Can I change my GP?
Yes — and you need explain your reasons to no one. General outpatient care is provided under an agreement on the provision of health care, concluded in writing and for at least six months. Once those 6 months have passed you may withdraw from it at any time — in writing and without giving a reason. When the change actually takes effect: your relationship with the new doctor begins on the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the withdrawal was delivered. You do not carry your file across: the old doctor must hand over the medical records — the original or a duplicate — within seven days of the new doctor requesting them.
📋 The rules
- The agreement is in writing, for at least 6 months
- After 6 months you may withdraw with no reason
- The withdrawal must be in writing
- The new relationship starts on the 1st of the next month
- The old doctor hands over records within 7 days
🔓 Exceptions
- It is the new doctor who requests the records, not the patient
- If a doctor ceases practice, the insurer will help you find a replacement
- A doctor may refuse the agreement if their list is full
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The commonest mistake is doing it in the wrong order. People cancel with the old doctor first and only then look for a new one — and discover that lists are full. Do it the other way round: first arrange the new doctor, then submit the written withdrawal. A doctor is not obliged to take you if their patient list is full — the law permits that. You do not carry your file yourself: the new doctor requests the records and the old one must hand them over within seven days. And allow for the month's lag: the relationship with the new doctor begins only on the first day of the month after the withdrawal is delivered, not straight away.
📎 Official sources
- slovensko.sk · Changing your GP →
- Slov-Lex · Health Care Act (576/2004) →
- Health Care Surveillance Authority →
❓ Frequently asked
How often can I change doctor?
As a rule every six months. The agreement on the provision of health care is concluded for at least six months, and only once those have elapsed may you withdraw from it at any time.
Must I give a reason?
No. After six months you may withdraw from the agreement in writing and without giving any reason. The doctor cannot prevent it, nor require an explanation from you.
When does the change take effect?
The relationship with the new doctor begins on the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the withdrawal was delivered. So expect a lag rather than an immediate switch.
Who moves my records?
The new doctor requests them and the old one must hand them over — the original or a duplicate — within seven days of the request. The patient need not, and should not, carry them personally.
Can a new doctor refuse me?
Yes, if their list is full. That is why it is sensible to arrange the new doctor first and only then submit the withdrawal to the old one — rather than the other way round, as many people do.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
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