On Thursday, the Slovenian parliament passed a historic reform of the Health Care and Health Insurance Act (Zakon o zdravstvenem varstvu in zdravstvenem zavarovanju, ZZVZZ), abolishing the flat-rate supplementary health insurance and replacing it with a mandatory contribution attached to regular health insurance premiums. The new system is set to take effect on 1 January 2024.
The move comes after private insurers announced significant price hikes earlier this year, prompting the government to act. The supplementary insurance, previously managed by three private insurers, will now be integrated into the public health insurance system under the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS), which already handles progressive, income-based contributions.
- The supplementary insurance will be replaced by a mandatory contribution collected by ZZZS, making health coverage more equitable and tied to individuals’ income levels.
- Until the reform takes effect, the current supplementary health insurance premium is frozen at €35 per month per person.
- To address concerns over potential budget shortfalls, a €240 million budget cap has been set for 2024. Shortfalls beyond this amount will not be covered, placing pressure on the government to find long-term financial solutions.
Insurers had been accused of exploiting inflation to raise premiums, but financial reports from ZZZS and private insurers confirmed that rising healthcare costs were leading to losses. The reform faced significant political debate, with 51 votes in favour and 29 against in parliament. The ruling coalition celebrated the abolition of top-up insurance as a “historic moment,” marking the success of a policy that had been debated unsuccessfully by previous governments.
Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič emphasized the importance of finding a comprehensive solution to ensure the sustainability of the new system. While the current cap limits immediate budget risks, future strategies will be needed to maintain financial stability and prevent deficits in the healthcare sector.
The reform aims to reduce inequities in healthcare financing by aligning contributions with individuals’ income, making health services more accessible and affordable for all Slovenian citizens.
As the new system rolls out in 2024, stakeholders will closely monitor its impact on healthcare funding, service quality, and access. This reform represents a significant step in Slovenia’s efforts to modernize and strengthen its national healthcare system.
