Macedonia Health Insurance

The Republic of Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia and became a democratic republic in 1991 thus shaking off nearly a century of fascist and communist rule and starting down a long path of national reform for its over two million citizens.

Small, landlocked, and often limited in trade due to political turmoil in surrounding Balkan states and cultural heritage disagreements with neighboring Greece, Macedonia has had to be very resourceful and occasionally adopt some bold strategies to bring its social systems up to the point where they stand today. While still not perfect, most social and political systems function far better than nations with a comparable GDP and, despite a low per-capita income of about US$9,000, approximately one-third the average of most European Union (EU) Nations.

Macedonia has implemented a comprehensive healthcare system to better care for the needs of its people and has set its sights on admittance into the EU in the near future. Already hailed as one of 'most reformed states' in the world by the World Bank, Macedonia wants to continue its economic growth and improvements in the lives of its people and is attracting foreign investors by offering strong incentives via low taxation. Further efforts need to be made to reduce unemployment, corruption, and black and gray-market trade to better regulate industry, but most are optimistic. Therefore, Macedonia is best described as a country in transition.

Macedonia Health Insurance and the Healthcare System

The healthcare system in Macedonia has seen great strides forward in terms of available services, specialty offerings, ease of access, technology and equipment in use, and improved hygiene in recent years. The Macedonian Ministry of Health is overseeing rehabilitation of several hospitals and clinics left over from the communist era and is now proudly touting many as completely modernized and fully able to serve the general population with standards that are on par with North America and Western Europe. During 2011, over €100 million was invested by the state to refurbish hospitals around the country, including a sorely needed pediatrics specialty center, and even more cash has been earmarked for further improvements in the near future. In general, Macedonians have better than average health, along with a long life expectancy at about 75 years. Major health risks that now face the population are primarily disease related to external factors such as sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, alcohol abuse, along with cancer.

Currently all major cities offer adequate care for almost all common diseases and ailments, though rarely some cases do require transfer to Western Europe for treatment. The best care is available in the capitol city of Skopje, which has excellent public, private, and teaching hospitals available. Outlying areas typically offer care through clinics and poly-clinics with referral to larger facilities when necessary.

Locally available care includes advanced practices such as cardiac and neural surgery, conception assistance, limb lengthening, cancer research and treatment, and communicable and terminal illness research along with almost all basic medical procedures. Dental care is also very advanced and because wages for medical staff have historically remained lower than most European countries, prices for almost all services are comparatively lower than many other lands. For these reasons, medical tourism is blossoming in Macedonia and with the cooperation of the government and private investors it is hoped to continue, proving mutually beneficial for both foreign patients and Macedonia’s economy.

Doctors in general are well educated, and in fact Macedonia annually graduates a surplus of physicians. While some leave in search of higher wages outside the country, Macedonia's doctor ratio is still very high at about 26:10,000 patients, well above the WHO's recommended standard for provision of adequate medical care. Therefore, foreigners and expatriates should not be overly concerned regarding access to quality medical care.

Where many are reminded that Macedonia's healthcare system is still evolving is the difference in levels of comfort between public and private medical care. While public care is often administered by the same physicians who oversee most of the private practices and the hospitals are gradually being brought up to western standards, wards shared with three or four other patients is the norm. Likewise, wait times within the public system are frequently quite long and often need to be scheduled in advance if the patient's condition is not critical. Conversely, private treatment is typically very prompt, private or double occupancy wards are readily available, care is of very high standard, and facilities are much more modern since private medical practice was only legalized in 1991. The only separating factor is cost. All public care as of 2011 is subsidized for all citizens and permanent residents, however all patients, both residents and non-residents, must pay for any private treatments they choose to receive.

Macedonia Medical Insurance Information

Macedonia has a long history of offering government subsidized state-managed healthcare for the benefit of its public. Until recently, however there was a large gap coverage, as the rate of unemployment has been historically high, and only tax-paying wage earners making mandatory donations to the nationalized scheme and those deemed high-risk such as the very poor, terminally ill, pregnant, and homeless. Thanks to new legislation put into force as of 2011, compulsory coverage is now provided for all citizens and legal residents to cover the cost of basic medical care, hospitalization, and subsidized payment for prescription drugs whether the patient is contributing to the Health Insurance Fund or not. Additionally, everyone is provided free emergency care while in Macedonia, regardless of resident status. While the system seems bold and generous, time will tell how truly effective it proves to be, as the government has already admitted that it will prove extremely costly and critics claim that it is far too easy to abuse. For now however, the government has achieved one of its long term goals: universal Macedonia health insurance coverage for all.

For all non-residents, treatments aside from emergency care will be administered at the full cost of the patient from both public and private outlets. For this reason, all considering travel to Macedonia with the express intent of medical procedure should explore their options for private third-party Macedonia medical insurance to help offset the cost of needed care. Furthermore, short-term expatriates and travelers who may require medical attention beyond emergency treatment levels can consider international or vacationer's health insurance along with emergency evacuation or repatriation coverage to insulate themselves from the high cost frequently associated with emergency air transit. Finally, all private treatment, unless contracted with the government on an as-needed basis, remains the financial burden of the patient.

Macedonia Travel Insurance Information

Climate in Macedonia is very favorable for enjoying its architecture, arts, history, and beautiful and rugged mountains, valleys, lakes, and volcanic scenery. The south tends to be mediterranean with hot summers and cool mild winters, while the north is continental with milder summers and cold winters.

The national language is Macedonian with Albanian also common, however English is not widely spoken, especially outside of major urban areas. Most doctors and some medical staff speak English, though a translator may be needed in some cases.

Improved water sources and sanitary sewer connection is widely available in Macedonia, and water is commonly held as safe to drink, though some may experience upset stomach immediately after arrival, in this case bottled water is advised. Travelers diarrhea is common as well, due to changes in diet and over the counter medications usually remedy the situation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all persons planning travel to Macedonia ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date, and should may additional vaccines for tetanus and hepatitis A and B if planning an extended stay in the country. Further, anyone planning on activities such as hiking or camping in the back-country should take necessary precautions against tick-borne diseases such as encephalitis.

Violent crime against foreign travelers and tourists is rare, but petty crime remains a problem, particularly in city centers. Further, along the border of Kosovo, armed rebels and extremists have been apprehended recently and unnecessary travel to that area is not advised.

Expat Medical Insurance

As Macedonia continues to mature, standards of living will continue to get better for this young country. For now however, travelers and expatriates do well to make sure that nothing is left to chance when far from home. Expat Medical Insurance offers peace of mind when you are abroad, either short or long-term, by proving Macedonia Health Insurance and International Medical Insurance packages that provide access to the best medical care available around the globe. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable coverage for a tailor made package to suit your needs and the needs of your family.