After the announcement of price increase for additional health insurance, Ombudswomen Lora Vidović sent her opinion to the Ministry of Health stating that this decision could have a negative impact on many Croatian citizens, especially the poor.

The price change threatens people with extremely low incomes who nevertheless cross the individual income threshold of 1,939.39 Croatian kuna (260 euros), or whose income is only slightly higher than the prescribed threshold for entitlement to payment of the premium paid by the state budget, which is why they do not have the right to publicly funded supplementary insurance.

As a central figure responsible for combating discrimination, the ombudswoman stressed the impact that price increase might have on seniors who are at risk of discrimination on the basis of age, health and financial status.

In Croatia, almost every other pensioner receives a pension lower than the average. On the other hand, age — accompanied with our increased need for health care — motivates the older people to make an agreement on additional health insurance.

Protecting pensioners

The announced price increase will place additional stress especially on the elderly, as one of the most vulnerable groups of our society, and also negatively impact their already threatened quality of life.

"Therefore, and in the context of the data suggesting that the state is the largest debtor of the additional health insurance from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund, other possibilities for the settlement of the necessary cost should have been considered before making an announced decision," warned Lora Vidović in her statement.

She added that is necessary to make an analysis of the impact that the announced price increase will have on citizens, but also on the stabilization of the health care financial system. They should also recommend additional parameters to protect the most vulnerable citizens, especially pensioners.