The Healthcare System in Montenegro

Summary: Montenegro’s healthcare system is three-tier (primary/secondary/tertiary). Foreigners who hold residence and register with the national health insurance fund access the same public services as citizens. However, because of waiting times and language barriers in the public system, many foreigners prefer a combination of private clinic + international health insurance. Emergency call: 112.

How does the system work?

• Primary: Dom Zdravlja (health centers), family physicians.
• Secondary: specialist and diagnostic services.
• Tertiary: hospitals and the Clinical Centre of Montenegro in Podgorica.
• The system has been tax-funded since 2022; a large share of the population is covered.

How do foreigners benefit?

Foreigners who obtain a residence permit and register with the national health insurance fund (Fond za zdravstveno osiguranje) access the same public services as citizens. A referral from a family physician is generally needed for specialists (except emergencies, gynecology and pediatrics).

The realities of the public system

• Waiting times (especially for unplanned procedures and in season) can lengthen.
• English is not always widely spoken in public institutions (language barrier).
• There may be out-of-pocket payments for some medications and elective procedures.

Private healthcare and insurance

• Private clinics are concentrated mainly in Podgorica, Tivat, Kotor and Budva; faster and often multilingual service.
• International/private health insurance is recommended for long-term stays; for speed and a broad hospital network.
• Emergency care is provided to everyone (including tourists); emergency call 112, emergency service “hitna pomoć”.