Is Healthcare in Bosnia Better Than in the UK?

Over the years I’ve been asked many times what healthcare is like here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially as I’m now in my seventies and, like most of us as we get older, healthcare becomes a little more important in everyday life.

So in this video I wanted to sit down and talk honestly about my own experiences, not as an expert, not as an advisor, but simply as someone who lives here, pays into the healthcare system here, and has used hospitals, doctors, ambulances and specialists here in real life.

I talk about how I went from temporary residence to permanent residence, how I was able to join the state healthcare system in Republika Srpska, what I pay each month, and what I get in return. I also share the story of breaking my ankle here in the village, the ambulance arriving within minutes, surgery, rehabilitation, and what the whole experience was actually like.

I also compare some of this with experiences in the UK, because many people who watch this channel or listen to the podcast are from Britain and often ask how the systems compare.

Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not completely free, it’s an insurance-based system, but if you are a resident and you contribute to the health fund, you can access public healthcare, and many people also combine that with very affordable private clinics for speed and specialist services.

It’s what I would call a hybrid system, and once you understand how it works, it actually works very well.

As always, this is not official advice and I’m certainly not an expert on immigration or healthcare law, so if you are seriously thinking about moving here you should always do your own research and due diligence.

But hopefully this episode gives you a realistic, personal view of healthcare, doctors, hospitals, waiting times, costs and everyday medical life here in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you’re new here, I’m David. I moved to Bosnia over twenty-six years ago and never really left. This Blog is about my retirement, daily life, culture and what it’s actually like living in this often misunderstood country.

Thanks for being here and for following the journey.

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