Overview

Slovenia’s health care system is nearly universally accessible and predominantly publicly owned, with mandatory employment-based social health insurance (SHI) managed by a single purchaser, the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia.

In 2022, health spending was 8.8% of GDP, or US$ 4388 (PPP) per capita. Public funding comprised 74% of health spending in 2022. Out-of-pocket spending, driven by cost-sharing and direct payments, remains low at 13% of total health spending in 2022, compared to the EU average of 14.5%.

Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic digitalization has increased in prominence as a reform area, with the introduction of several e-solutions to improve service quality and continuity, integrate existing health information systems and optimize health data. Other policy developments include a new primary care strategy through to 2031 and initiatives to improve chronic and long-term care.

Measures to address health workforce issues, including financial interventions to tackle health challenges, such as shortages (particularly in primary care), poor working conditions and low salaries have been introduced. Meanwhile, a main feature of the system, complementary voluntary health insurance (VHI) to cover co-payments was replaced in 2024 by a fixed compulsory contribution as part of SHI. Future reform priorities will likely focus on accessibility, including waiting times, re-organization of and capacity building in long-term care, health workforce issues, strengthening monitoring and evaluation, and enhancing digitalization.