doctor. Proactively requesting health assessments — particularly for those arriving in middle age or later — is strongly recommended rather than waiting for routine invitations.

Language in healthcare settings: English and German are spoken by many doctors in Croatian cities, but this is far from universal, particularly in rural locations. Having a Croatian-speaking companion or a professional interpreter available for medical appointments, and carrying translated summaries of any chronic conditions or regular medications, will significantly improve the quality and accuracy of the care you receive.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Croatia?

Accessing accurate, up-to-date health information is a priority when living abroad. The following official and well-regarded sources are the most dependable starting points for expats in Croatia.

• Croatian Ministry of Health (Ministarstvo zdravstva): The principal government body responsible for health policy and regulation. Visit zdravlje.gov.hr for official guidance, public health notices, and information on health services.
• Croatian Institute of Public Health (Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, CIPH/HZJZ): This institute is responsible for gathering, analysing, and publishing national public health statistics — including disease incidence and mortality data — as well as overseeing preventive programmes and health promotion. Their website is hzjz.hr.
• Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO): For guidance on entitlements, registering as an insured resident, and locating healthcare providers, visit hzzo.hr.
• WHO Croatia Country Profile: The WHO data portal for Croatia provides internationally comparable health statistics and regular updates.
• European Commission – State of Health in the EU: The EC Health portal publishes detailed health profiles for Croatia, refreshed every two years, including the 2025 edition.
• Travel health authorities: Before relocating, consult your home country’s travel health service — such as the UK’s TravelHealthPro, the US CDC Travelers’ Health page for Croatia, or Australia’s Smartraveller — for the most current vaccination advice and health alerts.

Health guidelines, vaccination schedules, and disease notifications are subject to change. Always verify the current position with official sources before and after your move, and revisit these resources at least once a year to stay informed. Where specific details — such as vaccination requirements, screening age thresholds, or insurance contribution rates — are central to your planning, contact HZZO or the Ministry of Health directly for confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Croatia

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Croatia?

No vaccinations are required as a condition of entry or relocation to Croatia. However, a number of vaccines are strongly recommended based on your planned lifestyle and location. The move is a good occasion to review your immunisation record — hepatitis A is particularly recommended, as are tetanus for those planning time in rural or wilderness settings, rabies for people who may encounter wild animals, and tick-borne encephalitis for anyone intending to live in or regularly visit forested continental areas. Speak with your doctor or a travel health clinic well in advance of departing.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Croatia?

In the majority of Croatian towns and cities, tap water is safe to drink and conforms to EU quality standards. In very remote rural areas or on smaller islands, reliability can vary, and using bottled or filtered water may be the prudent choice. When uncertain, check with local residents or your county’s public health institute.

What is the biggest health risk for expats living in rural or forested parts of Croatia?

The principal threats in forested zones are tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease, and Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome. TBE is endemic in the forested northeast of Croatia, particularly in Koprivnica-Križevci, Međimurje, and Bjelovar-Bilogora counties bordering Slovenia and Hungary. Expats in these areas should get vaccinated against TBE, dress appropriately for outdoor activity, apply tick repellent, and carry out thorough body checks after any time spent in wooded or grassy terrain.

How does Croatia’s healthcare system affect expats with chronic health conditions?

Waiting times within the Croatian public health system were already considerable before 2020 and are likely to have grown further in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expats managing ongoing conditions — such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders — should register with HZZO promptly upon gaining resident status, enrol with a family doctor, and explore supplementary private health insurance to secure faster access to specialist care where necessary.

Is Croatia’s approach to mental health supportive for expats?

Public mental health services are available but operate at limited capacity, and waiting times for specialist psychological therapies can be substantial. Private practitioners are accessible in major urban centres. Cultural stigma around mental health is diminishing, particularly among younger populations, but can remain a barrier in certain environments. Expats may benefit from seeking therapists experienced with international clients, or from using telehealth services that offer sessions in their preferred language as a practical short-term measure.

How serious is the smoking situation in Croatia for non-smokers?

Croatia’s tobacco control framework is comparatively weak, and smoke-free environments are less prevalent than in many other EU countries. Expats coming from nations with long-established comprehensive indoor smoking bans may be surprised by the level of tobacco smoke in bars, restaurants, and even some outdoor spaces. Identifying non-smoking accommodation and hospitality venues ahead of arrival is a sensible precaution. Improvements may follow as EU-aligned restrictions are applied more consistently over time.

What cancer risks should expats be aware of in Croatia?

Croatia’s preventable lung cancer mortality rate is the second highest in the EU, a consequence largely of the country’s high smoking prevalence. The most frequently diagnosed cancers estimated for 2022 were breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, with colorectal and lung cancer following closely in both sexes. Expats should confirm their eligibility for relevant cancer screening programmes after registering with a Croatian family doctor and ensure there is no interruption in their screening coverage during the relocation process.

Is Croatia’s obesity rate something expats need to worry about personally?

Croatia has the highest adult obesity prevalence among EU member states, with more than 65% of adults classified as overweight or obese. While this is a population-level statistic, it reflects wider patterns of diet and physical inactivity across the country. Expats can take constructive steps to look after their own health: adopting the Mediterranean-influenced diet more common on the Dalmatian coast, making use of Croatia’s national parks and cycling routes for regular exercise, and establishing a health baseline by registering with a family doctor as soon as possible after arrival.