15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Ukraine
Last updated on Oct 01, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Ukraine is generally considered to be lower than in the US. Emergency services are available, but the response time may be slower than in the US. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 103.
How are healthcare services Ukraine?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ukraine, they replied:
"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," said one expat living in Kiev.
"Healthcare services in Ukraine are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Ukraine. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Ukraine typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of a higher quality. However, some expats may choose to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private healthcare," mentioned one expat in Ukraine.
What are medical services in Ukraine like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ukraine, they replied:
"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," remarked one expat living in Kiev.
"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," said one expat living in Ukraine.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ukraine?
"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," commented one expat living in Kiev, Ukraine.
"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," wrote one expat.

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With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
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What are emergency services like in Ukraine?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Ukraine wrote:
"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," mentioned one expat in Ukraine.

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Usually I contact my insurance company and they advise me the clinic in that area. But anyway I look for it on the Internet and read the comments of the clients,," said one expat.
Are common prescription medications available in Ukraine?
"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," said one expat living in Kiev.
"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," mentioned one expat in Kiev.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities 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.
As a foreigner living in Ukraine, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"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," said one expat.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Ukraine if they have access to public healthcare in Ukraine. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"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," mentioned one expat in Ukraine.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ukraine?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Ukraine about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"It is important to research the healthcare system in Ukraine before having a baby there. Make sure to find a reliable doctor or midwife who speaks your language and is familiar with the local healthcare system. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms and expectations surrounding childbirth in Ukraine. It is also a good idea to have a support system in place, such as family or friends, to help you during the pregnancy and after the baby is born. Finally, make sure to take the necessary steps to ensure that your baby is registered with the local authorities and that you have all the necessary documents for your baby to be able to travel in and out of Ukraine," remarked one expat in Ukraine.
Are healthcare services good in Ukraine?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Ukraine. They wrote:
"I go to a lab each month for INR and cholesterol blood check for 6 to 7 dollars, they e-mail me results with all the norms included for comparison. Lab is much cleaner and more professionally run than the lab I went to in Canada. A doctor visit here may be 10.00 US," said one expat in Kharkov.
"Ukraine has a public healthcare system that provides free medical services to its citizens. The quality of healthcare services in Ukraine varies depending on the region, with some areas having better access to medical facilities and resources than others. Ukraine has a network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. Ukraine also has a number of private healthcare providers that offer a variety of services, including medical check-ups, diagnostic tests, and treatments. In addition, Ukraine has a number of pharmacies that provide medications and other medical supplies," remarked one in Ukraine.
"The medical services are good and easily accessible, but you have to pay. I had a problem with my eye earlier this year, was referred to a specialist eye clinic in the city on the same day. They conducted a thorough set of eye tests for 700 uah (£20) ! Medical insurance makes useful toilet paper and that's it, trust me - you still have to pay to get treatment, even the nurse will expect something, although for an expat it's relatively inexpensive," explained one expat.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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