Managing Shingles in Istria

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in Istria

Online Consultations:

Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as shingles or related symptoms.

With Doctorsa you can connect with an English-speaking doctor via video call in just a few minutes, get medical advice and, if appropriate, receive an e-prescription that can be used at any pharmacy. No need to worry about office hours or holidays. Clear and upfront pricing: consultations start at €20, so tourists in Istria needing treatment for shingles can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.

Learn more about shingles treatment online.

Hospitals in Istria

For serious, potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate, specialized treatment, like breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or head injuries. Non-urgent visits use up resources needed for emergency patients. ERs are for serious, life-threatening issues. Going there for something like shingles adds to doctors’ workload and may take time away from those in critical need.

Important: The information provided here about hospitals is for general reference only. We recommend verifying current details, such as contact information, services, and hours of operation, before visiting. Please reach out directly to the hospital or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms in Istria

Opća bolnica Pula – Hitni prijem (Pula General Hospital)
Address: Santoriova 24A, 52100 Pula
Access: The emergency department is open 24/7. Ambulances use the trauma entrance, and walk-in patients enter through the emergency doors and undergo triage. In life-threatening situations, dial 112 or medical ambulance 194. No GP referral required; bring ID and insurance/EHIC documents.

Dom zdravlja Poreč – Hitna služba (Poreč Health Centre Emergency Service)
Address: Dr. Mauro Gioseffi 2, 52440 Poreč
Access: Offers 24/7 ambulance and walk-in emergency care. For urgent medical situations, dial 194 or 112. Patients are triaged on arrival; serious cases may be stabilized locally or transferred to Pula or another major hospital.

Zavod za hitnu medicinu Istarske županije – Ambulance Station Pula
Address: Zagrebačka ulica 30, 52100 Pula
Access: Operates statewide emergency ambulance services 24/7. Dial 194 for medical emergencies or 112 for general emergencies. Crews provide on-site first aid and transport patients to emergency departments in Pula, Poreč, or other regional hospitals as needed.

Walk-in clinics

Best for minor conditions needing same-day, in-person specialist attention—like X-rays for sprains or cuts that may need stitches, injections, advanced diagnostics, or other invasive procedures.

Pharmacies in Istria, Croatia

In Istria, pharmacies are called ljekarne. They are recognizable by a green cross or signage with the word “ljekarna” and can be found in all major towns and tourist areas. English-speaking service is widely available, especially in coastal and visitor-heavy locations.

Antibiotic Policy in Istria

In Istria, antibiotics are only available with a valid prescription. Pharmacists cannot dispense antibiotics over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.

Emergency Number in Istria, Croatia

In the Istria region, the national emergency number is 112. This number connects you to emergency services such as police, fire brigade, and ambulance, and should be used only in life-threatening situations.

Calls to 112 are free of charge and available 24/7 from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card. Operators are trained to respond in Croatian and English and will ensure that the appropriate emergency services are dispatched promptly.

Please remember: 112 is strictly for emergencies only. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical concerns, consider using a telehealth service like Doctorsa to speak with a licensed English-speaking doctor quickly and affordably.