Moldova Health Insurance

Formerly part of the USSR, Moldova has been an independent republic since 1991. The country borders Ukraine and Romania, and also contains the disputed territory of Transnistria east of the Dniester River. Moldova is a candidate for European Union membership and is currently a member of the UN, Council of Europe, WTO and OSCE. Moldovan culture is a blend of Latin and Slavic influences, and this is reflected in the art and cuisine of the region, which resembles that of Romania. Moldova’s per capita alcohol consumption is the highest in the world, at 18.2 litres annually.

Although Moldova’s spending on health care is relatively high as a proportion of GDP at 11.9 percent, this amounts to only USD341 annually due to the country’s poverty. Moldovan men can expect to live an average of only 65 years, although female life expectancy is significantly higher at 73 years. Widespread alcohol abuse has a negative influence on morbidity and mortality figures in Moldova. Moldova’s health care has experienced a decline since the break up of the Soviet Union. Most health care is provided by the state or via out of pocket spending. Moldova health insurance is limited. After being introduced in 2002, there has been a decline in the utilisation of private health insurance from 3.2 percent of private health care spending to 0.4 percent of private health care spending.

Moldova Health Insurance and Health Care Indicators

Tuberculosis is one of the biggest threats to health in Moldova and a number of drug resistant strains are now prevalent. Tuberculosis rates are more than quadruple the European regional average with 264 cases per 100,000 population in Moldova. However, communicable diseases make up a relatively limited proportion of morbidity and mortality in Moldova, at about 10 percent of total years of life lost, according to World Health Organization calculations, which compares favourably to a regional average of 11 percent. Most disease in Moldova stems from poor lifestyle choices including alcohol abuse and smoking, particularly among males.

Although the level of health care provided in Moldova is very poor, especially when compared with its neighbours in European Union member countries to the west, access to health care is universal and all births in the country are attended by at least one health care professional. The number of qualified Moldovan doctors, nurses and midwives is below the EU average, but with 26.7 doctors and 66.5 nurses per 10,000 population, the health care workforce is adequately staffed. However there are serious shortages of specialists, medications and other supplies, which limit the effectiveness of Moldovan health care. Furthermore, there has been a decline in access to clean water and sanitation since the fall of the Soviet Union, which contributes to the spread of communicable disease in the country. The WHO has partnered with the Moldovan Ministry of Health to set out a series of objectives for improving health care in the country. Priorities include: strengthening the health system, preventing communicable and non-communicable disease, and improving maternal, reproductive and environmental health. Due to the limitations of health care financing and limited use of Moldova local health insurance, implementation of the WHO agenda will require overseas aid.

Moldova Health Insurance for Expatriates and Tourists

As the poorest country in Europe, Moldova is generally unpopular for business travel or tourism, but adventurous travellers may be surprised by the quality and value of local wine and cuisine. In addition to tuberculosis, there are a number of health risks which visitors to Moldova should be aware of. There have been several cases of cancer and radiation illness allegedly linked to the 1986 meltdown in Chernobyl. Be sure to bring your own prescription drugs from your home country as the supply in Moldova is not secure and counterfeit drugs are not unknown. Bringing over the counter diarrhoea medicine is also a good precautionary measure. In the summer, tickborne encephalitis is very common in Moldova. Bring a strong insect repellent and limit exposed skin when hiking. Drinking bottled water is also recommended as tap water is not considered safe in Moldova.

As in most developed countries, traffic accidents are a major health problem in Moldova. The seriousness of this issue is exacerbated by widespread alcohol abuse (and drink driving) as well as the low quality of care in local hospitals. Foreigners (and wealthy Moldovans) requiring serious emergency care, surgery or terminal care will often need medical evacuation to Western Europe or their home country, which can be extremely costly and involve a lot of red tape. Due to the limitations of Moldova health insurance and the health care system overall, an international health insurance plan is strongly recommended for foreign visitors to the country.

Moldova Health Insurance & International Health Care Plans

Choosing an international health care plan can be very confusing, as there are countless options available in the market today. A reliable advisor such as Expat Medical Insurance can help you make sure you select the best plan for your family. Travelling overseas presents several challenges, but worrying about your health care coverage shouldn’t be one of them. The experienced representatives at Expat Medical Insurance are available around the clock to answer any question relating to your health care needs overseas, whether you’re in Moldova or anywhere else in the world. Don’t hesitate to call an Expat Medical Insurance advisor today for more information on the range of health insurance services available to you. With options for individuals, families, companies and tour groups, Expat Medical Insurance can help find the best plan for you.

With so many choices on today’s market for international health insurance, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to make the best decision for you and your family regarding health and medical insurance. Let Expat Medical Insurance and our team of dedicated professionals help you navigate the intricacies of shopping for international insurance. We provide assistance to individuals, families, groups, teachers and travelers and offer a variety of medical and health insurance plans that can be catered to meet specific needs. Our representatives are available around the clock to assist you with your St. Lucia health insurance needs so contact us for more information and to get started creating the best plan to fit your needs.