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Enhancements in Serbia’s Health Insurance: What You Need to Know

Ranka Barjaktarević

3 Min Read

The latest amendments to Serbia’s health insurance laws bring significant improvements for insured individuals.

The latest amendments to Serbia’s health insurance laws bring significant improvements for insured individuals. These changes aim to streamline processes, ensure timely wage compensation, and provide better healthcare access for specific groups.

  • Sick Leave Approval: The right to temporary incapacity for work will now be determined for up to 30 days by the chosen doctor. Beyond this period, the first instance medical commission of the RFZO will take over. This change ensures that employees have a clear and consistent process for obtaining sick leave, reducing the burden on both employees and employers.
  • Wage Compensation During Temporary Incapacity: The calculation of wage compensation will now be handled by the RFZO instead of the employer, ensuring more efficient and timely payments. This change aims to reduce delays and errors in wage compensation, providing financial stability for employees during periods of illness.
  • Healthcare for Combatants: Insured individuals with combatant status will now have unconditional access to healthcare and related transportation costs, regardless of the regularity of contribution payments. This change recognises the unique needs of combatants and ensures they receive the necessary healthcare support without bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Employee Medical Examinations: Employers are now required to arrange pre-employment and on-the-job medical examinations for high-risk jobs and night workers. Regular medical check-ups are also mandated. This change aims to improve workplace safety and health by ensuring that employees in high-risk roles are medically fit for their duties.
  • Accident and Occupational Disease Insurance: Employers must insure employees against accidents, work-related injuries, and occupational diseases. This includes coverage during work hours, commutes, and business trips. This change provides comprehensive protection for employees, ensuring they are covered in various scenarios that could impact their health and wellbeing.
  • New Tax-Free Income Threshold: Following the implementation of a new tax-free threshold in January 2024 which increased the tax-free salary amount from 21,712.00 RSD to 25,000.00 RSD, providing more take-home pay for employees, the Minister of Finance, Sinisa Mali has recently announced another increase in tax-free earning amounts for 2025.  As of 1 January 2025, it is proposed the non-taxable amount of salary will increase from 25,000 RSD to 28,423 RSD. As of February 2025, the amount of premium that is non-taxable if the employer contracts Voluntary Health Insurance and Pension, separately or together stands at 8,101 RSD. An example of the calculation of wages for 2025 is outlined in the table below:
Calculation of Changes in Tax-Free Salaries in 2025
  • Inflation and Its Impact on Health Treatment Costs: Consumer prices in January 2024 increased by 6.4% compared to the same month of the previous year, with medical services rising by 20.8%. This significant increase in healthcare costs highlights the importance of comprehensive health insurance coverage to mitigate the financial impact on individuals.

These changes are designed to enhance the overall health and well-being of employees, ensuring they receive the necessary support and care. For more information or any questions, please contact our team.

Ranka Barjaktarević 

Advisor to the General Manager for Voluntary Health Insurance

T +381 60 0254 821

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