Croatia launches record 62 tourist ambulances for summer visitors

Croatia’s health ministry and the National Health Insurance Fund have established a network of 62 tourist ambulances for the 2026 summer season, the largest such system in the country. The ambulances operate in 11 counties, with the highest concentration—12 units—in Dubrovnik‑Neretva, and additional locations in Split‑Dalmacija, Istria, Primorje‑Gorski Kotar, Lika‑Senj, Šibenik‑Knin, Krapina‑Zagorje, Varaždin‑Bilogora and Osijek‑Baranja.

The service, funded with more than €620,000, provides primary‑care examinations, prescriptions and referrals to urgent care for both domestic and EU tourists holding a European Health Insurance Card. Costs are covered by the patients’ own insurance. The expansion aims to reduce the burden on regular GP offices, emergency departments and hospital wards in the most visited resort areas.

The ministry expects the full network to be operational by July, with 50 sites already active and the remaining locations to open later in the month.