Slovenia: health system review

Abstract

This analysis of the Slovene health system reviews recent developmentsin organization and governance, health financing, health care provision,health reforms and health system performance. The health of thepopulation has improved over the last few decades. While life expectancyfor both men and women is similar to EU averages, morbidity and mortalitydata show persistent disparities between regions, and mortality from externalcauses is particularly high. Satisfaction with health care delivery is high, butrecently waiting times for some outpatient specialist services have increased.Greater focus on preventive measures is also needed as well as better carecoordination, particularly for those with chronic conditions. Despite havingrelatively high levels of co-payments for many services covered by the universalcompulsory health insurance system, these expenses are counterbalanced byvoluntary health insurance, which covers 95% of the population liable forco-payments. However, Slovenia is somewhat unique among social healthinsurance countries in that it relies almost exclusively on payroll contributionsto fund its compulsory health insurance system. This makes health sectorrevenues very susceptible to economic and labour market fluctuations. A futurechallenge will be to diversify the resource base for health system funding andthus bolster sustainability in the longer term, while preserving service deliveryand quality of care. Given changing demographics and morbidity patterns,further challenges include restructuring the funding and provision of long-termcare and enhancing health system efficiency through reform of purchasing andprovider-payment systems.