Healthcare

The top Bucharest private hospitals (Medicover, Monza, Regina Maria flagship centres) are genuinely comparable to Western EU private hospitals in facilities and English-language service. Costs are 40–70% lower. For routine and non-critical specialist care, Romanian private clinics are excellent value. For highly specialised complex procedures, Vienna (2 hrs by plane) or Budapest (4 hrs by car) are the realistic escalation options.

For life-threatening emergencies (call 112): Romanian emergency departments handle trauma and acute emergencies. The Floreasca Clinical Emergency Hospital in Bucharest is well-equipped for major trauma. However, elective care, follow-up treatment, and specialist consultations in the public system involve long waits and variable quality - private is strongly preferred.

Yes. EU citizens with a valid EHIC can access Romanian public healthcare for medically necessary treatment. This is valid until you formally register as a Romanian resident and begin contributing to CNAS. Note: the EHIC covers public hospitals only - not the private clinics where most expats actually go.

As a PFA (sole trader), you pay CASS (health insurance contribution) at 10% of your declared income, capped at an annual ceiling equivalent to 60× the minimum gross salary (approximately 243,000 RON/year in 2025). Below an annual income threshold of 6× minimum gross salary, you pay CASS on the minimum base regardless of actual income. You also pay CAS (pension) at 25% if your income exceeds 12× minimum gross salary - optional below that threshold.