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 Romania
- Non-EU expats need health insurance for residence permits—minimum €30,000 coverage required.
- EU/EEA citizens can use EHIC for temporary stays or pay 10% CASS contribution for full public access.
- Digital Nomad Visa requires €3,700/month income (3× average salary) plus health insurance proof.
- Private healthcare is excellent and affordable: €30-50 GP visits, €50-100 specialists at MedLife/Regina Maria.
- Romania is a dental tourism destination—high-quality care at 50-70% less than Western Europe.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Romania?
Non-EU/EEA citizens need health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for residence permit applications. Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2022) specifically requires comprehensive health insurance valid in Romania. EU citizens can use EHIC for emergency/temporary care, or register for CNAS by paying the 10% CASS health contribution if working/self-employed.
Insurance is required for:
- Digital nomads—required for the Digital Nomad Visa application
- Non-EU expats—mandatory for residence permits
- Remote workers not paying into Romanian social security
- Anyone wanting immediate access to private networks without public system waits
- Retirees preferring English-speaking doctors and Western-standard facilities
Public vs Private Healthcare in Romania
Public Healthcare
CNAS (Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate)
- Access: Romanian citizens, legal residents paying CASS, EU/EHIC holders
- Cost: 10% CASS contribution on income (capped); EHIC free for EU temporary stays
CNAS covers public hospitals and contracted private providers. Quality varies significantly—Bucharest university hospitals are decent, rural facilities less so. Long waits for specialists (months for non-urgent). Many doctors in public system also work private hours. Informal payments ('spaga') were common but declining. EU citizens with EHIC get emergency care only.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €40-100/month (local plans); €80-150/month (international)
Romania has excellent private healthcare networks at affordable prices. MedLife and Regina Maria are the two largest chains with facilities nationwide. Sanador and Medicover also operate in major cities. Bucharest has the most options; Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara also have strong private sectors. Many doctors speak English, especially in private practice and younger generation. Direct billing available with major international insurers.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Romania. 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 Romania
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 Romania
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 Romania
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Digital Nomad Visa income requirement is high: €3,700/month gross (3× Romania's average salary). Must be from non-Romanian employers.
- CASS contribution is 10% of income with no upper cap—high earners may prefer private insurance instead of paying into public system.
- Rural healthcare is limited. Outside major cities, private options disappear and public facilities are basic.
- Some international insurers exclude Romania from 'Western Europe' coverage zones—verify your plan covers Eastern Europe specifically.
- Winter driving conditions in mountain areas (Transylvania) can delay emergency evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Romania's Digital Nomad Visa work for health insurance?
Romania's Digital Nomad Visa (Nomad Visa Type D/TR) requires proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in Romania. No specific coverage amount is mandated, but policies should cover hospitalization and emergencies. The visa requires €3,700/month income from non-Romanian sources, clean criminal record, and work contract or proof of freelance income. Initial visa is 12 months, renewable.
What are the best private hospitals in Romania?
Bucharest: MedLife Hyperclinic (largest private network), Regina Maria (premium chain), Sanador Hospital (full-service), Medicover. Cluj-Napoca: Regina Maria, MedLife, Polaris Medical. Timișoara: MedLife, Regina Maria. These facilities offer modern equipment, English-speaking staff, and international-standard care at €30-100 for consultations, significantly less than Western Europe.
Should I use public or private healthcare in Romania?
Most expats choose private healthcare for convenience, speed, and English-language service. Public healthcare (CNAS) is functional but has longer waits and variable quality. If you're employed in Romania and paying CASS contributions, you have public coverage but may still want private supplemental insurance. Self-employed or remote workers often skip CASS entirely and use private insurance.
How much does healthcare cost in Romania?
Private out-of-pocket costs are very affordable: GP consultation €30-50, specialist €50-100, MRI €100-200, private hospital room €100-200/night, dental cleaning €30-50, dental implant €400-800. Romania is a popular dental tourism destination. Even without insurance, most routine care is affordable for Western earners.
What insurance do EU citizens need in Romania?
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use EHIC for temporary stays (emergency and necessary care). For long-term stays: if employed, you'll pay 10% CASS and have full public access. If not employed (retirees, remote workers for non-Romanian companies), you can voluntarily pay CASS or use private insurance. Many EU expats choose private insurance for faster access and English service.
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.