Romania Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Romania — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
Romania has a national health insurance system funded through payroll contributions. EU/EEA citizens with an EHIC can access public healthcare. Private clinics in Bucharest and major cities offer modern, affordable care.
System type: Universal public healthcare (CNAS) + growing private sector
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 112
Typical response time: 10-30 minutes in cities, longer in rural areas
Costs: Free with EHIC, otherwise €50-300+
Emergency care is free for all. Public hospital quality varies widely — Bucharest has the best facilities.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
EU citizens use EHIC; others pay out-of-pocket at private clinics
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics; days-weeks in public system
Typical cost: €20-50 private GP visit
Good in cities, limited in rural areas
Vaccines for travel
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tick-borne Encephalitis, Rabies (rural)
Tick-borne encephalitis risk in forested/rural areas. Rabies present in wildlife.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: depends
Public coverage for visitors: limited
EU/EEA citizens have free movement. Non-EU citizens follow Schengen visa rules.
Documents to prepare:
- EHIC (EU citizens)
- Travel insurance
- Passport
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: €20-50
Emergency care without insurance: €50-500+
Medication: Medications very affordable. Pharmacies well-stocked in cities. Some require prescriptions.
Pharmacies & medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, 24h pharmacies in major cities
Over the counter: Good range available
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions for controlled medications. Strict regulations on opioids.
Things that catch visitors out in Romania
- Public hospitals may appear dated but emergency care is competent
- Informal payments (tips) to doctors are culturally common in public system
- Private clinics offer excellent care at very affordable prices by Western standards
- Rural healthcare infrastructure can be very limited
Practical tips for travellers
- Use private clinics in Bucharest (MedLife, Regina Maria) for reliable English-speaking care
- EU citizens should carry EHIC card for public hospital access
- Informal payments are declining but still expected in some public hospitals
- Pharmacies (farmacii) are widespread and pharmacists often speak some English
- Mountain rescue: call 0-SALVAMONT (0725-826668) for hiking emergencies
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