Public and Private Healthcare in Slovenia in Relation to Choice and Accessibility of Services

Background: Slovenian Healthcare System And The Process Of Privatisation

In Slovenia, we can historically trace the beginnings of social insurance back to the end of the 19th century, when it was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The first health insurance to cover the illnesses of workers was established in 1858, and compulsory insurance to cover injury was added in 1887. Regarding more recent times, in the 1970s, legal developments brought about equal insurance for the entire population (Albreht et al., 2009). On the other hand, Slovenia had a long history with private practice as well. According to Albreht and Klazinga (2009), it existed from the beginning of the organised medical profession in the 19th century and remained a key provider until the development of primary healthcare centres that were established between the world wars. Not long after World War 2, private practice was abolished. However, some services remained on the ‘grey market’ (Albreht & Klazinga, 2009).