ZagrebMed Turns Two: A Patient-Centered Revolution in Croatian Medical Tourism

When we first launched ZagrebMed two years ago, the idea was simple—but ambitious: to build a modern digital platform that unlocks the full potential of medical tourism in Zagreb and Croatia. Not as another listing site or aggregator, but as a curated, high-touch, patient-first ecosystem. What started as a bold initiative has become a trusted gateway to Croatian healthcare for thousands around the world.

Backed by the Croatian Ministry of Health, the City of Zagreb, the Croatian Chamber of Economy, and the Zagreb Tourist Board—and powered by strategic alliances with Croatia Airlines and Obzor Holidays—ZagrebMed wasn’t just built to showcase clinics. It was built to deliver peace of mind.

In the first year, we reached approximately 5,000 users per month. By year two, that number more than doubled—crossing 12,000 monthly users, surpassing 100,000 total users, and enabling over half a million euros’ worth of medical services. But beyond numbers, this growth tells a story of trust. Patients are no longer “just looking”—they are choosing, booking, flying, healing.

Medical tourism itself is not new to Croatia. In fact, we are among the pioneers in Europe—our spa and wellness traditions trace back to the 18th century. But for too long, the success of health travel here was driven by individual clinics and mostly centered around dental services. It was fragmented. It lacked a cohesive vision. ZagrebMed is changing that.

What makes the platform work is not technology—it’s how we use it. ZagrebMed is easy to navigate, transparent, and free of charge for patients. But the real secret sauce? Every patient gets a dedicated hospitality manager. Someone who listens, adapts, and takes care of the details—before, during, and after their medical journey. We are not a booking engine. We are an experience curator.

What I’ve learned from working with patients from all over the world is that trust is everything. It's never just about price. People seek clarity, honesty, and someone who genuinely cares about their journey. They want communication that is proactive, support that feels personal, and an experience that exceeds expectations. Regardless of where they come from, patients need to feel seen, heard, and respected. That’s not a strategy—it’s a standard. And it's the only way to truly build a lasting connection in health tourism.

And the industry has noticed. Last year, we signed our first insurance partnership with Merkur Insurance in Slovenia. Soon after, partnerships followed with Erste Bank in Croatia, Erste Bank in Austria, and Unicredit Bank in Austria. Corporate clients are seeing ZagrebMed not just as a patient platform—but as a healthcare ally. A tool that complements wellness programs, boosts employee satisfaction, and reduces sick days.

ZagrebMed was created to raise the standard. And now, two years in, we’re not just raising it—we’re resetting it.

This is only the beginning.