Emergency Services
Emergency contacts, medical services, and important safety information for expats in Montenegro.
Overview
Knowing how to access emergency services and essential safety information is paramount for any expatriate. While Montenegro is generally a safe country, being prepared for unexpected situations can provide invaluable peace of mind. This page provides critical contact numbers, outlines medical services, and offers general safety tips to help you in an emergency.
Emergency Numbers
- 112: General Emergency Number (police, fire, ambulance). Operators should assist in English.
- 122: Police (Policija) – for non-life-threatening police assistance or reporting a crime.
- 123: Fire Department (Vatrogasci) – for fire-related emergencies.
- 124: Ambulance / Emergency Medical Aid (Hitna medicinska pomoć) – for medical emergencies.
Medical Services
- Public Healthcare: Montenegro has a public system (Fond za zdravstveno osiguranje Crne Gore, FZO). If formally employed and paying social contributions, you are generally covered. Access to public hospitals and health centers is available, but language barriers and waiting times may exist.
- Private Medical Clinics: Offer higher standards, shorter waits, and often English-speaking staff. Preferred by many expats with private insurance. Services range from general practice to specialized care.
- Finding Clinics: Ask in expat groups, check your insurance provider's network, or search online for "private clinic Montenegro" or "[City Name] private doctor English".
- Pharmacies (Apoteka): Widely available. Some cities have 24-hour pharmacies (dežurna apoteka). Many medications are available over-the-counter, but always consult a pharmacist.
- Dental Care: Public and private dental clinics are available. Private dentists often offer modern facilities at affordable rates.
- Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate public or private insurance to cover medical costs.
- Medical Translation: For serious issues, bring a Montenegrin-speaking friend or use a medical interpreter.
- Emergency Rooms: For severe emergencies, go directly to the nearest hospital's emergency room (Hitna pomoć).
Safety Tips & General Advice
- Crime Rate: Generally low, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) can occur in tourist areas.
- Be Aware: Stay vigilant in crowded places and tourist sites. Secure valuables and use hotel safes.
- Road Safety: Roads can be winding and narrow. Be cautious of local driving habits. Pedestrian crossings may not always be observed. Do not drink and drive.
- Natural Hazards: Earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding can occur. Know basic safety procedures and heed official warnings.
- Scams: Rare, but use reputable services and be wary of common tourist scams.
- Local Laws & Culture: Respect customs (see our Cultural Integration page). Drug laws are strict and penalties severe.
- Useful Contacts: Register with your embassy/consulate and keep their contact details handy. Build a network of trusted local friends or colleagues.
Official Resources
Disclaimer: This page provides general guidance. Emergency services, contact numbers, and procedures can change. Always verify information with official sources and keep emergency contacts updated.