Medicine & Veterinary Romania

State Health Insurance

State health insurance is managed by the National Health Insurance Fund. It is mandatory for all residents of Romania, including citizens and foreigners with official residency status.

 

Coverage includes:

- Consultations with general practitioners and specialists.

- Hospitalization and medical examinations.

- Basic dental services.

- Prescription drugs with partial or full reimbursement.

Co-insured (accompanied insured): Family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, can be registered as co-insured if the primary insured person is already registered in the system. This provides access to the same medical services as the primary insured person.

How to obtain: Employees are automatically registered in the system through their employers, who deduct contributions from their salary. Self-employed individuals and pensioners must register themselves and pay contributions directly.

 

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance provides additional coverage and conveniences that are not available under the state system, including treatment abroad, faster diagnosis, specialized consultations, and access to private medical facilities. Private insurance policies can be individual or corporate, paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Benefits:

Private insurance policies often offer more flexible and personalized plans, including access to private clinics and hospitals, the option to choose doctors, and shorter waiting times for medical care.

Additional services may include dental care, physiotherapy, alternative medicine, telemedicine, and a second medical opinion.

 

How to obtain: Policies can be purchased from private insurance companies such as MedLife, Regina Maria, and Allianz-Tiriac.

 

International Health Insurance

For expats and frequent travelers, there is an option for international health insurance. These policies offer a broader range of services and can cover medical expenses in various countries.

Benefits:

Global coverage of medical expenses, including hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and medical evacuation.

Coverage of chronic and pre-existing medical conditions.

The ability to obtain medical care in countries with higher healthcare standards.

How to obtain: Policies can be arranged through international insurance companies such as Cigna, Bupa, and Allianz Worldwide Care.

For more detailed information and selection of a suitable health insurance plan, it is recommended to consult the official websites of insurance companies or consultative centers.

State Medical Facilities

 

Hospitals: State hospitals offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical operations, treatment of chronic diseases, and other specialized medical services. Services in state hospitals are usually free for insured individuals, but there may be long queues and resource shortages due to high demand on the system.

 

Polyclinics and ambulatory clinics: Polyclinics and ambulatory clinics employ general practitioners (family doctors) who are the first point of contact for patients and refer them to specialists if necessary. Consultations with family doctors and basic medical services are included in the state healthcare system and are usually free of charge.

 

Some popular state hospitals in Bucharest

 

Spitalul Universitar de Urgență București: A multi-disciplinary hospital providing emergency and planned medical assistance; specialties: cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, surgery, traumatology.

 

Spitalul Clinic de Urgență Floreasca: One of the leading emergency hospitals; specializes in treating severe injuries and emergency conditions; known for strong departments in surgery, resuscitation, and intensive care.

 

Spitalul Clinic Fundeni: One of the most prestigious hospitals; specializations: oncology, hematology, transplantology, nephrology.

 

Institutul Clinic Fundeni: Center for the diagnosis and treatment of liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal diseases; the leading organ transplant center in Romania.

 

Spitalul Clinic de Urgență Bagdasar-Arseni: A leading hospital in neurosurgery and orthopedics.

 

Spitalul Clinic Colțea: Founded in 1704; main focuses: oncology, endocrinology, pulmonology, otolaryngology.

 

Spitalul Clinic de Copii "Marie Curie": The main children's hospital in Bucharest; treatment of rare diseases in children; strong neonatology and pediatric surgery department.

 

Institutul Național de Boli Infecțioase "Prof. Dr. Matei Balș": The leading infectious diseases institute in Romania.

 

Spitalul Clinic "Dr. Victor Babeș": A specialized hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis, viral infections, and rare tropical diseases.

 

Spitalul Clinic de Oftalmologie București: A leading hospital in the field of ophthalmology.

 

 

Private medical institutions

Clinics and hospitals: Private clinics often offer higher quality service, modern medical technology, and shorter queues compared to public institutions. Services in private clinics are paid, however, many private insurance plans may cover part or all expenses.

Main private medical institutions in Romania: Regina Maria, MedLife, Medicover.

 

Specialized medical centers: Private specialized centers offer services in specific medical areas such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and others. Many of these centers are located in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași.

 

Online booking and telemedicine

Many public and private medical institutions offer the possibility of making appointments through their websites or mobile applications. This simplifies the process and allows avoiding long waits.

Some clinics offer online consultations with doctors, which is especially convenient for busy people or those living in remote areas.

Applications from private medical institutions such as Regina Maria, Medlife are excellent options.

Registering with a family doctor

Find a family doctor in your residential area: A list of doctors can be obtained from the local health insurance house (Casa de Asigurări de Sănătate) or on their website. Recommendations: It is best to choose a doctor based on the recommendations of friends, colleagues, or other expats. Contact the chosen doctor to find out about available spots; visit the selected doctor for registration.

Required documents:

- Proof of residential address (e.g., lease agreement or utility bill).

- National code (CNP), assigned by the Immigration Service when processing residence documents in the country.

- Health insurance policy. If one of the spouses officially works, the insurance also covers the other spouse/child if their details are properly entered.

- Document confirming legal residency for foreigners (e.g., residence permit).

 

Appointment with a specialist

Obtaining a referral: For most specialists, a referral from the family doctor is required. The family doctor will determine the necessity of a consultation and provide the appropriate referral.

Making an appointment

Public clinics: Appointments can be made in person, by phone, or through clinic websites. Waiting times may be significant due to high demand.

Private clinics: Appointments are usually faster, but services are paid. Some private insurance may cover these costs.

Online booking: Many medical institutions provide the ability to make appointments online through their websites or mobile applications.

Recommendations

Translation of documents: If you have medical documents from another country, they must be translated into Romanian.

Language support: In major cities, such as Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, it is easier to find doctors who speak English or French.

Using online resources: Visit websites of organizations such as the Romanian National Society of Family Medicine for additional information and lists of doctors.

State emergency services

Ambulance service: Managed by the Ministry of Health and local authorities. Includes district ambulance services as well as services in the municipality of Bucharest. Provides round-the-clock medical care and patient transportation. Includes teams with doctors, paramedics, and medical assistants who provide first aid and stabilization of patients before their delivery to the hospital.

Mobile resuscitation and rescue service: These are specialized teams that work closely with the fire department and rescue services; provide emergency medical services, including resuscitation and complex rescue operations; ensures the transportation of critically ill patients and medical evacuation.

Private emergency services

Private ambulance services: Operated by private companies on a commercial basis. Private companies often contract with hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies to provide emergency services. Advantages include faster response times and access to specialized services that may not be available in the public system.

Access to emergency medical care

The phone number for calling an ambulance and other emergency services in Romania is 112; calls are received 24/7 and free of charge from any phone.

Access to services for uninsured persons: Even uninsured individuals are entitled to receive emergency medical care. Public hospitals and ambulance services are obliged to provide primary emergency care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status.

Hospitalization and specialized care: In emergency cases, patients are transported to the nearest hospitals where they receive the necessary medical assistance.

Getting a referral: Contact your family doctor who, if necessary, will issue a referral for tests or examinations.

 

Choosing a medical facility

Public clinics and hospitals: In these institutions, services are usually free or significantly cheaper for those insured in the national health system. A full list of such laboratories is available on the CNAS (Alba24) website.

Private clinics and laboratories: Private medical centers offer faster service and a variety of diagnostic services.

 

Making an appointment

Online or by phone: Many clinics allow appointments through their websites or by phone. Some also offer the option to register through mobile apps.

In-person: You can visit the clinic in person for an appointment or to take tests.

 

Receiving results

Online access: many clinics provide test results through their web portals.

In-person: results can be collected in person at the clinic.

 

Additional tips

Various types of examinations are available in Romania, including blood tests, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, and more. A list of free tests and examinations covered by state insurance can be found on the CNAS website or with your family doctor (Alba24) (DoctorulZilei).

 

Popular laboratories: Synevo; Regina Maria; MedLife; Sanador; Bioclinica; ProVita; Gral Medical; Monza Metropolitan Hospital; Synergy Medical Center; Laboratories at public hospitals.

Choosing a hospital

Public hospitals: Public hospitals in Romania provide basic medical care and have experienced medical staff. The cost of delivery in such institutions is significantly lower than in private hospitals. However, public hospitals may have queues and less comfortable accommodation. Some patients report the need to give "gifts" to staff to receive better service, which is an illegal practice.

Private hospitals: Private clinics offer more comfortable conditions, individual rooms, and shorter waiting times. Private hospitals also provide additional services. However, the cost of delivery in private clinics is significantly higher (can range from 5,000 to 8,000+ lei, depending on the chosen service package); and not all services are covered by public health insurance.

 

Choosing a Doctor

Pregnancy Registration: Visit a family doctor to confirm and register the pregnancy. Obtain a pregnancy certificate and a referral for medical insurance. The family doctor provides a referral to a gynecologist for pregnancy monitoring.

 

Health Insurance

State insurance provides coverage for basic medical services, including delivery in state hospitals. To obtain a policy, visit the local CNAS office with your ID and pregnancy confirmation.

 

Private insurance offers a broader range of services, including coverage for childbirth expenses in private clinics and international medical insurance. These plans may cover amounts up to 10,000 euros for cesarean sections and up to 5,000 euros for natural births. Such plans often include coverage for complications and medical care for newborns in the first days of life.

 

Partner-Supported Births

In Romania, partner-supported births are becoming increasingly popular. The option for partner-supported births in state hospitals may vary depending on the particular medical institution. Prior agreement with the hospital is often required. Some hospitals may charge a small fee for the partner's presence during childbirth.

Private clinics usually offer the possibility of partner-supported births without specific restrictions. Partner-supported births in private clinics are typically included in the overall service package, though the cost may be higher compared to state hospitals.

It's important to discuss the possibility of partner-supported births with your doctor in advance to ensure all necessary conditions are met.

 

Newborn Vaccination

In Romania, newborn vaccination is not strictly mandatory by law but is strongly recommended by health authorities as part of the National Immunization Program. Parents have the right to refuse vaccination, but this may lead to certain health consequences for the child and restrictions on access to children's institutions in the future. Usually, vaccines for newborns and infants include: BCG (against tuberculosis); Hepatitis B; a comprehensive vaccine that includes diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenza type B, and Hepatitis B.

Notifying Authorities

The first step is to notify the local authorities and police. The medical staff usually does this if the death occurs in a hospital. If the death occurred outside a hospital, the police and a doctor must be called to obtain a medical report.

Contact the consulate or embassy of the deceased's country. Consular services can help with documentation and organizing the transportation of the body back home.

 

Obtaining Documents

The death certificate is issued by the civil status registry office based on the police report and medical certificate. This document is essential for all subsequent legal and administrative procedures.

Some documents may need translation and legalization. It is recommended to consult a certified translator and notary for these documents.

 

Funeral, Repatriation

If the family decides to bury the deceased in Romania, they should contact a local funeral agency, which will help organize all necessary procedures.

For body repatriation to another country, coordination with the embassy and airline is required. Special permits for body transport must be arranged, a coffin prepared, and international transport standards adhered to. Coordination with a funeral bureau experienced in international transport will save time and ensure the correct approach.

Cremation

Documentation: The official death certificate is required to initiate the cremation procedure; additional permission from local sanitary services may be necessary.

Choosing a Crematorium: Romania has several crematoriums, including in major cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and others. Funeral agencies can provide a full range of services, including body preparation, transport to the crematorium, document processing, and the cremation itself. The cost of cremation in Romania may vary, but it usually amounts to around 1,000 lei.

Transportation of Ashes: To transport ashes abroad, it is necessary to obtain an international death certificate and a cremation certificate. Some international transport companies and services, such as postal services or airlines, can assist with the transportation of ashes.

 

Financial Issues

Check if the deceased had medical insurance; review the terms of the policy and contact the insurance company for information on potential compensations.

 

Notification of Relatives

Ensure that the immediate relatives of the deceased are informed about the incident and receive the necessary support and information about further actions.

To ensure the health and safety of pets in Romania, there are a number of mandatory vaccinations and procedures. Do not worry about arranging these procedures, as soon as you contact the local veterinary clinic, the veterinarian is legally obliged to address all these aspects, and they will definitely help you. Often, kind and friendly specialists work in this field, and it is pleasant to cooperate with them.

 

Mandatory Vaccinations

Rabies: The rabies vaccine is mandatory for all dogs and cats. The initial vaccination is conducted at the age of 3 months, with subsequent annual revaccination.

 

Recommended Vaccinations

Comprehensive DAPP Vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza): recommended for all dogs and protects against several infectious diseases.

Comprehensive vaccine for cats (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia).

 

Procedures and Additional Measures

 

Microchipping: All dogs must be identified with a microchip that contains a unique identification number and owner information.

Microchipping cats is also recommended but is not mandatory.

 

Registration and Animal Passport

All pets must be registered with local veterinary services. This includes obtaining an animal passport, which records all vaccinations and medical information. An animal passport is a document required for traveling with the animal, confirming its health and conducted vaccinations.

There are many animal hotels and shelters in Romania, including those for homeless animals, offering various care services and temporary accommodation for your pets.

Recommendations for Choosing an Animal Hotel or Shelter

Checking Conditions: Visit the hotel or shelter personally to ensure the conditions for animals and the level of care.

Reviews: Read reviews from other pet owners to get an idea of the quality of services.

Advance Booking: Contact in advance, especially during holiday seasons, to book a place for your pet.

Animal Hotels

Pet Hotel Cluj: Located on the outskirts of Cluj-Napoca; one of the oldest animal hotels in Romania, operating for over 20 years; offers services for dogs, cats, and other pets; conditions include individual rooms, regular walks, and attention from qualified staff.

Animal Hotel București & Ilfov: This hotel is located near Bucharest, in Popești-Leordeni. Offers accommodation for dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, and birds; conditions include spacious areas for play, three daily walks, and individual care; specialized services are available for aggressive dogs.

Animal Shelters

Care For Dogs Romania: This organization rescues and cares for homeless animals, providing them with temporary shelter and medical assistance; they also help find new homes for their wards; located in several cities, including Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. The organization actively works with volunteers and accepts donations to support its activities.

Local Animal Shelters: There are also public and private shelters in Romania that provide temporary accommodation and care for homeless animals. These shelters often collaborate with local veterinary clinics to ensure necessary medical care.

Keeping pets in Romania requires adhering to a number of rules and recommendations aimed at ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of pets, as well as the maintenance of public order.

Mandatory Procedures and Requirements

Microchipping: Mandatory for dogs and recommended for cats.

Registration: All pets must be registered with local authorities. This includes obtaining a pet passport, which confirms compliance with all vaccination and identification requirements. It usually only requires a visit to a veterinarian who will carry out all necessary actions.

Vaccination: Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all dogs and cats.

 

Owner Responsibilities

Leash Control: Dogs must be on a leash in public places. This rule is aimed at preventing conflicts and ensuring the safety of both people and animals.

Designated Off-leash Areas: Many cities have special areas where dogs can roam and play freely off-leash.

Pet Cleanup: Owners are required to clean up after their pets in public places. Non-compliance with this rule can lead to fines.

Feeding and Care: Includes providing balanced nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, and hygiene procedures.

Training and Socialization: Early training and socialization of animals is recommended to prevent aggressive behavior and improve their adaptation to the environment.

Living in Apartment Buildings

Neighbor Consent: If you live in an apartment building, you may need the consent of your neighbors to keep pets. This requirement is not national law but may be established by local authorities or homeowner associations. In case of conflicts with neighbors, it is recommended to peacefully resolve issues or contact the association for official permission.

Noise and Hygiene: Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that their animals do not create excessive noise or disturb public order. It is also necessary to maintain sanitation standards and clean up after their animals in public areas.

Rules for Keeping Dangerous Breeds

In Romania, there are restrictions on keeping certain dog breeds, such as Pit Bull Terriers, Bandogs, and Bullmastiffs. Owners of potentially dangerous dog breeds must follow additional rules, such as using muzzles and reinforced leashes in public places, as well as ensuring proper housing conditions at home.

For more detailed information and consultations on specific issues, it is recommended to contact local veterinarians.