The Romanian health system might be confusing, especially if you’re a tourist or a newcomer needing urgent medical care. This article provides information on what to do in case of a medical emergency in Romania, particularly if you find yourself uninsured.
Go to the Hospital or Dial the Emergency Number: 112
In Romania, the universal emergency number is 112. Call this number only if you (or someone else) face a medical emergency or any other immediate crisis. Be prepared to provide your location, the nature of the emergency, and any additional relevant details.
Depending on your location and the nature of your emergency, help may come in 15 – 40 min. The emergency medical provider will transport you to the hospital only if necessary. Otherwise, they can leave you with only a few recommendations.
The EMS provider decides what hospital is better for your type of emergency. They only work in the public healthcare system, so you’ll get to a public hospital. The ambulance rides are always free of charge, even if you don’t contribute to the Romanian public health system.
If you can walk to the hospital by yourself, there is no need to call an ambulance. Find the closest emergency hospital (spital de urgenta) with Google Maps. In the case of severe emergencies, such as heart attacks or other significant injuries, waiting for professional assistance on-site may be the safest option.
While public hospitals in Romania may suffer from issues like corruption and lack of resources, they remain the go-to option for severe medical problems. Private hospitals aren’t equipped to handle major emergencies.
What are the costs for a health emergency in Romania for an uninsured?
Romania ensures that individuals without health insurance can access essential medical services free of charge. It includes emergency medical care in both primary healthcare and specialized outpatient care. If you experience a medical or surgical emergency, seek assistance from a hospital. The healthcare provider will perform a thorough medical history and clinical examination to identify the best treatment for your condition.
While uninsured individuals can access a minimal package of medical services for free, they are responsible for covering the costs of recommended paraclinical investigations and prescribed treatments.
In cases of emergency medical-surgical hospitalization, the hospital assesses the patient’s medical condition and discharges them when emergency services are no longer necessary. Upon the patient’s request, hospitalization can continue as continuous hospitalization, with the patient bearing the costs for non-urgent services.
Every public hospital has a list of prices for paraclinical medical services on their official website. To provide a rough estimate, an X-ray might cost approximately 20 euros, a cardiac scan could range from 30 to 100 euros, and a basic blood check set may fall between 20 and 100 euros. Rest assured, doctors will only recommend the essential tests based on your specific medical needs.
What is considered a medical emergency in Romania?
Medical emergencies require prompt medical attention due to an immediate threat to life or health. Common examples of medical emergencies include:
- Severe injuries: Such as fractures, deep cuts, or head injuries.
- Cardiac emergencies: Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and symptoms of a heart attack.
- Respiratory emergencies: Severe difficulty breathing, choking, or persistent coughing.
- Unconsciousness or altered mental state: Sudden loss of consciousness, confusion, or difficulty waking up.
- Severe allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis, characterized by difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid drop in blood pressure.
- Seizures: Especially if they last more than five minutes or succeed with another seizure.
- Severe burns or scalds: Large burns, burns to the face or genitals, or burns caused by chemicals.
- Poisoning: Ingestion or exposure to toxic substances.
- Severe pain: Especially if accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Medical Emergency in Romania: Should you go to a public or a private hospital?
Public hospitals in Romania have garnered a reputation for being somewhat corrupt, understaffed, and poorly maintained. Smaller towns outside major cities often suffer from outdated facilities, older doctors, minimal funding, and, in some cases, even missing hospital wings. The alarming state of these institutions, resembling scenes from decades past, is primarily attributed to corruption in hospital management.
In contrast, larger university cities such as Timisoara, Cluj, Iasi, and Craiova tend to boast better public hospitals and more skilled doctors. Despite issues like corruption in management and financial constraints, these cities often witness more frequent investments, creating a more favourable healthcare environment.
On the other hand, private hospitals in Romania are considered cleaner and less prone to corruption. However, they have limitations, particularly when it comes to handling major medical crises such as car accidents, severe infections, complicated childbirth, or extensive burns. Private facilities lack the comprehensive capability to serve the general population.
Private hospitals typically specialize in one medical field, directing patients to other facilities for different medical concerns. The cost of private healthcare is often beyond the means of the average Romanian, making it an impractical choice for many.