I cannot find a family doctor who takes new patients — who helps?
GP shortages are real in most of Europe, but you are entitled to primary care, and someone is responsible for finding it. Start with HZZO — izbor liječnika obiteljske medicine (072 112 112) — your health insurer or the public health service — which keeps the list of practices accepting patients and in many countries must assign you one if you cannot find one. Povjerenstvo za zaštitu prava pacijenata (županija) (zdravlje.gov.hr) is the official practice finder and advice line. If nothing works, Grad / općina — komunalno redarstvo (udruga-gradova.hr) has a duty to ensure care in the area and can intervene.
🗣️ What to say
"I live at [address] and have been unable to register with a family doctor: [practices] have refused because they are full. I ask you to assign me a practice or to tell me which practices in my area are obliged to accept me."
🪜 Step by step
- Use the official finderPovjerenstvo za zaštitu prava pacijenata (županija) lists practices with open lists; call in the morning, ask to be put on the waiting list.
- Ask the insurer: HZZO — izbor liječnika obiteljske medicineMany insurers must find you a doctor within a set distance or time; put the request in writing.
- Urgent care meanwhileOut-of-hours services and walk-in clinics do not require registration; pharmacies handle minor issues.
- Municipality: Grad / općina — komunalno redarstvoLocal authorities that fund practices can lean on them; a written request often works.
- Register the day a spot opensBring ID, insurance card and, if you have it, your previous records.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
I am new to the country and not yet insured
Emergency care is always given. Register with the insurer first — the insurance card is what practices ask for.
Can a practice refuse me?
Only for capacity reasons, not because of your condition or origin. A refusal for another reason is a complaint to Grad / općina — komunalno redarstvo or the equality body.
Can I see a specialist without a GP?
In most countries a referral is needed for reimbursement; the insurer explains the exceptions (eye, dental, gynaecology).
📎 Sources
- HZZO — izbor liječnika obiteljske medicine →
- Povjerenstvo za zaštitu prava pacijenata (županija) →
- Grad / općina — komunalno redarstvo →
- Pučki pravobranitelj →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “find gp accepting new patients Croatia”
- “no family doctor what to do”
- “register with doctor Croatia”
- “health insurer assign doctor”
- “doctor shortage who to contact”
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