Romania’s healthcare system has undergone significant developments in recent years, with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes for its population. In this article, we will explore the standard of healthcare in Romania, how healthcare is paid for, the services provided by hospitals, follow-up care, and rules regarding medical treatment of foreign visitors.
Standard of Healthcare
Romania’s healthcare system has been undergoing a series of reforms aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for all Romanians. While the healthcare system still faces some challenges, such as shortages of medical staff and outdated infrastructure, significant improvements have been made in recent years.
According to the World Health Organization’s 2020 World Health Statistics, Romania ranked 91st out of 195 countries in terms of overall health system performance.
Healthcare Payment System
In Romania, healthcare is funded through a combination of public and private sources. The country has a mandatory public health insurance system, which provides coverage for all Romanian citizens and residents. Contributions to the public health insurance system are made through payroll taxes and other sources.
While private health insurance is available in Romania, it is not necessary for access to healthcare services. However, private insurance may provide access to additional services, such as private hospital rooms, faster access to specialist care, or elective surgery.
Foreign visitors to Romania are generally not entitled to publicly funded healthcare services. Visitors are required to purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment while in Romania.
Services provided by hospitals
Hospitals in Romania provide a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized care. Patients’ families are not expected to provide care for them while they are in the hospital. Instead, hospitals provide a range of support services to patients and their families, including social work, counseling, and education about the patient’s condition and treatment options.
In addition to medical services, hospitals in Romania also provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families, with chaplains and counselors available to offer guidance and comfort.
Follow-up Care
After a patient has been discharged from the hospital, they are typically referred to their primary care provider, who is responsible for coordinating their ongoing care. Primary care providers in Romania are often general practitioners (GPs), who provide a range of medical services, including preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment of common health problems.
In some cases, patients may be referred to a specialist for further treatment or testing. In addition to primary care, patients may receive follow-up care from other healthcare providers, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and mental health professionals. The goal of follow-up care is to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and support throughout their recovery.
Medical Treatment of Foreign Visitors
Foreign visitors to Romania are generally not entitled to publicly funded healthcare services. Visitors are required to purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment while in Romania.
It is important to note that some travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or certain types of medical treatment. Visitors should check the terms and conditions of their travel insurance policy carefully before traveling to Romania.
In some cases, visitors may need to pay for medical treatment upfront and then claim reimbursement from their insurance provider later. It is important to keep all receipts and documentation related to medical treatment, as these may be needed to make a claim.
Romania’s healthcare system is making strides to improve healthcare outcomes for its population. While the healthcare system still faces some challenges, significant improvements have been made in recent years. The country’s hospitals provide a wide range of medical services, and patients’ families are not expected to provide care while they are in the hospital.
While private health insurance is available in Romania, it is not necessary for access to healthcare services. The country has a mandatory public health insurance system that provides coverage for all Romanian citizens and residents. However, foreign visitors are generally not entitled to publicly funded healthcare services and are required to purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment while in Romania.
Overall, Romania’s healthcare system is working to expand access to care and improve healthcare outcomes for all its citizens and residents. The country’s healthcare providers work together to ensure that patients receive the best possible care, and hospitals in Romania are known for their patient-centered approach to healthcare. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Romania is making progress in providing high-quality healthcare services to its population.
