Safe on Krk: a guide to health & emergencies
A carefree holiday also means knowing the reality on the ground. Medical care on Krk Island is designed for everyday ailments and first aid, but it has clear limits. In serious emergencies or for complex procedures, patients are usually referred straight to the large University Hospital in nearby Rijeka (mainland). So you know straight away what to do in an emergency, we’ve put the most important contacts together clearly here.
Important emergency contacts
Emergency & doctors
Locations of pharmacies, health centres (first aid) and dentists on the island. In life-threatening emergencies dial 194 immediately (transport to Rijeka).
Vets & found animals
All the island’s vets for heat or saltwater emergencies with your dog.
Poisoning & animal bites
Rare, but important: how to react correctly to scorpions, snakes or unfortunate encounters with nature. Including the contact for the Poison Control Centre.
The reality of medical care on Krk
Medical care on Krk Island focuses mainly on basic first aid for things like colds, small cuts or earache. At the health centres (Dom Zdravlja) in Krk town German or English is often spoken. Good to know: The island has no fully equipped hospital. With fractures, serious accidents or complex illnesses, patients are stabilised and transported to Rijeka on the mainland without delay.
Dogs and wild animals on holiday
First aid is also available for dogs on the island. Do make sure to protect them from the heat, though, as vets are often heavily overloaded in summer. If you suspect contact with venomous animals, the national health network steps in – the Poison Control Centre in Croatia advises you and the local doctors quickly and professionally on what to do next.
Latest news: Krk Health Centre
The island’s medical infrastructure is constantly changing. Find out here about the latest challenges and planned investments around the health centre (Dom Zdravlja) on Krk:
- Why the Sea on Krk Is Your Best Doctor – 6 Wonderful Healing Effects
Salty air, mineral-rich water and endless horizons: discover 6 ways the Adriatic Sea on Krk soothes body and mind – from stress to skin problems. - After the outcry: over €2 million for Krk Health Centre
After the cry for help comes action: over €2 million is flowing into Krk Health Centre. New X-ray machines, supplies and a training centre will modernise healthcare on the island. Read now!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
No, Krk Island does not have a conventional, fully equipped hospital. There are health centres (Dom Zdravlja) for first aid. In case of serious injuries, fractures or severe illness, patients are transferred to the large University Hospital in Rijeka on the mainland, about 30 km away.
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 194 immediately (ambulance service). For minor complaints, visit a local Dom Zdravlja or a tourist doctor. Additional travel health insurance is strongly recommended to cover any private treatment or even medical repatriation.
In this case please do NOT call tourist portals like Krk-Info. Contact local animal welfare associations (Udruga za zaštitu životinja), the local vets or the veterinary office. In some cases the police can also notify the relevant municipal services.
Encounters with venomous snakes or scorpions are extremely rare, as they are very shy. A scorpion sting in Croatia is often more harmless than you’d think. Should a bite occur nonetheless, stay calm, don’t cool the spot with ice, and go straight to the nearest doctor or emergency department, who will have antidotes on hand if in doubt.
