Understanding the Health System in Macedonia
Summary: Gain insight into the health care system in Macedonia. Explore its accessibility and limitations for expatriates, remote workers, retirees, and others who choose to live in Macedonia.
Macedonia has a public and private healthcare system, with both offering quality medical care. The public healthcare system is called the Health Insurance Fund of the Republic of Macedonia (HIFRM). Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Macedonia, although it is not used by many foreigners. Public hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, although the quality of care can vary. Public hospitals in Macedonia are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Macedonia's Private Healthcare System
Macedonia's private healthcare system is generally more expensive than the public system, but it is also of a higher quality. Expats primarily use private hospitals, as they are more likely to offer services in English and have more modern facilities. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are more likely to have the latest medical technology and experienced medical professionals. Private hospitals in Macedonia are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Macedonia's Top Hospitals
The following are some of the most well-known hospitals in Macedonia:
- University Clinic of Nephrology and Urology in Skopje (public hospital, located in Skopje)
- Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases in Skopje (public hospital, located in Skopje)
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Skopje (public hospital, located in Skopje)
- Clinic for Neurosurgery in Skopje (public hospital, located in Skopje)
- Clinic for Orthopedics and Traumatology in Skopje (public hospital, located in Skopje)
- Clinic for Plastic Surgery in Skopje (private hospital, located in Skopje)
- Clinic for Oncology in Skopje (public hospital, located in Skopje)
- Clinic for Ophthalmology in Skopje (private hospital, located in Skopje)
Health Insurance Companies in Macedonia
The most popular private health insurers in Macedonia are Euroins, Stopanska, and Zdravstvena Zastita. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Macedonia: How to Navigate the Health System
"Macedonia has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a range of medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and health centers, offering a variety of medical services including general practice, specialist care, and emergency services. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as those for cancer treatment, cardiology, and neurology. In addition, Macedonia has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a range of medications. The country also has a number of health insurance schemes, allowing citizens to access medical services at a reduced cost," commented one member living in Macedonia.
"Macedonia has a public healthcare system that provides basic healthcare services to its citizens. The quality of public healthcare in Macedonia is generally considered to be good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Macedonia can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. In addition, there are also private healthcare providers in Macedonia that offer more comprehensive services, although these are usually more expensive than the public system," commented one member living in Macedonia.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Macedonia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Macedonia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Macedonia
- Best Places to Live in Macedonia
- Real Estate in Macedonia
- Guide to Real Estate in Macedonia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Macedonia
- Cost of Living in Macedonia
- How to Rent a Home in Macedonia
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Macedonia
- 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Macedonia
- Getting a Driver's License in Macedonia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Macedonia 2024