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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Kosovo | Expat Exchange
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15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Kosovo

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 09, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Kosovo is generally lower than in the United States. Emergency services are available, but may be limited in some areas. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 112.

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How are healthcare services Kosovo?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kosovo, they replied:

"Kosovo offers a range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and emergency services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare in Kosovo is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Kosovo can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. They can also access private healthcare services, which are generally of a higher quality than the public system," remarked one expat in Kosovo.

What are medical services in Kosovo like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Kosovo, they replied:

"Kosovo has a public health system that provides basic medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of hospitals and clinics that offer a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. The quality of care varies from place to place, but overall, the medical services in Kosovo are adequate for most medical needs. The country also has a number of private medical facilities that offer more specialized services. In addition, there are a number of international organizations that provide medical assistance to those in need," commented one expat who moved to Kosovo.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Kosovo?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Kosovo can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is available, but it is limited and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the cost of medical services in Kosovo can be high, and many people may not be able to afford the necessary treatments," commented one expat living in Kosovo.

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What are emergency services like in Kosovo?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Kosovo wrote:

"Emergency services in Kosovo are provided by the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). In the event of an emergency, the public can call the KSF's emergency number, 112, to request an ambulance. The KSF will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene of the emergency. Ambulance services are free of charge and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," wrote one expat.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"The capital city of Pristina is home to a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics. Other cities in Kosovo such as Prizren, Gjakova, and Mitrovica also have a good selection of medical specialists. In addition, the towns of Peja, Ferizaj, and Gjilan offer a variety of medical specialists, including those specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and dermatology," wrote one expat.

Are common prescription medications available in Kosovo?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Kosovo. Most pharmacies in Kosovo carry a wide range of medications, including those prescribed by doctors. Many of these medications are imported from other countries, such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, some medications are produced locally in Kosovo. It is important to note that some medications may not be available in Kosovo, so it is best to check with a local pharmacist before purchasing any medication," remarked one expat in Kosovo.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Kosovo?

"Kosovo has a public healthcare system that provides basic medical care to its citizens. The quality of medical care in Kosovo is generally considered to be good, with a range of medical facilities available, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The country has a number of highly trained medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, who are able to provide quality medical care. In addition, the government has invested in modern medical equipment and technology, which has improved the quality of medical care in the country," commented one expat who moved to Kosovo.

As a foreigner living in Kosovo, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Kosovo, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Kosovo is generally of a good standard, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is free for all citizens and registered foreign residents, and is funded by the government. The public healthcare system is made up of a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers, providing a range of services from primary care to specialist care. The quality of care varies from place to place, but overall the public healthcare system is considered to be of a good standard," said one expat living in Kosovo.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Kosovo if they have access to public healthcare in Kosovo. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Kosovo. Many healthcare facilities have had to reduce their services due to the lack of resources and staff, and the government has had to implement strict measures to contain the spread of the virus. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system has been able to provide essential services to those in need. The government has also implemented a number of initiatives to support healthcare workers, such as providing additional protective equipment and financial support. In addition, the government has been working to ensure that the healthcare system is able to respond to the pandemic in a timely and effective manner," remarked one expat living in Kosovo.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Kosovo?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Kosovo about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the healthcare system in Kosovo 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 Kosovo. It is also a good idea to connect with other expat parents who have had babies in Kosovo to get advice and support. Finally, make sure to take time to relax and enjoy the experience of having a baby in a new country," said one expat in Kosovo.

Are healthcare services good in Kosovo?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Kosovo. They wrote:

"Kosovo has a public healthcare system that provides free healthcare services to all citizens. The healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is supplemented by private healthcare providers. Primary healthcare services are provided by family doctors, while specialized services are provided by hospitals and clinics. The healthcare system in Kosovo is facing challenges due to a lack of resources and personnel, as well as a lack of access to specialized services in rural areas. Despite these challenges, the government is working to improve the quality of healthcare services in the country," said one expat in Kosovo.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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