Health Insurance Institute of HNŽ outlines out-of-canton medical rights

The Health Insurance Institute of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNŽ) has issued a reminder to policyholders regarding their rights to access medical services that cannot be provided within the canton's contracted healthcare facilities.

If a specialist physician determines that a patient requires complex healthcare, specialist consultations, or hospital care unavailable locally, they may propose a referral for treatment and diagnostic testing outside of the HNŽ. This proposal must be reviewed by a professional council at the University Clinical Hospital level. If the Primary Medical Commission approves the request, the Director of the Institute issues a referral.

The Institute emphasizes that the costs for approved treatment outside the canton will be covered by the Institute in accordance with valid regulations. However, policyholders are strictly warned not to seek medical services outside of contracted facilities without obtaining prior official approval or a referral from the Institute, as unauthorized use may affect coverage.