Healthcare in Bucharest is generally affordable by Western standards, but expats should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance.

While healthcare in public facilities is free for residents, patients using private medical facilities will need to pay cash upfront before claiming back from their insurance provider.

Corruption is an unfortunate reality in Romania’s healthcare system. The prevalence of bribery, accompanied by poor salaries and unacceptable working conditions, has pushed many Romanian doctors to seek work outside the country, leaving the Romanian public healthcare system in a precarious state. Although expats will likely find adequate care at private hospitals, many expats find the facilities at public institutions to be substandard.

Pharmacies are available throughout Bucharest, and some are open 24 hours a day. Expats may find that some medicines which are readily available over the counter in their home country may require a prescription in Romania.

Below are some of the most prominent hospitals in Bucharest.

Hospitals in Bucharest

Royal Hospital Bucharest

Website: www.royalhospital.ro
Address: Splaiul Unirii 313A, București 030138

Medicover Hospital

Website: www.medicover.ro
Address: Strada Pechea, Nr.8 , Sector 1 București 013982

Floreasca Emergency Hospital

Website: www.urgentafloreasca.ro
Address: Calea Floreasca, Nr. 8, Sector 1 București 013982

Ponderas Academic Hospital

Website: www.reginamaria.ro/ponderas
Address: Str. Nicolae Caramfil 85A, Sector 1 București 013982

Life Memorial Hospital

Website: www.medlifeinternational.com
Address: Calea Griviței 365, București 010719

Hospital Constantin Angelescu

Website: www.spitalulangelescu.ro
Address: Aleea Căuzași 49–51, București 030167

Further reading

►Read more about the country's healthcare system in Healthcare in Romania.

►For an overview of the schooling system in the city, read Education and Schools in Bucharest.

Expat Experiences

"Since I'm American, healthcare just about everywhere is better than my healthcare at home. I have only had one experience with the healthcare system so far and everything was really convenient. I chose to use the private healthcare network. The appointment was so easy to make. I'm used to waiting for a long time, especially to see a specialist, but I had the option of scheduling an appointment for the next day. I do have health insurance, but in this case, it was easier, faster and more convenient for me than waiting for an appointment in the public network." Read about how Jessica has adjusted to her new life in Bucharest in her interview.

Are you an expat living in Bucharest?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Bucharest. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.