International Health Insurance for Expatriates in Romania

Romania, located in Eastern Europe, is an increasingly popular destination for expatriates thanks to its attractive cost of living, numerous career opportunities and pleasant living environment. 

The cost of living in Romania is lower than in many Western European countries and is attracting more and more expats who wish to improve their quality of life whilst taking advantage of a variety of economic opportunities. 

Whether you are moving abroad with your family or on your own, the question of health insurance remains a key issue. The majority of expats opt for international private health insurance, in addition to the public system. 

Drawing on the experiences of expats already living there, find out how to choose the right cover and understand the Romanian healthcare system! 

Everything you need to know about the healthcare system in Romania 

The healthcare system in Romania is based on a traditional universal scheme: 

• The government defines how public insurance operates, the benefits covered and the quality of care; 
• Local authorities implement the guidelines, and doctors and hospitals (public or accredited in the private sector) provide the reimbursed care. 

Health insurance is managed by the National Health Insurance Fund, abbreviated as CNAS (Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate). 

Who is eligible for health insurance? 

All expats are eligible for Romanian public health insurance provided they: 

• Reside legally in Romania (legal residents in Romania have access to both public and private healthcare services); 
• Be registered with the CNAS (for employees, registration is automatic); 
• Pay a monthly contribution equivalent to 10% of gross salary; 
• Have contributed for 6 months before cover becomes active. 

Note: children under 18 and students under 26 are exempt from contributions. 

What medical services are covered? 

The basic health insurance package covers: 

• Basic or specialist medical care; 
• Dental care; 
• Hospital care; 
• Prescription drugs; 
• Medical equipment and aids; 
• Home care and palliative care. 

Coverage ranges from 60% to 100% for adults, with some costs remaining the patient’s responsibility. 

Insured individuals can choose from several healthcare facilities and a wide range of care options tailored to their specific needs. 

Challenges of the Romanian healthcare system 

The Romanian healthcare system has long suffered from inefficient management, a problem highlighted by COVID-19. 

Public hospitals lack resources, and this underfunding leads to outdated equipment. The effect of chronic underfunding results in significant disparities in the quality of and access to care between urban and rural areas. Public hospitals in Romania are accessible to all, but they are often overcrowded and have limited resources. 

Healthcare expenditure in Romania accounts for a relatively small percentage of GDP, which has a direct impact on the modernisation of infrastructure and the integration of new medical technologies. Added to this is a shortage of medical staff, leading to overcrowded emergency services and medical deserts in several regions of the country. 

The quality of care varies by region. Even in major cities, there may be a disparity between the public and private sectors, both in terms of comfort and the speed of treatment. The cost of care is generally lower than in other parts of Europe, but the quality and speed of medical services can vary considerably between public and private facilities. Expatriates may therefore face significant waiting times and variable standards of care within the public sector. 

The benefit of international health insurance is that it addresses these limitations by providing supplementary cover to compensate for the shortcomings of the national system. 

The Minister of Health, Dr Alexandru Rogobete, has, however, announced several reforms for 2026, including budgetary stabilisation, hospital classification and the strengthening of outpatient services. 

The growth of the private healthcare sector 

Alongside the public sector, which currently remains deficient, private hospitals and clinics are experiencing significant growth. The vast majority of expats choose to seek treatment there. 

Private healthcare in Romania is available on a pay-as-you-go basis, with specialists often offering consultations in English. Many expatriates prefer private hospitals for the quality of care, modern equipment and quick access to treatment, although costs are higher without suitable health insurance. Some expat health insurance policies in Romania also cover dental and optical care in the private sector. 

It is also worth noting that a certain amount of medical tourism has developed in several private establishments, particularly for dental care. The services there are considered to be of good quality at an attractive price, often cheaper than in Western European countries. 

Private health insurance: the right choice for expats 

As an expat, taking out private health insurance is a no-brainer for three main reasons: 

• To be covered for a wide range of medical services; 
• To access quality care with minimal waiting times; 
• To have valid cover from the moment you settle in. 

Taking out international health insurance allows expats to enjoy their stay in Romania with complete peace of mind, ensuring they receive the best possible care. Expats are advised to choose international health insurance tailored to their expat plans, including cover such as civil liability and 24/7 assistance. Health insurance that includes repatriation is essential in the event of a serious illness. Finally, it is recommended to check that the chosen insurance does indeed cover the preferred private hospitals. 

The different private health insurance options in Romania 

An expat has two main options: 

• Local private insurance (valid only in Romania); 
• International private insurance (valid worldwide). 

Local private health insurance in Romania may be more affordable, but it often has coverage limitations, particularly regarding specialist care or the choice of healthcare providers. Conversely, international private health insurance offers more comprehensive coverage and easier access to quality care, which is why many expats in Romania prefer it. 

There is also ‘first-euro’ insurance, which offers comprehensive cover from the very first euro spent. This simplifies the claims process and ensures immediate coverage of medical expenses. 

Please note: For short stays (travel, temporary stay) EHIC is legally sufficient, supplementary insurance is highly recommended, nut not required. ️ 

For longer stays / expats however, EHIC becomes limited (it’s not meant for residency) and you will typically need a national private insurance to cover excess fees in Romania. 

Global Health for your private international health insurance in Romania 

At Global Health, specialists in international insurance for expats, we offer personalised international health insurance cover tailored to your needs, focused on your well-being and peace of mind. Our plans offer numerous options to tailor your cover to your situation, ensuring an optimal experience in Romania. 

Because we understand the challenges faced by expats, we have incorporated services designed to make your life easier: 

Assistance network in Romania, to support you with your healthcare needs and help you find high-quality doctors and medical centres near you 

• 100% digital services, accessible wherever you are 
• Online medical consultations 
• Online second medical opinion 
• Multilingual support 
• Customer portal to easily manage your policy and claims in multiple languages 
• Remote mental health coaching and personalised fitness programme 

Our health advice for expats in Romania 

• Plan ahead: before you leave, take the time to choose and finalise health cover for you and your family to reduce your mental workload. The length of your stay in Romania will influence the choice of suitable health cover as well as the steps you need to take in advance. 
• If you are a digital nomad, freelancer or entrepreneur and need to complete the registration process for the public system yourself, seek assistance from someone who speaks Romanian if you do not speak the language. 
• Choose bottled water over tap water: even though it is pure at the source, there is a risk of contamination due to the age of some of the pipes. 
• In an emergency, dial 112 to contact an ambulance, the police or the fire brigade. 

Frequently asked questions