Brčko district expands pension and health benefits for residents

The Employment Agency of Brčko district announced that unemployed persons on its register can purchase up to three years of missing pension‑insurance contributions to meet the eligibility requirements for an old‑age pension. The measure follows the Law on Employment and Unemployment Rights and is implemented through the pension funds of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina or Republika Srpska, depending on the beneficiary’s future place of retirement. By 31 May the agency recorded 47 new requests and resolved 58 pending cases; in 2023 a total of 51 people qualified for retirement and the agency is currently paying contributions for 102 unemployed individuals lacking the required insurance period. The agency’s 2026 budget allocates 800 000 KM for the programme, of which more than 336 000 KM has already been spent (about 42 %).

The Brčko district Health Insurance Fund also offers its insured members free emergency medical coverage while traveling abroad. Insured persons obtain an “in‑o” certificate from their family doctor, which is issued at no charge and is valid for up to 30 days in a calendar year (the certificate can be issued multiple times as long as the total does not exceed 30 days). The benefit applies in numerous European countries, including Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Turkey, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic, and is intended for private trips such as vacations.