Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Albania
- 1-year visa-free entry for many nationalities—no insurance mandate, but coverage strongly recommended.
- Public healthcare (FSDKSH) is underfunded—most expats use Tirana's private hospitals.
- Private consultations very affordable: ALL 3,000-8,000 (€25-70) at American Hospital or Hygeia.
- Albanian Riviera (Saranda, Vlorë, Himara) has basic clinics only—evacuation to Tirana or Greece essential.
- International plans €40-100/month; local insurers (SIGAL, Eurosig) offer plans from €20/month.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Albania?
Albania offers generous visa-free entry—up to 1 year for citizens of the US, UK, EU, and many other countries. While there's no official insurance requirement, coverage is essential given the underfunded public healthcare system. For longer stays, Residence Permits may require proof of financial means (including healthcare access). Albania is an EU candidate country, but EHIC cards are not yet valid here.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Everyone—Albania's public healthcare is limited and expats should have private coverage
- Digital nomads on extended visa-free stays—1 year without mandatory coverage is risky
- Albanian Riviera residents—coastal healthcare is basic, evacuation coverage critical
- Retirees attracted by low cost of living—age-related care requires Tirana or abroad
- Active travelers exploring mountains and coast—rescue and evacuation coverage essential
Public vs Private Healthcare in Albania
Public Healthcare
FSDKSH (Health Insurance Fund)
- Access: Albanian citizens and registered residents
- Cost: ~3.4% salary contribution; minimal fees for basic public services
Albania's public healthcare is significantly underfunded. Mother Teresa University Hospital in Tirana is the largest public facility, but suffers from overcrowding, outdated equipment, and staff shortages. Outside Tirana, public hospitals in Durrës, Vlorë, and Shkodër handle basic care but lack specialists. Most Albanians with means seek private care or travel to Greece/Italy for serious conditions.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: ALL 3,000-8,000 (€25-70)/consultation; ALL 30,000-100,000 (€260-870)/night hospitalization
Tirana's private hospitals are modern and affordable. American Hospital is the largest private facility with English-speaking staff and international standards. Hygeia Hospital (Greek chain) offers excellent care. GloboMed and Salus Hospital are also good options. Many doctors trained in Italy, Greece, or Turkey and speak English. Outside Tirana, private options are very limited—Durrës has some clinics, but coastal and mountain areas have almost none.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Albania. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Albania
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Albania
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Albania
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Albanian Riviera (Saranda, Ksamil, Himara, Vlorë) has only basic clinics—serious cases go to Tirana (4-6 hours) or Corfu, Greece (30-minute ferry).
- Mountain areas (Albanian Alps, Theth, Valbona) have minimal healthcare—helicopter rescue may be needed.
- Not in EU—EHIC cards don't work here. Don't assume European coverage applies.
- Currency is lek (ALL)—ensure your policy pays in convertible currency or reimburses efficiently.
- Medical evacuation to Greece or Italy is common for complex procedures—budget for this coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Albania without a visa?
Albania offers very generous visa-free entry—up to 1 year for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. This makes it popular with digital nomads and extended-stay travelers. However, this long visa-free period means you're responsible for your own healthcare—there's no mandate, but 1 year without coverage is very risky.
What's the best hospital in Albania?
American Hospital of Albania in Tirana is generally considered best—modern facilities, international standards, English-speaking staff, and a full range of specialists. Hygeia Hospital (part of a Greek healthcare chain) is also excellent. For emergencies, both have 24/7 services. Outside Tirana, healthcare quality drops significantly—plan to travel to the capital for anything beyond basic care.
Is healthcare safe on the Albanian Riviera?
Coastal towns like Saranda, Ksamil, and Himara have basic medical clinics for minor issues. Vlorë has a regional hospital but limited capabilities. For serious emergencies, patients are transported to Tirana (4-6 hours by road) or evacuated to Corfu, Greece (30-minute ferry from Saranda). If you're staying on the coast, evacuation coverage is essential—not optional.
How affordable is private healthcare in Albania?
Very affordable compared to Western Europe. A specialist consultation at American Hospital costs €25-70. Basic hospitalization runs €260-870 per night. MRI scans cost around €100-150. Dental work is 60-70% cheaper than Western Europe. This affordability makes Albania attractive for medical tourism, particularly dental and cosmetic procedures.
Should I get local or international health insurance?
For short stays (a few months), international travel insurance or nomad plans (SafetyWing, World Nomads) work well. For longer stays, consider either comprehensive international coverage (Cigna, Allianz) for €40-100/month, or local Albanian insurers (SIGAL UNIQA, Eurosig) for €20-40/month. Local plans are cheaper but may have regional network limitations and language barriers for claims.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.