In Croatia, systematic health check-ups for children and adolescents are part of primary healthcare and are fully covered by basic health insurance. Parents do not need to pay for these examinations when conducted by their chosen paediatrician or family doctor. These check-ups fall under preventive medicine and are aimed at early disease detection.
The main goals of a routine check-up are to monitor a child's growth and development, prevent illnesses, identify potential health risks, and enable early diagnosis and treatment. During the check-up, parents can also receive advice on improving their child's emotional and intellectual development. This is a great opportunity to ask the paediatrician any questions or address any concerns about the child's growth, development, or overall health. Routine check-ups are often combined with vaccinations or used to schedule upcoming immunizations according to the national vaccination calendar.
For children without major health concerns who are developing normally, routine check-ups are scheduled according to the Plan and Program of Health Protection Measures (currently valid until 2026). At present, check-ups are conducted at 18 months, three years, and five years of age, after which preventive care is transferred to school medicine.
The specific procedures performed during routine check-ups vary depending on the child's age but generally include:
- measuring height, weight, and calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)
- measuring blood pressure
- vision assessment, including screening for colour blindness
- hearing assessment
- screening for scoliosis (spinal curvature, forward-bending test)
- screening for goitre (enlarged thyroid)
- assessment of sexual maturity (using Tanner staging)
- auscultation of the heart and lungs
- evaluating behaviour, socialization, and adaptation (if the child attends kindergarten)
- assessing mental health.
During the check-up, the paediatrician will also ask about the child's (and family) dietary habits and lifestyle, as these factors can influence their physical and mental well-being. The doctor may provide recommendations and identify potential risk factors for disease development.
If any developmental concerns or health issues—such as vision or hearing impairments—are detected, the child will be referred for specialist examinations. Depending on the findings, follow-up monitoring, rehabilitation, additional therapy, or assistive devices may be recommended.
Children with chronic conditions (e.g. epilepsy, asthma, cerebral palsy, psychosis...) will have more frequent check-ups with their paediatrician, family doctor, specialists, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring continuous monitoring and support for their growth, development, and overall well-being.
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