Pensioner financial burdens in Croatia and Bosnia

Pensioners in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are facing increased financial pressures related to mandatory fees and insurance contributions.

In Croatia, several municipalities have implemented subsidy programs to mitigate the rising costs of supplementary health insurance following an increase in the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) policy price. For example, Rab provides up to 174.29 euros per user, while Novalja offers an annual subsidy of 120 euros to eligible retirees. In Tar-Vabriga, assistance is provided through an income-based model. Additionally, political calls have emerged in Croatia to exempt all retirees from the Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) fee, which critics argue places a significant burden on low-income households.

In Republika Srpska, the Health Insurance Fund (FZO) has required foreign pensioners to register with the Tax Administration to pay a 10.2 percent health insurance contribution. This practice has faced backlash from legal experts and critics who describe it as a “discriminatory interpretation of the law” affecting approximately 10,000 pensioners. Following these accusations, officials have indicated the decision may be revoked.