Healthcare in Romania

Healthcare in Romania is universally free for those working there, but it may not be up to the standards that expats have come to expect in their home countries.

Some hospitals are better equipped than others. These are usually found in the larger cities. Hospitals in Bucharest, for example, tend to offer a decent standard of care, but supplies in small-town hospitals are limited.

Stressful conditions and low salaries mean that bribery remains an issue among some medical staff. Some patients still give gifts or money in exchange for better service, although anti-corruption efforts have been increasing. That said, this is less likely to occur in the private sector.

Health insurance in Romania

In order to be issued a visa, expats moving to Romania typically need to have private medical insurance. This should provide full coverage and allow patients to use private facilities.

As public facilities aren’t up to the standards of most Western countries, it is recommended that expats ensure that they are covered by a thorough private health insurance policy when moving to Romania. International health insurance companies are recommended, as they are experienced in expat healthcare matters and often offer the most appropriate coverage.

Public healthcare in Romania

Public medical care in the country is managed by the National Health Insurance House (NHIH), which provides free or subsidised care to all Romanian residents, including expats. Those working in Romania will have their public healthcare contributions automatically deducted from their salaries.

Many expats find that the standard of public healthcare in Romania is inadequate. Public medical facilities tend to be understaffed and have outdated equipment. Long waiting times to receive treatment are another common complaint.

During short visits, EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access public healthcare in Romania, provided it was issued in another EU country. UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit.

Useful links

• National Health Insurance House (CNAS)
• Ministry of Health Romania

Private healthcare in Romania

Private healthcare is an ever-expanding industry in Romania. Private hospitals are the best option for expats looking for world-class healthcare in Romania, while private clinics are a good option for less severe conditions. Private medical facilities are primarily concentrated in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Constanța, and Iași, and staff are typically well-trained and can generally speak English.

Payment procedures vary between private hospitals – some require upfront cash payment with later insurance reimbursement, while others work directly with international insurance providers.

For a list of private hospitals in the capital, see our guide to Healthcare and Hospitals in Bucharest.

Pharmacies and medication in Romania

Pharmacies are available throughout Romania. They can be found attached to some hospitals and should stock most medicines. Pharmacies in Romania are known as ‘farmacie’ in the local language and are identified by a green cross on a white background.

Most common over-the-counter and prescription medications are available in Romania, but if you prefer a specific brand, you should bring a supply with you, as generics may be the only option in Romania. It’s also important to be aware that certain medications available over the counter in some countries may be prescription-only in Romania, and vice versa. All antibiotics now require prescriptions as of 2024, and some pain relievers available in stronger doses OTC in other countries may require prescriptions in Romania.

Health hazards in Romania

Romania has some health considerations to be aware of. While tap water meets EU standards, many prefer bottled water due to taste and local infrastructure variations. The country has a high rate of tuberculosis (six times higher than the EU average), so avoid close contact with infected individuals. Sandflies are present and can carry leishmaniasis, although cases are rare. West Nile virus cases have been reported, transmitted by mosquitoes during warmer months.

Useful links

• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

Vaccinations in Romania

No specific vaccinations are required to enter Romania. All routine vaccinations, including MMR (mumps, measles, rubella), polio, shingles and tetanus, should be up to date before travelling to Romania. Additional recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is recommended if you plan extensive outdoor activities in rural or forested areas where ticks are present.

Useful links

• CDC: Romania
• NHS Fit for Travel: Romania

Emergency medical services in Romania

In an emergency, call the EU emergency line (112), which operates 24/7 with assistance in numerous languages. The service connects you to appropriate emergency responders, including ambulances, police, fire brigade, and the specialised emergency response unit SMURD.

Emergency response times can vary depending on the area in Romania. In some cases, and if possible, it might be faster to make your own way to medical treatment facilities. Romania has a fleet of medical aircraft for serious emergencies, and international insurance providers often provide lists of recommended hospitals for their members.