One of the newest countries in Europe, Montenegro won its independence from Serbia in 2006.
Montenegro is slated to join the European Union (EU) by the year 2025. And with its GDP improving, investors from all over the world are investing their money in Montenegro. The country is seeing an unprecedented increase taking place in its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The rise in FDI has resulted in the development of different industries like:
- Tourism
- Steel and aluminum
- Fishing
- Shipping
- Agricultural Processing
Within less than fifteen years of its formation, Montenegro has emerged as a popular expatriate destination. And expats from different parts of the world are exploring work opportunities in Montenegro.
To make the most of your stay in the country, make sure you have adequate expatriate health insurance. Read on to plan your move to this beautiful country on the shores of the lovely Adriatic Sea.
Montenegro Healthcare System
The public healthcare system and health insurance in Montenegro are mainly managed by the following two government policies:
- Law on Healthcare
- Law on Health Insurance
According to the Law on Healthcare, all Montenegro citizens are entitled to mandatory health insurance (MHI). The MHI is mostly funded by the Montenegro Republic Health Insurance Fund. Montenegro is a relatively new country and is struggling to fund its health expenditures.
Though it was once considered to have the most backward healthcare in all of Europe, Montenegro has been working to improve its public healthcare facilities. However, even today, it is facing a shortage of pharmacists, midwives, nurses, and specialist doctors. Also, its medical infrastructure has a long way to go before it can catch up with the rest of Europe.
The Montenegrin public healthcare system faces severe issues like:
- Difficulty in scheduling routine check-ups for residents
- Scarcity of basic medical supplies
- Lack of medical staff in public hospitals and testing centers
- Long waiting times for medical attention
- Shortage of English-speaking medical staff
- Informal payment systems, causing high cash payments and out-of-pocket expenses
In most cases, foreign expats living in Montenegro are not eligible for MHI health services. For members of the EU/EEA, access to MHI healthcare facilities depends on the reciprocal healthcare agreement of their home country with the Republic of Montenegro.
A lot of Montenegro residents prefer to rely on voluntary health insurance plans. Private insurance companies offer voluntary health insurance plans and charge an insurance premium.
Montenegro Expat Health Insurance
A vast majority of expats relocating to Montenegro depend on a Montenegro expat health insurance plan for their health insurance requirements. This type of plan makes sure your costs of private healthcare will be covered.
This means you can confidently access private facilities for good-quality medical attention, English-speaking doctors, and modern medical equipment. It also provides you the option of medical evacuation in case of health emergencies and repatriation to your home country or a neighboring country if the need arises.
Depending on the plan that you choose, a Montenegro expat health insurance provides coverage for:
- Treatment at premium healthcare facilities including hospitalization, surgery, specialist doctor consultations, and follow-up visits
- Aesthetic treatments, spa treatments, and cosmetic care
- Advanced dental treatments
- Maternity care
- Neonatal and pediatric medical attention
- Physiotherapy
- Psychiatric help and rehabilitation facilities
- Prescription medication
Montenegro Expat Health Insurance Is Worth Every Penny
Don’t be worried about the cost of Montenegro expat health insurance. Every penny spent on the Montenegro expat medical insurance plan is worth it. Several benefits and safeguards come with it, including:
Coverage for Repatriation Costs: One of the greatest drawbacks of Montenegro’s health system is its outdated medical infrastructure. A lot of medical equipment in public hospitals dates back to its pre-independence era. An expat insurance plan pays for your medical evacuation to nearby countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, which can provide world-class medical aid.
Worldwide Coverage: If you are constantly on the move traversing through not just Montenegro but also other foreign countries due to your work profile, you may buy an international expat health insurance plan. Depending on your work schedule, several flexible options may work for you:
- Worldwide
- Worldwide excluding the U.S.
- Worldwide excluding the U.S. and Canada
- Worldwide excluding the U.S., Canada, and Far East Asia
No Hidden Costs: A major problem associated with public healthcare in developing countries like Montenegro is the extra cost of medication. A lot of medical treatments are not covered under local insurance plans, and expats may need to spend extra money. Also, public health insurance plans may only reimburse a part of your actual medical expense. A Montenegro expat health insurance plan is a hassle-free medium of coping with medical contingencies.
Safeguard Against Travel-Related Problems: Active travelers also choose international expat health insurance plans to obtain coverage against travel-related contingencies. An expat health insurance plan also provides travel related benefits to international travelers along with medical coverage.
Don’t ignore your healthcare needs in a foreign country. Compare plans, select the Montenegro insurance coverage that best fits your needs, and buy a suitable expatriate health insurance plan for your time in Montenegro.