Medicine in Montenegro: public system and private clinics

The healthcare system of Montenegro is based on a combination of public and private sectors. Since 2022, financing has been fully transferred to a tax-based model, which theoretically ensures universal access for residents. However, in practice patients face queues, lack of equipment, and the need for co-payments.

Healthcare is regulated by the Law on Healthcare. The structure is divided into three levels:

Primary level: 18 health centers (Dom zdravlja). Family doctors (chosen doctors), pediatricians, and gynecologists work here. They conduct primary examinations, vaccinations, and issue referrals.
Secondary level: 7 general hospitals and specialized clinics (for example, oncology, cardiology).
Tertiary level: Clinical Center in Podgorica (KCCG). The most complex cases requiring surgery and intensive care are referred here.

Life hack: If you have a residence permit, first register with a “chosen doctor” (izabrani doktor) at your local Health Center. Without a referral from them, it is impossible to see a specialist for free.

Public health insurance

Access to free (conditionally) healthcare is available to employed residents and their families. The system is financed through mandatory salary contributions.

Contribution rate: 12.3% of salary (8.5% paid by the employer, 3.8% deducted from the employee).
Coverage: Consultations, hospitalization, some medications, prevention.
Conditions for foreigners: Foreigners with a residence permit (for work or family reunification) have the same rights as citizens.

Despite having insurance, about 38% of medical expenses in the country are covered by patients’ personal funds. Most often payments are required for medications, dentistry, and diagnostics to avoid months-long waiting times.

Important: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not apply in Montenegro. Agreements on mutual coverage exist only with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and some other countries in the region.

Private medicine

The private sector is actively developing in Podgorica and coastal cities (Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi). There are no queues, equipment is newer, and staff often speak English or Russian. In total, about 30–40 large private institutions operate in the country.

Popular clinics:

Codra Hospital (Podgorica): The oldest private hospital, specializing in surgery and diagnostics.
Milmedika (Budva, Tivat, Nikšić, Podgorica): A wide range of services, including pediatrics and laboratory tests.
Polyclinic Filipovic (Podgorica): Focus on family medicine and radiology.

Recommendation: For expats, the optimal option is combining public insurance (for emergencies and sick leave) with a private policy (for quick access to specialists). An annual private policy costs from 350 euros.

Cost of medical services

Prices in Montenegro are lower than the European average, but for uninsured individuals or when visiting private clinics, expenses can be significant.

Approximate prices in private clinics:

Initial therapist consultation: 15–30 euros.
Specialist appointment: 30–50 euros.
Ultrasound: 40 euros.
Gastroscopy: 90 euros.
Dentistry (filling): 30 euros.
Complex procedures: up to 200 euros.
Day of inpatient care/rehabilitation: from 30 euros.

Information for tourists

Emergency care (life-threatening situations) in public institutions is provided free of charge. All scheduled visits, treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, and doctor visits are paid.

Travel insurance: Strongly recommended. The cost of a policy is 5–8 euros per week. Coverage usually ranges from 10,000 to 100,000 euros.
Without insurance: You will pay for each visit, tests, and medications according to the clinic’s price list for foreigners.

Medicine in Montenegro: public system and private clinics