With relatively limited public funds available for this purpose, the level of health care in Slovenia is entirely comparable with the level of health care in the advanced countries of Europe.

In Slovenia the system of health insurance is divided into compulsory health insurance, voluntary health insurance for additional coverage, and insurance for services that are not a constituent part of compulsory insurance.

Primary health care services are organised locally, such that they are equally accessible to all people without discrimination.

Everyone must be assured continuously accessible urgent medical attention and emergency services.

Compulsory health insurance is mandatory for all citizens with permanent residence in Slovenia, whereby everyone is bound to pay contributions under the solidarity principle.

Compulsory insurance does not, however, ensure the coverage of all costs that arise in treatment. Complete coverage of costs is provided only for children, schoolchildren and for certain illnesses and conditions.

For the provision of voluntary health insurance, in 1999 a new Mutual Health Insurance organisation (Vzajemna zdravstvena zavarovalnica) was established.

It is owned by its members – insured persons – and operates according to the principles of mutuality and non-profit status.

Voluntary health insurance can be offered by other insurance companies, provided that it is organised as long-term insurance, that they insure everybody, irrespective of their state of health, and that the insurance company makes no distinctions between those insured.