Lost Health Booklet or Medical Documentation - What to Do in BiH

Lost Health Booklet - Serious But Solvable

A health booklet (zdravstvena legitimacija) is a document that gives you access to healthcare in BiH. Without it, many doctors and institutions can refuse service or require out-of-pocket payment. However, replacement is not complicated if you know the procedure.

Immediately After Loss - Check and Report

• Search your bag, jacket, and car - a health booklet is often lost within these spaces
• Report the loss on Nadjime.ba - someone may have found your booklet and posted a found listing
• If you lost it with a bag containing other documents - report to the police too

Replacing the Health Booklet in the Federation of BiH

In the Federation of BiH the health booklet is issued by the Health Insurance and Reinsurance Institute of FBiH or the cantonal health institute according to your canton. Steps:

1. Visit the relevant health institute according to your municipality of residence
2. Bring your ID card and fill out a replacement request form
3. Settle any outstanding health insurance debts if any exist
4. A new booklet is usually issued the same day or within a few days

Replacing the Health Booklet in Republika Srpska

In Republika Srpska the procedure goes through the RS Health Insurance Fund. Steps:

1. Visit the Fund branch according to your municipality
2. Bring your ID card
3. Fill out a request form and pay the administrative fee (amount changes - check current)
4. A new booklet is usually ready the same day

Lost Medical Documentation - Older Findings and Discharge Letters

Losing medical test results, x-rays, or hospital discharge letters is especially stressful. Here is what you can do:

• Contact the doctor who gave the result - the practice usually keeps a copy in the patient file
• Contact the hospital or clinic - the institution is obliged to keep patient medical documentation for a certain number of years
• Request a copy from the archive - with payment of an administrative fee, a duplicate of most documents can be obtained
• Digitize future documentation - photograph all test results and store in a secure cloud

Digital Health Booklet - The Future Is Now

BiH is gradually introducing digitalization of health data. Some municipalities and cantons already offer digital versions of certain health documents. Follow announcements from relevant institutions about the availability of this option in your area.

Preventive Measures

• Photograph your health booklet and store in the cloud
• Make copies of all important medical test results immediately upon receiving them
• Store medical documentation separately from your wallet and other documents
• Talk to your doctor about the digital record of your patient file

Losing a health booklet does not have to be a drama. With the right procedure and quick reaction, replacement is fast and efficient. And if you have dropped it somewhere, Nadjime.ba is there for you.