Emergency Numbers & Access
Emergency care is free for all. Public hospital quality varies widely — Bucharest has the best facilities.
Response time: 10-30 minutes in cities, longer in rural areas
Cost: Free with EHIC, otherwise €50-300+
Healthcare System
Romania has a national health insurance system funded through payroll contributions. EU/EEA citizens with an EHIC can access public healthcare. Private clinics in Bucharest and major cities offer modern, affordable care.
Designed for: Residents with EHIC coverage for EU citizens
GP Access & Costs
EU citizens use EHIC; others pay out-of-pocket at private clinics
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics; days-weeks in public system
Availability: Good in cities, limited in rural areas
GP Visit
€20-50 private GP visit
Private GP
€20-50
ER Without Insurance
€50-500+
Medication
Medications very affordable. Pharmacies well-stocked in cities. Some require prescriptions.
Health insurance is strongly recommended
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, 24h pharmacies in major cities
OTC: Good range available
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions for controlled medications. Strict regulations on opioids.
Practical Tips
- Use private clinics in Bucharest (MedLife, Regina Maria) for reliable English-speaking care
- EU citizens should carry EHIC card for public hospital access
- Informal payments are declining but still expected in some public hospitals
- Pharmacies (farmacii) are widespread and pharmacists often speak some English
- Mountain rescue: call 0-SALVAMONT (0725-826668) for hiking emergencies
Who can get care in Romania?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Romania treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
EU citizens use EHIC; others pay out-of-pocket at private clinics Typical cost: €20-50 private GP visit Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics; days-weeks in public system
Insurance needed for entry or visa
It depends on nationality and visa route — several routes require proof of medical cover.
Documents worth having ready
- EHIC (EU citizens)
- Travel insurance
- Passport
Local contacts in Romania
Emergency services
112
Emergency care is free for all. Public hospital quality varies widely — Bucharest has the best facilities.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, 24h pharmacies in major cities
Good range available
What is the emergency number in Romania?
112 in Romania. Emergency care is free for all. Public hospital quality varies widely — Bucharest has the best facilities.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Romania?
€20-50 private GP visit Private consultations: €20-50.
Join the waitlist to see 4 more FAQs
Sources: Romanian CNAS, WHO Romania, European Commission EHIC
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
Further Reading
Healthcare in United Kingdom
Emergency numbers, Doctor costs and visitor access in United Kingdom.
Read guideHealthcare in Ireland
Emergency numbers, Doctor costs and visitor access in Ireland.
Read guideHealthcare in Germany
Emergency numbers, Doctor costs and visitor access in Germany.
Read guide