Event Results:
"Healthcare in Slovakia for Refugees"
International Association of Doctors and Healthcare Professionals in Slovakia
We are bringing inclusivity and humanity to healthcare
We are bringing inclusivity and humanity to healthcare
Recently, an event organized by the International Association of Doctors and Healthcare Workers in Slovakia (Medzinárodná asociácia lekárov a zdravotníkov na Slovensku) took place in Bratislava. The meeting focused on healthcare issues for refugees, which is especially important for those who have just arrived in the country and are unfamiliar with navigating the local healthcare system.
The event was led by Alena Kurotova, the founder of the association, who provided a detailed overview of how the healthcare system in Slovakia functions for foreign citizens and addressed the most frequently asked questions.
Below are the key points discussed during the meeting.
The event was led by Alena Kurotova, the founder of the association, who provided a detailed overview of how the healthcare system in Slovakia functions for foreign citizens and addressed the most frequently asked questions.
Below are the key points discussed during the meeting.
Key questions of the event:
1. Where to find specialists?
To see a specialist (such as a cardiologist or neurologist), you first need a referral from a general practitioner (GP). After that, the patient can schedule an appointment with the specialist.
2. Why is a GP not accepting new patients?
In Slovakia, many GPs are overburdened due to a shortage of medical staff and high demand for healthcare services. This is especially true in large cities where the population is growing rapidly, including refugees. As a result, some doctors are unable to take on new patients because their quotas are full.
3. How can an insurance company help?
Health insurance is the key to accessing medical services in Slovakia. Insurance companies cover most treatment costs, including doctor visits and hospital stays.
4. What to do if your medical card is lost?
A patient’s medical card can be restored through the doctor with whom they are registered. Most of the patient’s information is stored in Slovakia’s electronic healthcare system, accessible only by certified medical personnel. In case of a lost card, the doctor can recover access to medical history and other important data via the electronic system.
5. What to do if you are hospitalized and have a minor child at home?
In such cases, it is important to arrange for help from family, friends, or social services in advance. There are organizations in Slovakia that can provide temporary care for children during the parent’s hospitalization. It is recommended to discuss potential child care options with relatives or close friends in advance.
Alona answered these and other questions during her presentation.
1. Where to find specialists?
To see a specialist (such as a cardiologist or neurologist), you first need a referral from a general practitioner (GP). After that, the patient can schedule an appointment with the specialist.
2. Why is a GP not accepting new patients?
In Slovakia, many GPs are overburdened due to a shortage of medical staff and high demand for healthcare services. This is especially true in large cities where the population is growing rapidly, including refugees. As a result, some doctors are unable to take on new patients because their quotas are full.
3. How can an insurance company help?
Health insurance is the key to accessing medical services in Slovakia. Insurance companies cover most treatment costs, including doctor visits and hospital stays.
4. What to do if your medical card is lost?
A patient’s medical card can be restored through the doctor with whom they are registered. Most of the patient’s information is stored in Slovakia’s electronic healthcare system, accessible only by certified medical personnel. In case of a lost card, the doctor can recover access to medical history and other important data via the electronic system.
5. What to do if you are hospitalized and have a minor child at home?
In such cases, it is important to arrange for help from family, friends, or social services in advance. There are organizations in Slovakia that can provide temporary care for children during the parent’s hospitalization. It is recommended to discuss potential child care options with relatives or close friends in advance.
Alona answered these and other questions during her presentation.
Comparison of Healthcare Insurance Systems
→ In Slovakia:
According to common European practice, healthcare insurance is mandatory for everyone.
Children are automatically insured together with their parents; for students, the state covers the insurance costs if they receive a state scholarship.
- Health insurance companies: VšZP (55%), Dôvera (32.5%), and Union ZP (12.5%).
- Individuals granted temporary asylum are provided with full healthcare services under VšZP (§ 21 § 3 of Act No. 577/2004).
→ In Ukraine:
A voluntary healthcare insurance system exists for most Ukrainians, while it is mandatory for certain professions and foreign nationals.
Signing a Contract with a Doctor
→ In Slovakia:
Separate doctors for adults: pediatricians, general practitioners, and for children.
✓ A contract can be signed with any doctor, though it may be difficult outside the place of residence.
✓ Local authorities ensure that a contract can be signed specifically at the place of residence.
Keep in mind that starting from July 2024, healthcare workers are not allowed to refuse to see refugees due to capacity limitations.
→ In Ukraine:
Following the reform, the system is based on family doctors with general practices, and doctors are chosen based on a contract.
The Process of Finding a Doctor for Refugees
→ General Information
Every person living in Slovakia must be under the care of a general practitioner or pediatrician, even if they are under temporary protection or residence. It is necessary te-vuc.sk general practitioner or pediatrician based on your place of residence.
→ Finding a Pediatrician Using the e-vuc.sk portal
1. Choose your region.
2. Go to the "Kto je môj lekár? (zdravotné obvody)" section.
3. Select "Všeobecná ambulantná starostlivosť pre deti a dorast".
4. Enter your place of residence.
What to Do If You Cannot Find an Available Pediatrician
- If you are unable to sign a contract with a pediatrician in your place of residence, try finding an available general practitioner or pediatrician in your city. You can use relevant online resources such as >>>>>>
- If, after searching, you still cannot find an available pediatrician, you can contact the Department of Health of the self-governing region with a request to assign a pediatrician for your child. In this case, the municipality will be obliged to provide a general practitioner or pediatrician.
The event provided important information and helped improve understanding of the healthcare system in Slovakia. The organizers encouraged everyone who faced difficulties in accessing medical services to seek consultation from association specialists and insurance companies for further assistance.
If you want such events to be held more frequently and reach more people, support us! Your help will allow us to organize more meetings and provide essential information about healthcare, rights, and refugee support.