Romania Health Insurance

Located on the Black Sea and surrounded by Bulgari, Serbia, Hungary and Ukraine, Romania is slowly accomplishing its goals of bringing the country and its 21 million inhabitant's lives up to developed nation's standards. A major step in this direction, and affirmation of its efforts, was induction into the European Union (EU) in 2007. With a slow, but steadily growing economy and marked improvements in human rights, education, income, and public health, the world is watching and hoping that this beautiful country can accomplish all of its goals in the near future. Romania has not been immune to the economic woes which engulfed the entire world starting in 2008, and reduction in exports and tourism have had a negative impact on the country in general, forcing the government to address some of its long-ignored financial problems in an attempt to improve financial stability.

Romania Healthcare and Medical Insurance

Like many former Communist Bloc countries, Romania's healthcare system in the 1990's was characterized by a large yet poorly staffed, maintained and managed network of clinics and hospitals which were failing to meet the needs of the populace. While drastic restructuring actions and allowance of privatization has improved the state of Romania's healthcare offerings and services, it continues to be limited as a result of poor funding, low wages for healthcare professionals, ever-changing regulations, and some counterproductive habits of the patients such as bribing physicians in hopes of preferential care.

Doctors in general are very well trained thanks to rigorous testing and hands-on experience that is part of the curriculum for medical schools in Romania, but due to the typically low wages that await them upon graduation, many move abroad to other parts of Europe in search of jobs which may pay as much as ten times the amount they would earn at home. Thus, shortages in skilled staff are a constant problem and overworking of doctors and nurses is a common complaint. Currently there are 19 physicians per 10,000 Romanians, slightly lower than the European average.

Despite the low average wage, health indicators are on par for the region. Average life expectancy is 74 years, almost universal rates of child immunization have been achieved, child mortality is low, basic education levels are high, and communicable diseases are well contained. Major health risks facing the average Romanian today are primarily hereditary or a result of lifestyle, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and health complications as a result of alcohol and tobacco abuse. Drug abuse is also on the rise and a growing concern for many.

Presently there are around 450 hospitals offering treatment to the public. As defined by the Romanian Ministry of Health, no facility may carry the moniker of “hospital” unless it offers at least one surgical suite or one trauma facility capable of handling common emergencies. Thus some quite small facilities may qualify, though care will be limited there. While standards of care are not on par with western European and North American countries, urban centers all offer public and private treatment centers that will be able to handle just about any emergency that arises. The vast majority of specialty care is available as well, though perhaps not available through as many outlets as more affluent nations have. All specialist care in the public healthcare system requires prior referral from a general practitioner. All specialist care in the public healthcare system requires prior referral from a general practitioner. Rural areas are typically served by a clinic with referral to a hospital by their general practitioner.

Some common complaints of expatriates and tourists how have used the public Romanian healthcare system are due to sub-standard hygiene, poor bedside manner, overcrowding, occasional long wait times and in some cases being required to provide your own basic medical supplies for some procedures which must be purchase at a pharmacy beforehand.

Interestingly, Romania is home to some of the oldest still-operational hospitals in Europe, a few dating back to the early 18th century. While quite old, many have been thoroughly modernized, such as the Coltea Hospital in Bucharest which originally opened in 1704 and now offers all departments typical of a secondary care facility. Other facilities, both old and new, administer necessary care to the public, and a growing trend among private outlets is elective treatments, including dental and augmentation procedures. Due to the cost of almost all care being comparatively lower than most of Europe, medical tourism is starting to take hold in Romania as a viable industry, primarily through private hospitals and clinics which have are considered more patient oriented and have more comfortable accommodations.

An announcement in November 2011 by the president has stated that due to rising concerns regarding abuse of the healthcare system by residents, and the growing threat that the government will soon not be able to subsidize care due to financial constraints, efforts will be made to see all public hospitals privatized in the near future. No set date for full transition has yet been announced, but the goal is for all care to be offered through what will essentially be non-profit privately managed hospitals that will honor the current nationalized Romania health insurance scheme.

Romania Health Insurance Information

Also stated in November 2011, plans for drastic changes due to historically poor financing of the Romanian social health insurance scheme were announced which include transitioning from an almost wholly publicly funded system to a privatized affair managed by a contracted health insurance agency that will be regulated by the government. How and when the changes will be instituted are yet to be finalized, though the new public/private partnership will remain compulsory. To date, proposals are being met with opposition by some as the plan is intended to raise cost for coverage and increase co-payments for access to care in order to limit abuse and reduce the state's fiscal responsibility.

Currently, Romanian medical insurance is made up of two parts: a government backed public system which requires contribution from all residents over the age of 18 with an income of more than 650 Romania Leu (about 150€) per month and guarantees free access to public healthcare facilities, or elective purchase of private health insurance from a third party coverage provider which grants access to private clinics and hospitals. Private insurance is paid for entirely by the purchaser, and coverage varies depending on plan selected, government subsidized public insurance is paid for through taxation, roughly 11 percent of income split between the employer and employee, and provides immunization, health screenings, surgery, and doctors visits at or nearly free of charge while prescriptions require co-pay ranging from 10 to 50 percent of cost.

As required by the EU, all EU citizens are entitled to necessary care while in the country at their resident country's reciprocal rate, though some may need to pay in full for services rendered and request reimbursement upon return home. All EU citizens are also guaranteed emergency care free of charge, but this is limited to stabilization to the point considered safe for travel, and all non-EU citizens are excluded from the arrangement. Anyone not covered by an EU healthcare plan will be expected to pay out of pocket for all treatment unless covered by a private Romania health insurance plan.

Romania Travel Insurance Concerns

With a low per-capita income by EU standards of only about US$7,500 for 2010, Romania is considered a budget traveler's dream, featuring centuries-old architecture, art and cultural exhibits, beaches and resorts, untouched forests and rugged mountains. Meanwhile, Romania is known as a country of contrast, with traditional ways of life still very evident in rural areas yet major urban centers such as the capitol city, Bucharest, are ultra-modern.

Health risks are not significant for most tourists, traveler's, or expats, but you should be aware of the danger of tick-borne encephalitis in wilderness areas. When hiking or camping in these areas, always wear long pants and insect repellant to reduce risk of infection. Other common ailments are less severe, including sunburn, dehydration and traveler's diarrhea which can be easily treated with over the counter medications and drinking plenty of fluids. Sanitary sewer connection is nearly universal, and tap water is considered to be potable, though anyone experiencing stomach discomfort may prefer bottled as long as symptoms persist.

Romania Expat Medical Insurance

Romania has made vast improvement in its standard of living over the last two decades, but that does not mean that you should put your own or your family's health in any danger by relying on the local care available if you have any doubts as to its capability. Further, given the potential for change in healthcare services and insurance in the near future, it is a smart choice to ensure that you will remain adequately covered from a private provider regardless of governmental decisions. Expat Medical Insurance offers you just that, by creating a tailor-made Romania Health Insurance Package that provides the protection you require. Our advisers are available anytime to answer any questions you may have, at no charge. Call us today for a free price quote and consultation.