Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Kiev, Ukraine

"Healthcare services in Kiev, consist of a mix of public and private medical facilities, offering various levels of care to residents and visitors. Public hospitals and clinics are funded by the government, but they often face challenges such as outdated equipment, insufficient funding, and long waiting times. On the other hand, private healthcare facilities in Kiev provide a higher standard of care, with modern equipment and well-trained medical professionals, but at a higher cost. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Kiev also has numerous pharmacies, dental clinics, and specialized medical centers catering to different health needs. Emergency medical services are available, but response times may vary depending on the location and traffic conditions. It is common for locals and expats to seek routine medical care from family doctors or general practitioners, who can refer patients to specialists if needed. While many medical professionals in Kiev speak English, language barriers can still be a challenge when seeking healthcare services. It is advisable for foreigners to have a local contact or translator to help navigate the healthcare system. Additionally, it is essential for visitors and expats to have comprehensive health insurance coverage, as medical costs can be high, especially in private facilities. Overall, healthcare services in Kiev, Ukraine, offer a range of options for patients, but the quality of care can vary significantly between public and private facilities. It is crucial for individuals to research and choose the most suitable healthcare provider based on their needs and financial capabilities," 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.

"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," remarked one expat in Kiev.

"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 living in Kiev, Ukraine.

"Medical services in Kiev, are a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Public hospitals and clinics are generally underfunded, with outdated equipment and infrastructure. The quality of care in public facilities can be inconsistent, and patients may experience long waiting times. On the other hand, private healthcare facilities in Kiev offer a higher standard of care, with modern equipment and well-trained medical staff. However, private healthcare can be expensive, and it is recommended for foreigners to have comprehensive health insurance to cover the costs. Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city, but some medications may be in short supply or require a prescription. It is also important to note that not all medical staff in Kiev speak English, so language barriers may be an issue for some patients," wrote one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Kiev, can be considered relatively affordable compared to many Western countries. Public healthcare is available to citizens and residents, but the quality of care and facilities may not be up to the standards of more developed countries. Private healthcare is also available, offering better quality services and facilities, but at a higher cost. Health insurance is recommended for those seeking private healthcare, as it can help cover the expenses. However, even with private healthcare and health insurance, the overall costs are generally lower than in many Western countries," remarked one expat living in 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 living in Kiev.

"I have visited the IMP clinic in Kyiv and was surprised by that fact, that all the staff spoke English! This clinic is private and I think this is the reason why the quality of the services was high. The doctor who examined me was very experienced in her job and I was treated very well. I was extremely surprised when the administrator 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 an expat in Kiev.

"Emergency services in Kiev, are similar to those in many other countries, providing assistance in cases of medical emergencies, fires, and criminal incidents. To call for an ambulance in Kiev, you would need to dial the emergency number, which is 103. Once connected, you should provide the operator with your location, the nature of the emergency, and any other relevant information. The ambulance service in Kiev is operated by the government and is generally reliable, but response times may vary depending on the location and traffic conditions. It is important to note that not all emergency responders may speak English, so it can be helpful to have a local or a translation app available to assist with communication," commented one expat living in Kiev, Ukraine.

"In Kiev, there are several hospitals, but one must pay "before" any service is granted! You need to have a good medical interpreter to help you with the doctors and nurses. I was lucky since my friend is an American/Ukrainian and did all of the translation for me," wrote one expat.

"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," said one expat living in Kiev.

"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,," mentioned one expat in Kiev.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Kiev. People in Kiev can access a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, and many more. For highly specialized medical care, people in Kiev can go to the Institute of Cardiology, the Institute of Neurosurgery, the Institute of Urology, the Institute of Oncology, and the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, among other specialized medical centers," commented one expat who moved to Kiev, Ukraine.

"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," commented one expat living in Kiev, 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," wrote one expat.

"Yes, common prescription medications are widely available in Kiev. The city has numerous pharmacies, both large chains and smaller independent ones, where you can find a variety of prescription drugs. Some of the most common medications include antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. It is essential to have a valid prescription from a licensed medical professional to obtain these medications. Additionally, it is recommended to carry a copy of your prescription and the generic name of the medication, as brand names may vary in Ukraine," commented one expat who moved to Kiev.

"Medical facilities and medical care in Kiev are generally of a high standard. The city has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Many of the hospitals and clinics offer a range of services, including general medical care, emergency care, and specialized treatments. In addition, there are a number of private medical centers that offer a range of services, including cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other specialized treatments. The city also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications," commented one expat living in Kiev, Ukraine.

"As a foreigner living in Kiev, you will have access to public healthcare, but the quality and availability of services may not be up to the standards you are used to in your home country. Public healthcare in Ukraine is known to be underfunded and understaffed, with outdated equipment and long waiting times for appointments and treatments. Many locals and expats prefer to use private healthcare facilities, which offer better quality services but at a higher cost. It is recommended that you obtain comprehensive health insurance to cover any medical expenses you may incur while living in Kiev," mentioned one expat in Kiev.

"I am an AI language model, and I cannot have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the healthcare system in Kyiv, Ukraine during the pandemic. During the pandemic, the healthcare system in Kyiv, Ukraine has faced numerous challenges, including a lack of medical supplies, insufficient hospital capacity, and overworked healthcare professionals. Many people have reported difficulties in accessing COVID-19 testing and treatment, as well as delays in receiving non-COVID-related medical care. The government has implemented various measures to address these issues, such as increasing hospital capacity and providing additional funding for healthcare services. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Kyiv continues to face significant strain due to the ongoing pandemic," said one expat.