Health tourism in Europe

Have you ever heard about health tourism? It’s a relatively new type of travel that includes going to other countries to get health care. This type of tourism is highly developed today, mainly because transportation is more accessible than ever before and provides fast travel to the desired destination. Although Croatia is primarily recognised as a tourist destination for swimming, enjoying clubs or sightseeing in old towns, health tourism is also significantly developed, like in many other parts of Europe.

Many health experts believe that Croatia will soon be on the list of the ten best destinations for health tourism. For example, some of the best dermatological clinics are located in Zagreb, Croatia.

Dental, cosmetic, dermatological, plastic surgery, laser eye surgery, stem cell therapy, and even the only place in Europe to offer the revolutionary Mayo Clinic co-founded OneOme RightMed pharmacogenetic test — Croatia offers plenty of surprises.

Also, the country has special health insurance designed for expats and foreign citizens.

Health tourism in Croatia

Croatia has about 18 million tourists a year, and apart from the quality of healthcare at affordable prices, there are other important factors that made Croatia an attractive medical tourism destination. Conveniently located in Europe (and the EU), English is widely spoken, and it’s also a very safe destination with an outstanding tourism offer in nature, culture and gastronomy, ​​which will amaze you.

Dental tourism in Croatia

Cheaper treatments at the dentist are one of the reasons for the growing number of tourists in Eastern Europe. The country that has made the most of this potential is Hungary, followed by Croatia.

And while there are many excellent clinics in Zagreb, the real Croatian dental story is taking place along the coast, towards the border with Slovenia. Here is the entry point for the biggest dental market for Croatia currently – Italy. Istria and Kvarner are making a roaring trade in dental implants and other services with Italian patients. Travel times are short, treatment quality is high, and the considerable savings add up to more than enough to pay for a pleasant holiday as well.

Laser Eye Surgery

Another aspect of health tourism in Croatia is laser eye surgery. Regional market leaders Svjetlost Eye Clinic have performed tens of thousands of successful operations over the last decade or so. With internationally acclaimed surgeons, the latest equipment and prices a fraction of other European countries, it is not hard to understand why more foreigners are choosing Croatia to fix their eyes. Non-invasive and painless precision laser surgery, which takes about 5 minutes per eye, is followed by a check up the next day.

Wellness treatments

Croatia offers a handful of wellness resorts where you can relax your body and mind. Various forms of massages, pedicures and facial treatments are the perfect way to restore and maintain health.

The Kvarner Health Cluster

Croatian medical tourism regions are very well-organised, and this respect goes to the Kvarner Health Cluster. This region includes Crikvenica, which celebrated 130 years of health tourism in 2018. It also includes Lošinj, the Island of Vitality, which enjoys considerable success with its luxury wellness tourism. Rijeka is one of Croatia’s most important dental centres, and Opatija has one of the longest heath tourism traditions.

St Catherine Specialty Hospital

Besides the many impressive things St Catherine Specialty Hospital offers, it is the first and only place in Europe where you can get the revolutionary OneOme RightMed pharmacogenetic test. ADR (Adverse Drug Reactions) is a big problem in today’s medicine, so pharmacogenomic tests evaluate a person’s DNA to determine how they may metabolize or respond to medications, and this type of testing helps guide healthcare providers in choosing medications and dosing.

COVID-19

COVID-19 has affected all parts of society (including tourism), but health tourism has recovered and is growing more than ever. However, do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. However, if you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people. Fully vaccinated travellers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. Still, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travellers might be at increased risk for contracting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.

The COVID-19 situation, including the spread of new or concerning variants, differs from country to country. Therefore, all travellers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before travelling. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.

If you are coming to Croatia, on this link you can find anything you need to know about COVID-19!

Nature’s medicine

Many people find their cure in nature — for example, camping brings numerous benefits to human health, physically and mentally. You can also travel to destinations that offer natural remedies, such as healing mud or salt beaches. 

Finally, fitness, diet and relaxation are the three core pillars of healthy living, which is why Camping Village Šimuni prepares a variety of different options and activities that’ll fit perfectly into a nurturing lifestyle. Time to get active, upgrade your diet, reduce stress levels and get plenty of sleep!

Health tourism in Croatia and Europe is increasing. There are many clinics and surgeries that offer professional services that make it worth travelling from other parts of the world. Croatia is a widespread choice precisely because of the low prices and excellent services, regardless of whether it is surgery, dentistry or wellness. If you ever find yourself in Croatia and want or need a health service, take advantage of a special health insurance designed for expats and foreign citizens and return home more rested, with a nicer smile and better eyesight!