Croatia, located in Central Europe, has a population of approximately 4 million people. When it comes to healthcare, the Croatian government provides universal health coverage for its citizens, with the majority of the costs covered by the national health insurance fund. In this article, we will explore the system for prescriptions and medications in Croatia.
Pharmacies in Croatia
In Croatia, pharmacies are called “Ljekarna”. The sign outside a pharmacy in Croatia is usually a green cross on a white background. There are several pharmacy chains in Croatia, such as Ljekarne Zagreb, Ljekarne Coner, Ljekarne Prima Pharme, Ljekarne Galen Pharme, and more.
Pharmacy Opening Times in Croatia
Pharmacy opening times in Croatia vary depending on the location and the pharmacy chain. Most pharmacies are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays. Some pharmacies also operate on Sundays and holidays, but these are usually located in larger cities and tourist areas.
Prescription requirements in Croatia
In Croatia, some medications can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, while others require a prescription from a doctor. Prescription medication in Croatia is divided into three categories:
- Category A: Medicines that can only be obtained with a prescription from a specialist doctor (e.g., oncologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist).
- Category B: Medicines that can only be obtained with a prescription from a general practitioner or specialist doctor (e.g., dermatologist, ophthalmologist, neurologist).
- Category C: Medicines that can be obtained without a prescription.
It is important to note that some medications that are available over the counter in other countries may require a prescription in Croatia.
Ordering Medications Online in Croatia
It is possible to order medications online in Croatia from licensed pharmacies. However, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing medications online, as there are many illegitimate websites that sell counterfeit medications. To ensure that you are purchasing medications from a reputable online pharmacy, check that the pharmacy is licensed and accredited by the Croatian Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (HALMED).
Paying for prescriptions in Croatia
In Croatia, prescription medication is partially covered by the national health insurance fund. Patients are required to pay a co-pay fee for their medication, which varies depending on the type of medication and the patient’s income level. The co-pay fee for prescription medication is typically between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the medication.
In Croatia, pharmacies are called “Ljekarna”, and the sign outside a pharmacy is usually a green cross on a white background. Pharmacy opening times in Croatia vary depending on the location and pharmacy chain. Some medications can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, while others require a prescription from a doctor. It is possible to order medications online in Croatia from licensed pharmacies, but caution should be exercised to avoid purchasing counterfeit medications. Prescription medication in Croatia is partially covered by the national health insurance fund, and patients are required to pay a co-pay fee for their medication.