• Individual plans
• Family plans
• Group plans
• Travel plans
• Teacher plans

Bosnia Expat Health Insurance

Bosnia and Herzegovinia, also known as “Bosnia”, is located in the former Yugoslavia in southeastern Europe. Historically marred by ethnic strife, today Bosnia is largely made up of Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats. Much of the country was damaged in the breakup of Yugoslavia, and the capital, Sarajevo, became a synonym for a troubled city in the 1990s. Today, Bosnia is a candidate for European Union membership and the parliamentary republic has been a member of the Council of Europe since 2002. Economically, Bosnia is still recovering from the wars of the 1990s, but has enjoyed steady growth since then. Tourism is expected to increase dramatically, particularly in winter sports as Sarajevo was the site of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. Despite its tiny size, Bosnia is rich in culture and its literature is world famous – counting a Nobel Prizewinner Ivo Andric among its many important writers.

Bosnia Healthcare System

A decade ago, Bosnia was considered a “transition” economy, and this applies to its health care system as well. In the former Yugoslavia, all health care was provided by the state. During the war, state health care system financing nearly collapsed, and a significant proportion of care was paid for with under the table payments.

Under the current system, a compulsory health insurance contribution is required from all Bosnians. As a percentage of GDP, Bosnian health care spending is among the highest in Europe, but there are serious gaps in the provision of care and there is great demand for health care financing reforms. The WHO Regional Office for Europe has developed a series of partnerships with the Bosnian Ministry of Health in order to improve the efficiency and equity of the provision of care in Bosnia. Previously, there had not really been a national mandate for health care, and authority was provided on a district level, which is largely inefficient in a country with a population of only three and a half million. Hence, recent reform efforts include greater centralization as well as health partnerships with neighboring Balkan countries such as Albania and Serbia.

National health indicators in Bosnia are generally slightly below the European average. Life expectancy is 73 years for males and 78 for females. Total annual per capita health care spending is USD929, less than half of the European average and about 10.9 percent of Bosnian GDP – which is very high by global standards. Bosnia’s health care workforce is adequate, but is considered understaffed by European standards. Many doctors and nurses go abroad in search of greater economic opportunity. Currently, there are 14.2 doctors and 46.9 nurses and midwives for every 10,000 Bosnians.

Maternal mortality rates are low, with 9 deaths per every 100,000 live births; this figure represents less than half of the European average. There is universal utilization of skilled health care professionals in antenatal, birth and infant care in Bosnia.

Communicable disease rates are fairly close to continental norms. Tuberculosis affects 62 of every 100,000 Bosnians. The main causes of Bosnian deaths come from non-communicable diseases associated with sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol abuse. Nearly half of Bosnian males and more than a third of Bosnian females are smokers.

In terms of public health investment, Bosnians enjoy nearly universal access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities. Some of the rural, mountainous areas of Bosnia may lack more modern facilities however.

For those planning to travel or relocate to Bosnia, the US-based Centre for Disease Control has issued a series of guidelines to protect your health. The CDC recommends visiting a travel health clinic four to six weeks before departure, to ensure that routine immunizations are up to date. Rabies vaccine may be required for those planning long-term stays in Bosnia, or those planning to visit rural areas or caves.

Tickborne encephalitis is a major health problem in southeastern Europe, particularly in the summer months. When hiking, insect repellent is strongly advised, and it may be a good idea to tuck your trousers into your socks to avoid tick bites.

Fortunately, the war in Bosnia is over, and the most serious health risks are less impactful. The greatest health risks for travelers come from stomach ailments, traffic accidents and winter sports injuries. Be sure to drink only bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food as well as unpasteurized dairy products. Obey all local traffic laws (Bosnian traffic drives on the right), and avoid mixing alcohol and driving. Particular caution must be observed on Bosnia’s winding mountain roads. Bosnia’s skiing and ice skating are world class, but as with winter sports anywhere, they can be risky. Bosnia is also increasingly popular as a destination for summer sports, including hiking, whitewater rafting and canyoning – each of which also brings risk.

Bosnia Expat Health Insurance

Although Bosnia does provide universal basic health care, it is most definitely not up to developed country standards. Any serious medical emergency may require air evacuation and treatment in Austria or Germany, which can be expensive despite the close geographical proximity to Bosnia. Expat health insurance and some travel insurance policies can often provide cover for these medical evacuations or repatriations.

The Global Health Insurance team can help you find the best insurance plan for you, your spouse, your family, your tour group or your company. Given the many options for expat health insurance, it is important to have a trusted advisor on your side while deciding what the best coverage if for yourself in Bosnia. Expat health insurance plans we work with come in a range of options that can include maternal, dental, alternative, air evacuation and other services. Contact a Global Health Insurance advisor any time around the clock to find out what international health insurance plan you need.

Want to ask a question or leave a comment? Click Here