In 2018, the health care system of Serbia advanced in two places and ranked as 18 out of 35 systems of the states of the Old Continent, according to the results of the European Health Consumer Index. One of the most important results was active work on waiting lists for operations or different types of recording and diagnosis in state hospitals across the country. Although significantly reduced, according to public data, there are still more than 72,000 people who will come to power within a period of several months to six years.
One of the ways for an even more efficient system and faster withdrawal of the waiting list is the strengthening of private health insurance – one of the conclusions of the panel’s participants Healthcare: The most efficient system is the most cost-effective, held today within the Kopaonik Business Forum.
“Citizens of Serbia are turning more and more to the private health sector, where, according to statistics, they average about 300 euros each year. For the same amount, that is, for 25 euros a month, private health insurance can provide more than 1,000 euros for treatment and diagnostic coverage. Affordable premiums, speed and comfort are the reasons why private health insurance has recorded constant growth, which reached a record 21% last year, “said Željko Jović, Director of the UNIQA Insurance Health Sector Panel.
He noted that private insurance does not cover expenses when the need for treatment has already occurred, but if it is concluded in time, this policy provides quality and timely care as soon as the need arises, and as such can serve as an important tool in reducing the list waiting.
“The clients of UNIQA Insurance, with the support of a doctor from the MedUNIQA contact center that is available 24/7, can review for one, and more complicated diagnosis for a maximum of three days. As our strategic commitment to reach every place and every user, through our largest network in the country, there are as many as 700 specialist offices, polyclinics, health centers and hospitals throughout Serbia. So, our clients besides terms and doctors can choose the facility in their immediate surroundings, and at any moment be fully convinced that they will get timely care. UNIQA, as the leader in individual private health insurance, also allows clients to cover from 1,000 to 100,000 Euros for the hospital and out-of-hospital treatment in the country, as well as additional treatment in the territory of the whole of Europe with coverage of up to two million euros, “added is Jovic.
The onset of dynamic growth in private health insurance is tied to the first step in alignment with the state. Six years ago, it was declared a company benefit, and the monthly premium for employees was exempt from taxation to 5,872 dinars.
“Our country is the first one in the region to make a decision that has been a driver for the development of this type of insurance. Since then, companies have been carriers of as much as 90 percent of private health insurance policies, which have proven to increase productivity and loyalty, while reducing fluctuations and unplanned absences. It is believed that the new Law on Health will influence the far greater interest of individual users. Namely, this act for the first time foresees the possibility of online sales of private health insurance, which means that citizens will be able to conclude the policy quickly and easily – through a few clicks and within 10 minutes, “says Jovic.