How to choose a private clinic: 7 questions to ask before you book

Croatia has more than 400 private polyclinics, practices and diagnostic centres. When choosing between them, five minutes of checking saves money and nerves. These are the questions worth asking yourself and the clinic.

1. Who will examine me?

Ask for the doctor's name and specialty. For a cardiology examination you want a cardiologist, not an internist „who also does hearts“. On Prvi termin we list the doctors and their fields for most clinics (data from the clinics' websites); you can also check them in the public register of the Croatian Medical Chamber.

2. What is included in the price?

The most common source of misunderstanding. Ask: is the ultrasound included in the examination, is contrast charged extra for an MRI or CT scan, is sedation included in an endoscopy, do you receive the report and images (CD or download link) without an extra charge, and is a follow-up examination included. Ask to be told the total price before the examination.

3. How long until I get the results?

For an ultrasound or an examination you usually receive the report straight away. For an MRI or CT scan a radiologist reads the images, so the report arrives within one to three working days; laboratory results the same day or the next. If you need the report for another appointment, ask in advance.

4. What if the results are not good?

A good clinic will explain the findings and tell you what comes next: refer you back to your GP, recommend a specialist or offer further investigation. If a clinic only offers „extra packages“ without an explanation, be cautious. Remember: a private report is valid in the public system too, so you can continue treatment anywhere.

5. What do other patients say?

Google ratings give a good first impression, especially when there are many of them. Read the most recent ones and the three-star reviews, which are usually the most honest. On clinic profiles we show the Google rating and the number of reviews with a link to the source. A rating below 4.0 with many reviews deserves a closer look at why.

6. Does the clinic accept my insurance or an HZZO referral?

If you have additional private insurance, the examination is covered only at clinics in your insurer's network. If you come with a referral from HZZO, the national health insurance fund, the clinic must have an HZZO contract for that service. We show both on the clinic profile according to public lists, but confirm with the clinic before you go. More on this in our guide Supplementary or additional insurance.

7. How do I book and cancel?

Check how the clinic takes bookings (phone, e-mail, online), how far in advance you need to cancel and whether no-shows are charged. On Prvi termin you can send clinics an appointment request online, and for several clinics at once compare who replies first. The request is non-binding; the appointment is valid only once the clinic confirms it.

Warning signs

• The price is not disclosed in advance or „depends“ without explanation.
• Pressure to commit immediately to expensive procedures or packages.
• No doctors' names on the website or in the clinic.
• The report is issued only for an additional fee.