Doctors & Clinics in Bosnia & Herzegovina
View Climate Information by City
Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its mix of natural landscapes - with the hills and mountains of Bosnia to the north and mediterranean Herzegovina in the south. Travellers can visit the markets of Sarajevo’s old town, Bascarsija, or hike and swim at the Kravica Waterfalls in Herzegovina. Mostly landlocked, the country’s only beach town - Neum - offers visitors 12 kilometres of beach along the Adriatic Sea and has become a popular destination for tourists.
The standards for patient care and medical services in Bosnia and Herzegovina may differ from your home country. Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina is publicly funded and universal. Following the Bosnian War in 1995, the healthcare system was restructured but access to services and the standard of care can vary by region. Healthcare outside Sarajevo is typically inadequate. The country also has a shortage of physicians which can lead to long wait times for care.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals in Bosnia and Herzegovina typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Due to limited healthcare services, evacuation to Western Europe will be required for serious medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The pharmaceutical sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone major reforms in recent years to improve standards, quality control, and access. Pharmacies are generally easy to find in urban areas, but access may be limited by region as many rural areas remain underserved. The number of pharmacists falls below the EU average and the shortage can affect wait times.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review Bosnia and Herzegovina’s regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not always well maintained and the country reports a higher-than-average number of deaths related to road accidents per year so caution should be taken while driving. In winter, weather conditions such as dense fog and snow may also pose a risk. Unexploded bombs and landmines leftover from the war can also be a hazard for drivers in rural and mountainous regions. Drivers and passengers in vehicles must wear a seat belt at all times. Helmets are required for motorcycle drivers and passengers.