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Expat Exchange - Insider's Guide to the Health System in Romania
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Costinesti, Romania


Insider's Guide to the Health System in Romania

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: Discover the realities of the healthcare system in Romania and how it may serve expats, digital nomads, retirees, and others who relocate or reside in the country.

The healthcare system in Romania is a mix of public and private healthcare, with both providing quality care. The public healthcare system is called the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAS) and is funded by taxes. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Romania, however, most expats primarily use private hospitals. Public hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, however, private hospitals are often preferred for more minor medical issues.

Romania's Public Healthcare System

Romania's public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is called the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAS). It provides access to medical care for all Romanian citizens and foreigners living in Romania. Public hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, however, private hospitals are often preferred for more minor medical issues.

Romania's Private Healthcare System

Romania's private healthcare system is funded by private health insurance companies and out-of-pocket payments. Private hospitals are often preferred for more minor medical issues, however, they are also recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, however, it is often of a higher quality.

Romania's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well known hospitals in Romania include:

  • University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest (public)
  • Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bucharest (public)
  • Clinical Hospital of Plastic Surgery in Bucharest (public)
  • Clinical Hospital of Cardiology in Cluj-Napoca (public)
  • Clinical Hospital of Pediatrics in Cluj-Napoca (public)
  • Clinical Hospital of Oncology in Iasi (public)
  • Clinical Hospital of Neurosurgery in Timisoara (public)
  • MedLife Hospital in Bucharest (private)
  • Regina Maria Hospital in Bucharest (private)
  • Medicover Hospital in Bucharest (private)
  • MedLife Hospital in Cluj-Napoca (private)
  • Regina Maria Hospital in Cluj-Napoca (private)
  • Medicover Hospital in Cluj-Napoca (private)

Health Insurance Companies in Romania

The most popular private health insurers in Romania are MedLife, Regina Maria, and Medicover. These companies provide private health insurance to Romanian citizens and foreigners living in Romania. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Romania: How to Navigate the Health System

"In Romania, medical services are generally of a high standard. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical facilities and services available. The country has a number of public and private hospitals, as well as a network of primary care clinics and specialist centers. The quality of care is generally good, with a focus on preventive medicine and health promotion. Romania also has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals," commented one member living in Romania.

"In Romania, healthcare services are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Romanian citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Romania is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and emergency services. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Romania can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats may also choose to use private healthcare services, which are generally more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care," commented one member living in Romania.

About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.


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