Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Health
Romania is a relatively safe country and visitors are not subject to any major health
dangers that one wouldn't find in any other European country. There are no vaccinations
required to enter Romania.
Health Insurance
»EU citizens are entitled to free emergency medical care provided that they have a
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), available from health centres or via
www.dh.gov.uk
in the UK.
»Citizens from other countries will likely have to pay cash upfront for any medical treat-
ment and then seek reimbursement later from their private or public health insurers.
»Be sure to save any and all paperwork provided by the hospital to present to your insur-
ance company along with any reimbursement claim.
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Every Romanian city or large town will have a hospital or polyclinic that handles emer-
gencies. In rural areas, the nearest hospital may be quite some distance away, though local
people will be able to advise the best course of action.
»Romanian hospitals and medical centres may not look very promising from the outside,
but rest assured if something does go wrong, you will receive relatively prompt, profes-
sional care.
»If you need to go to the hospital, be sure to bring your passport, credit card and cash, as
you may be required to prepay for services. You'll likely have to pay out of pocket for any
medications, bandages or crutches etc.
»Romanian health care, particularly in public hospitals, is generally affordable by Western
European (and certainly American) standards. Rates can be much higher in private clinics,
though the quality of the care may be better as well.
Infectious Diseases
RABIES
Rabies cases are thankfully rare but still a concern given the number of stray dogs on the
streets. If bitten by a homeless dog, seek medical attention within 72 hours (most main
hospitals will have a rabies clinic).
