Healthcare access is a fundamental human right, and in recent years, Serbia has emerged as an attractive destination for foreigners and expatriates looking for affordable yet high-quality medical services.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, long-term traveller, retiree, or someone relocating for work,
understanding Serbia’s healthcare system and specifically the public hospitals that welcome foreign patients is essential.
Unlike many Western European countries where private healthcare is often the only viable option for expats,
Serbia provides excellent public healthcare facilities at either no cost or highly subsidized rates for foreigners under certain conditions.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the best public hospitals in Serbia that offer free or low-cost healthcare, what services they provide, how foreigners can access them, and what makes Serbia a unique hub for affordable treatment in Europe.
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Understanding Serbia’s Healthcare System
Serbia operates a universal healthcare system primarily funded through mandatory payroll contributions. The network includes a mix of public health institutions such as clinical centers, regional hospitals, and primary healthcare centers.
While citizens receive care mostly free at the point of service, foreigners can also access the system, though under specific conditions.
Foreigners in Serbia can typically receive public healthcare if they fall under one of these categories:
- Legal residents or temporary visa holders with health insurance contributions
- Students with a bilateral healthcare agreement
- Citizens of countries that have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Serbia
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) holders from certain EU countries (in limited cases)
Even if you’re not covered under Serbia’s state health insurance (RFZO), many public hospitals still offer diagnostic services, consultations, and treatment at prices significantly lower than those in Western Europe or North America.
Let’s explore some of the best public hospitals in Serbia known for their advanced medical services, experienced specialists, and willingness to accommodate foreign patients.
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1. Clinical Center of Serbia (KCS) – Belgrade
As the largest and most comprehensive medical institution in the Balkans, the Clinical Center of Serbia is a central figure in the country’s public healthcare system.
Located in the heart of Belgrade, this massive hospital complex consists of over 40 specialized clinics and departments, covering nearly every field of medicine including internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and infectious diseases.
KCS is affiliated with the University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, making it a major teaching and research hospital. This academic link ensures that patients receive care aligned with the latest medical standards and innovations.
Why it’s ideal for foreigners:
- Multilingual staff, especially in departments frequently treating international patients
- Some departments offer treatment at symbolic rates for self-paying patients
- Recognized for complex procedures such as organ transplantation, cardiovascular surgery, and oncology treatment
- Excellent diagnostic capabilities including MRI, CT, and PET scans at low cost
Foreigners without state insurance may need to pay out of pocket, but even complex diagnostic procedures cost a fraction of what they would in Western Europe.
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2. Clinical Center Niš – Niš
Serving southern Serbia, Clinical Center Niš is the second-largest public hospital complex in the country. Opened in 2018 in a brand-new facility, the hospital is known for modern infrastructure, advanced surgical units, and a highly specialized emergency center that serves as a regional trauma hub.
It houses departments for cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonary diseases, and internal medicine, all of which serve both locals and an increasing number of foreign patients, especially from neighboring Balkan countries.
Why it’s recommended for foreigners:
- New, modern facilities with updated medical technology
- Some of the best patient satisfaction ratings among Serbia’s public hospitals
- Friendly and supportive environment for elderly foreigners and retirees
- Highly affordable outpatient care, with consultation costs starting as low as €10–€15 for foreigners
The hospital is also a part of various EU-funded cross-border healthcare programs, enabling greater access to services for patients from EU and non-EU countries alike.
3. Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases “Dedinje” – Belgrade
Although technically a public-specialized institute, “Dedinje” functions like a high-end public hospital and is renowned throughout the region for its excellence in cardiovascular care.
Patients from all over Eastern and Southern Europe travel to Serbia for bypass surgeries, valve replacements, and coronary interventions performed here.
While most of its patients are Serbian citizens, the institute does treat foreign nationals, particularly from Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia, and the Middle East, many of whom pay out of pocket or are covered by bilateral agreements.
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Highlights for foreign patients:
- Serbia’s top-ranked public hospital for heart-related conditions
- Extremely experienced cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons
- Affordable self-pay packages available for diagnostics and consultations
- Elective procedures can be scheduled faster than in many EU countries
Foreign patients with documentation and referrals from general physicians (even foreign ones) can be admitted directly or scheduled for outpatient evaluation.
4. Clinical Center Vojvodina – Novi Sad
Located in Serbia’s second-largest city, Novi Sad, Clinical Center Vojvodina serves as the leading public healthcare provider for the northern province of Vojvodina. It is known for its multilingual doctors, patient-friendly systems, and high-quality surgical and rehabilitative care.
Specialties include neurology, psychiatry, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and urology. Because of its proximity to Hungary, Romania, and Croatia, it receives cross-border patients and foreign residents living in the region.
Best features for expats and travelers:
- Generally shorter wait times compared to Belgrade hospitals
- Open to low-cost treatment options for uninsured patients
- Friendly staff, often fluent in Hungarian, English, and German
- Reasonably priced inpatient care (private room options available)
Novi Sad also has a large population of international students, many of whom rely on this hospital for annual checkups and urgent care.
5. University Children’s Hospital “Tiršova” – Belgrade
For foreign families residing in Serbia with children, “Tiršova” is the most reliable and respected public pediatric hospital. It offers everything from general pediatric care to highly specialized treatments in neonatology, pediatric surgery, and oncology.
“Tiršova” is internationally accredited and frequently involved in multinational pediatric research projects, keeping it aligned with EU standards.
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Why it stands out for foreign families:
- World-class neonatal intensive care and pediatric surgery units
- Comprehensive immunization and well-baby programs
- Specialized pediatric neurologists and psychologists
- Foreign residents with local health coverage can access care at no additional cost
Parents who pay out of pocket will still find services like pediatric consultations, imaging, and blood work extremely affordable compared to private institutions in Western Europe.
How to Access Public Healthcare in Serbia as a Foreigner
Here’s how you can gain access to free or low-cost healthcare in Serbian public hospitals:
1. Legal Residency with Insurance Contributions
If you are a temporary or permanent resident and make monthly contributions to Serbia’s health insurance fund (RFZO), you are entitled to nearly all services provided in public institutions free of charge or with symbolic co-payments.
2. Bilateral Agreements
Serbia has healthcare agreements with several countries including:
- Russia
- Montenegro
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- North Macedonia
- Slovakia
- Czech Republic
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If you’re a citizen of any of these countries, you may be eligible for subsidized or free care through reciprocal healthcare arrangements. A certificate from your home health insurance provider is usually required.
3. Student and Work Visas
International students and employees working under official contracts are usually registered for public health insurance through their university or employer. This grants access to full public healthcare, including primary care doctors, hospitals, and specialists.
4. Out-of-Pocket Payments
Foreigners without insurance or eligibility under agreements can still access care by paying directly. Public hospitals typically charge 30–70% less than private hospitals in Serbia and 70–90% less than in Western Europe.
Consultations start at approximately €10, diagnostic imaging at €20–€40, and surgical procedures can be as low as €500–€1500 depending on complexity.
What to Expect When Visiting a Public Hospital in Serbia
- No-frills facilities: Don’t expect hotel-like services, but do expect competent medical staff and standard hygiene.
- Language: While English is commonly spoken among doctors, administrative staff may speak only Serbian. It helps to bring a Serbian-speaking friend or use a translator app.
- Documentation: Bring your passport, visa, and any health insurance or embassy letters. If uninsured, inquire upfront about pricing.
- Scheduling: For non-urgent services, scheduling may take a few days. Emergency cases are treated immediately.
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Conclusion
Serbia’s public healthcare system offers a rare combination of quality and affordability that is hard to find elsewhere in Europe. For foreigners whether you’re a retiree enjoying life on the Danube, a digital nomad working from Belgrade, or an international student there are numerous public hospitals ready to provide care at either no cost or rates far below international averages.
From the cutting-edge Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade to the newly built Clinical Center in Niš, public healthcare in Serbia proves that excellent medical care doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. And with options for legal residents, students, bilateral agreement holders, and self-paying patients, the country makes healthcare accessible to a wide spectrum of international visitors.
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If you’re considering relocating or visiting Serbia, make sure to understand your health insurance eligibility in advance. But rest assured should you need care, Serbia’s public hospitals are more than capable of delivering it affordably, professionally, and with a warm Balkan touch.