15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Ukraine

"If you travel in Ukraine make sure you have real good international health insurance. I had a kidney stone attack and had to fly to New York for my surgery at the V.A. (Veterans Hospital) which the service is totally free. I am receiving 100% disability from the V.A. so all my medicals costs are paid by the V.A. including medicines," commented one expat who moved to Kiev.

"I don't know if I can give advice concerning medical centers as long as I need medical help not that often. Here I can share my experience in medical treatment in Kyiv or Kiev. For me it was necessary whether the clinic works with International insurance companies and in which way. I was suggested to pay myself and then make the reimbursement of the expenses. I was given all the necessary documents and didn't have any trouble with my insurance company," said one expat.

"Ukraine has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services. The country has a network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of treatments and procedures. Ukraine also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions. In addition, Ukraine has a number of private medical facilities that offer a range of services, including cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other medical treatments. Ukraine also has a number of pharmacies that provide medications and other medical supplies," wrote one expat.

"Pharmacies are everywhere in a city, on every corner. Which is great, but i suggest not to end up in a hospital. They stink. Literally as well," commented one expat who moved to Kiev.

"I was extremely surprised when the administrator at IMP clinic contacted the insurance company herself, and I didn't have to call and deal with it. I was suggested to pay myself and then make the reimbursement of the expenses. I was given all the necessary documents and didn't have any trouble with my insurance company. From my viewpoint any other public clinic will render such services," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Ukraine can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is free or low-cost, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private clinics. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to better quality care and more specialized services. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans for their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," remarked one expat in Ukraine.

"Emergency services in Ukraine are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the emergency number 112. This number is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will ask for the caller's location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene," wrote an expat living in Ukraine.

"I went to a clinic which serves Americans and Europeans, but I had to pay a lot of money for simple services. I don't remember my total cost of the MRI and other procedures. They found a 9mm kidney stone which was confirmed by the doctors at the V.A. hospital in New York," commented one expat living in Kiev, Ukraine.

"Ukraine is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, with some of the best selection located in the cities of Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. In Kyiv, the capital city, there is a large selection of medical specialists, ranging from general practitioners to specialists in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Lviv is also home to a wide range of medical specialists, including those specializing in orthopedics, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. Odesa is known for its selection of specialists in dermatology, urology, and ophthalmology. Additionally, many of the larger cities in Ukraine, such as Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia, also have a wide selection of medical specialists," wrote one expat.

"Yes, they are but I always take my own!! I never buy from a local pharmacy and usually buy a German prescription. I don't trust a Ukrainian pharmacy," said one expat.

"Most of medicine that I usually need I can buy without prescription at the pharmacy. But after visiting the doctor I was prescribed some pills and the doctor gave me the prescription for them. I can't say the medicine was very expensive," remarked one expat in Kiev.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Ukraine. Most pharmacies in Ukraine carry a wide range of medications, including those used to treat common illnesses and conditions. Many of these medications are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. In addition, some medications may be available in generic form, which can be more affordable than the brand-name versions," remarked one expat living in Ukraine.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Ukraine are generally of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, and the quality of care is comparable to that of other European countries. Ukraine also has a number of modern hospitals and clinics, equipped with the latest medical technology. In addition, the cost of medical care in Ukraine is generally lower than in other European countries," said one expat living in Ukraine.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Ukraine, you will have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals. The cost of care is usually quite affordable, and there are a variety of services available, including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care," commented one expat living in Ukraine.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Ukraine. Many hospitals have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has implemented a number of measures to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, including providing additional funding for medical personnel and equipment, as well as expanding access to telemedicine services. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Ukraine is still struggling to cope with the pandemic, and many people are still unable to access the care they need," said one expat.