Overview of the Slovenian Healthcare System
Overview of the Slovenian Healthcare System
The Slovenian healthcare system is based on the principles of universal access, solidarity, and social justice. Established after 1992, it ensures that nearly all residents have access to essential healthcare services through compulsory health insurance, managed by the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS).
System Structure
The healthcare system is organised across three levels:
- Primary level: health centres, family doctors, and community nursing services.
- Secondary level: general hospitals and specialist outpatient clinics.
- Tertiary level: university medical centres (UKC Ljubljana and UKC Maribor) and highly specialised institutions.
The Slovenian Healthcare Ecosystem
Health Centres
Public Pharmacies
General Hospitals
University Medical Centres
Employees in the System
Doctors
Quality of the Slovenian Healthcare System
Some indicators reflect the overall quality and effectiveness of the Slovenian healthcare ecosystem:
In 2022, life expectancy in Slovenia reached 81.3 years, which is above the EU average, according to the OECD Health Report. In the same year, Slovenia allocated 9.6% of its GDP to healthcare — roughly in line with the European average — though expenditure per capita (adjusted for purchasing power) remains lower compared to countries such as Austria, Germany, and France.
Where Slovenia Performs Above the EU Average?
- Mortality from treatable causes: lower than the EU average, indicating effective secondary and tertiary care.
- Access to primary healthcare: the primary care network is well-developed, with high population coverage.
Around 74% of total healthcare expenditure in Slovenia is financed from public sources, comparable to the EU average. Following the 2024 reform of supplementary health insurance, this share is expected to exceed 85%.
System efficiency is evident in lower mortality from treatable causes compared to the EU, though preventable mortality remains higher — with major challenges related to smoking-related diseases (especially lung cancer) and alcohol abuse.
Despite maintaining a high standard of care, the system is under increasing pressure, reflected in long waiting times, staff shortages, and ageing infrastructure.
In this context, healthcare innovation plays a key role — contributing to more affordable and effective diagnostic and treatment methods, process optimisation, and better system organisation.
Main Opportunities and Potential of the Slovenian Healthcare System
The potential for the development of Slovenian healthcare — and consequently for healthcare innovation — lies primarily in the following areas:
Strengthening Primary Care:
The National Health Strategy 2031 envisions greater equity in access to healthcare services, reinforcement of preventive programmes, improved coordination across levels of care, and the modernisation of infrastructure and workforce capacities.
Digital Transformation:
Slovenia has strong potential to advance in healthcare digitalisation — from electronic health records (eKarton) and mobile health (mZdravje) to eReferrals, advanced hospital information systems, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine.
Health Innovations:
Innovations in healthcare lead to faster, more accessible, and more personalised treatment. New medical devices, advanced diagnostic methods, chronic disease management solutions, and digital self-care tools hold significant potential to improve the quality of care and system efficiency.
Developing Partnerships and Ecosystems – Including Internationally:
Collaboration between the public and private sectors, research institutions, startups, and established companies enables faster development and adoption of new solutions. Integration into European health clusters and innovation communities opens access to knowledge, investors, and global projects.
Active Use of (European) Funding:
Slovenian hospitals, health centres, and innovative companies have substantial opportunities to increase their participation in European projects (e.g. Horizon Europe, EU4Health, Interreg) and benefit from national incentives.
More systematic project preparation, partnership building, and support in funding applications can enhance access to resources for investment, digitalisation, research, development, and pilot initiatives.
Reducing Inequalities and Strengthening Patient-Centred Care:
Ultimately, key healthcare policies and innovations should focus on reducing regional disparities, integrating care pathways, and increasing patient participation in decisions regarding their health.
Contribute to the Development of the Healthcare System!
We invite all stakeholders — startups, SMEs, researchers, healthcare professionals, large companies, and public institutions — to join the health innovation ecosystem within our programme and help shape the future of healthcare in Slovenia.
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