A Guide to Obtaining Public Health Insurance in Serbia: Zdravstvena knjižica/kartica
What is Public Health Insurance (OMS) in Serbia and Who Can Get It?
The Zdravstvena knjižica or kartica is the compulsory health insurance (OMS) policy in Serbia, providing access to public medical services. Obtaining this document is directly linked to having a residence permit (VNZh). It is impossible to apply for Serbian public health insurance without a residence permit.
This policy is an important document not just for receiving medical care. It can be used as proof of insurance when applying for or extending a residence permit (VNZh). Notably, even the temporary certificate issued while the main plastic card is being made is suitable for this purpose.
Conditions for Obtaining Public Health Insurance for Different Categories
The possibility and conditions for obtaining Serbian health insurance for foreigners depend on their status and the basis for their stay in the country. Each category has its own rules and specifics.
Thus, the key factor is the basis of your stay and who is responsible for paying the insurance contributions—you, your employer, or you as a sole proprietor.
Required Documents for Application
The package of documents for an OMS application varies depending on the applicant's status. It's important to prepare all necessary copies and originals in advance.
- Copy of your international passport (main page and page with the VNZh sticker) or a printout of your ID card (boravak).
- Paid receipt for the card production (400 dinars per person, including children).
- Completed application form (Form MA).
- For sole proprietors (IP): an extract from the business register (Izvod o registraciji biznisa) and sometimes a certificate from the tax office confirming tax payments.
- For family members (through reunification): a copy of the translated marriage/birth certificate, a notarized confirmation of no official income in the country of origin for the spouse.
- For pregnant women: a doctor's note confirming the pregnancy. This grants the right to full coverage of medical services immediately.
It is important to note that family members also need to be registered with the Pension Fund (PIO), even if they do not work in Serbia.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining OMS
The OMS application process involves several sequential steps. After collecting the full package of documents, you need to go to the appropriate institution.
- Determine the submission location. The place to submit your documents depends on your status:
- Sole proprietors – at the place of registration of the business's legal address.
- Employees – at the location of the employer's headquarters.
- Unemployed and other categories – at your place of residence.
- Visit an RFZO branch. The application is submitted to a branch of the Republic Health Insurance Fund (Republički fond za zdravstveno osiguranje, RFZO). Addresses and opening hours can be found on the fund's official website.
- Receive a temporary document. After submitting your documents, you will be issued a temporary paper with which you can already seek medical help. Initially, it may only cover emergencies (hitna pomoć).
- Wait for the card to be ready. The production of the plastic card can take from 3 to 6 months. When the temporary paper expires, you need to go back to the RFZO to either receive the finished card or a new temporary certificate, but this time with full coverage (puno).
Policy Renewal and Re-registration
The validity of the OMS policy is directly linked to the timely payment of taxes and contributions. In most cases, renewal is automatic, but sometimes personal intervention is required.
If the policy is not renewed automatically (you can check this online), there is likely a tax debt, even a small one. In this case, you need to pay off the debt, obtain a certificate of no debt from the tax office, and take it to the RFZO to renew the card.
- Sole Proprietor Registration Certificate.
- International passport and residence permit (VNZh).
- Copies of translated birth and marriage certificates.
Useful Features of Serbian OMS
The Serbian zdravstvena kartica offers a number of benefits that go beyond standard doctor's visits. One important advantage is the ability to get some prescription medications from pharmacies for free.
Additionally, if a public clinic offers you a doctor's appointment with a waiting period of more than 30 days, you can request written confirmation of this fact. With this document, you can see a private specialist and then submit the receipt to the health insurance fund for reimbursement.
An interesting feature is that Serbian insurance is valid in 21 countries with which Serbia has signed bilateral agreements. These include Turkey, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and neighboring countries like Montenegro and Croatia. To use this benefit, you must obtain a special confirmation certificate in Serbia beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many practical questions arise during the process of applying for and using Serbian OMS. The answers to the most common ones will help you navigate the system better.
Sanitary Booklet: How to Get One in Novi Sad
The sanitary booklet (Sanitarna knjižica) is a separate document required for work in certain fields, such as food service or with children. The process of obtaining it is standardized.
To get a sanitary booklet in Novi Sad, you need to go to the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina (Institut za javno zdravlje Vojvodine) at Futoška 121.
- Prepare the documents: passport, residence permit (VNZh), a photograph, a stool sample, and the booklet itself, which can be bought at a kiosk.
- Go to the institute during working hours (usually in the morning) and submit the documents.
- Pay the fee (around 2500 dinars) at the cashier (Blagajna).
- Undergo an examination and provide samples (a nose and throat swab).
- The finished booklet will be ready for pickup in about a week. You will be given the exact date when you apply.
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