Can visitors use public healthcare in North Macedonia?

The public system does not cover visitors, so private care or insurance is needed. Emergency treatment is available to everyone regardless of status.

Do I need health insurance to travel to North Macedonia?

It is not a formal entry requirement, but travel medical insurance is still strongly recommended. Without cover, emergency care costs Public ER: MKD 500-5,000 ($9-90). Private ER: MKD 2,000-15,000 ($36-272). Very affordable..

How do I see a Doctor in North Macedonia?

Private clinics accept walk-ins. Public requires registration. English better in private sector. Good in Skopje. Basic in Ohrid, Bitola. Limited in rural areas.

Healthcare in North Macedonia: Costs & Emergency Numbers

Name: Healthcare in North Macedonia: Costs & Emergency Numbers
Creator: ViscaCare

Emergency Numbers & Access

In an emergency, call 194 (ambulance)

Call 194 for ambulance or 112. City General Hospital (Skopje) handles major emergencies. Ohrid has a basic hospital. Private hospitals respond faster.

Response time: Skopje: 10-20 min. Ohrid: 15-30 min. Rural: 30-60 min.

Cost: Public ER: MKD 500-3,000 ($9-54). Private ER: MKD 2,000-10,000 ($36-181). Evacuation to Thessaloniki: $2,000-5,000.

Healthcare System

North Macedonia is NOT an EU member, so EHIC/GHIC cards are NOT valid. Public healthcare is functional but underfunded. City General Hospital (Skopje) is the main public facility. Sistina Hospital (private, Skopje) and Remedika are modern private hospitals with English-speaking doctors. Lake Ohrid is the main tourist area — Ohrid has a small hospital. For complex cases, medical evacuation to Thessaloniki (Greece, 2.5hr drive) or Sofia. Growing medical tourism sector, especially dental and ophthalmology.

Designed for: Residents (Health Insurance Fund members). Tourists must pay out-of-pocket or use travel insurance.

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GP Access & Costs

Private clinics accept walk-ins. Public requires registration. English better in private sector.

Typical wait: Public: 2-5 hours. Private: same-day or next-day.

Availability: Good in Skopje. Basic in Ohrid, Bitola. Limited in rural areas.

GP Visit

Public: MKD 200-500 ($3

Private GP

MKD 1,000-2,500 ($18-45)

ER Without Insurance

Public ER: MKD 500-5,000 ($9-90). Private ER: MKD 2,000-15,000 ($36-272). Very affordable.

Medication

Medications very affordable. Pharmacies (аптека) well-stocked in Skopje. More limited in smaller towns.

Pharmacy & Medication

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. Some 24h pharmacies in Skopje.

OTC: Good range available. Some prescription drugs sold OTC.

Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions for controlled medications. Drug laws are strict.

Practical Tips

Sistina Hospital (Skopje) — best private hospital, English-speaking, modern equipment
Remedika (Skopje) — excellent private clinic with wide range of specialties
City General Hospital (Skopje) — main public hospital for emergencies
Ohrid: small hospital for basic care. Serious cases: ambulance to Skopje or drive to Thessaloniki (Greece)
Travel insurance is ESSENTIAL — there is no EHIC coverage
Pharmacies (аптека with green cross) — staff in Skopje often speak some English
Medical evacuation to Thessaloniki (Greece) is quick — 2.5hr drive, EU-standard hospitals
Register with police within 24h of arrival (hotels do this automatically)

Who can get care in North Macedonia?

Emergency care for anyone

Emergency departments in North Macedonia treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.

Public system for visitors

The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.

Seeing a Doctor as a visitor

Private clinics accept walk-ins. Public requires registration. English better in private sector. Typical cost: Public: MKD 200-500 ($3.60-9). Private: MKD 1,000-2,500 ($18-45). Typical wait: Public: 2-5 hours. Private: same-day or next-day.

Insurance needed for entry or visa

Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: Public ER: MKD 500-5,000 ($9-90). Private ER: MKD 2,000-15,000 ($36-272). Very affordable..

Documents worth having ready

Passport
Travel insurance (essential — no EHIC coverage)
Prescriptions

Local contacts in North Macedonia

Emergency services

194 (ambulance) / 192 (police) / 193 (fire) / 112 (EU-style emergency — works in most areas)

Call 194 for ambulance or 112. City General Hospital (Skopje) handles major emergencies. Ohrid has a basic hospital. Private hospitals respond faster.

Pharmacies

Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. Some 24h pharmacies in Skopje.

Good range available. Some prescription drugs sold OTC.

Can't get seen locally?

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What is the emergency number in North Macedonia?

194 (ambulance) or 192 (police) or 193 (fire) or 112 (EU-style emergency — works in most areas) in North Macedonia. Call 194 for ambulance or 112. City General Hospital (Skopje) handles major emergencies. Ohrid has a basic hospital. Private hospitals respond faster.

How much does a Doctor visit cost in North Macedonia?

Public: MKD 200-500 ($3.60-9). Private: MKD 1,000-2,500 ($18-45). Private consultations: MKD 1,000-2,500 ($18-45).

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Sources: North Macedonia Ministry of Health, WHO North Macedonia, CDC Travelers' Health 2024, UK FCDO Travel Advice North Macedonia

Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare

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