Albania Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Albania

Expats in Albania are eligible for the country’s universal healthcare but many prefer private healthcare facilities for their international-orientated services. Expats in Albania have a wide selection of international health insurance plans to choose from to stay insured in Albania.

Getting the right insurance for your stay in Albania can not only help cover unforeseen medical costs but also provide you with the peace of mind to fully enjoy your stay. If you’re looking for a plan that suits you, Pacific Prime can help.

Check out our free quote system or keep reading to learn more about health insurance in Albania.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Albania

All Albanian citizens have the right to health insurance through the country’s universal healthcare model. However, instances involving double payments, unofficial payments, and bribes are common, and public funding has yet to live up to its expectations.

If you moved to Albania for work, you are entitled to the same health benefits as an Albanian national. Please note that you must register at your local health center to receive said benefits.

The Healthcare System in Albania

Albania features over 40 public hospitals across the country and approximately 13 private hospitals. Whilst expats have access to public facilities, most expats favor private hospitals over public ones as their services cater to foreigner and expat needs.

Albania’s Public Hospitals

Public hospitals make up a majority of Albania’s healthcare system. Expats living in Albania have access to the same health benefits as Albanian nationals. It is important for expats in Albania to know which hospitals are reputable in the country.

The most reputable hospitals in Albania include:

• University Medical Center of Tirana: Named after Mother Teresa, University Medical Center of Tirana is the largest hospital in Albania and one of the most reputable hospitals in the country.
• Regional Hospital of Fier: Located on the road connecting Fier and Vlore, the Regional Hospital of Fier consists of two service blocks, with three three-story wards filled with professional staff to provide quality healthcare services to patients.
• University Hospital of Trauma (Spitali Universitar i Traumës): Specializing in trauma care, the medical professionals at the University Hospital of Trauma in Tirana are known for their expertise in handling emergency and critical cases.

Albania’s Private Hospitals

Private hospitals in Albania are mainly regulated by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. While expats in Albania can access health benefits in the country, many still prefer private hospitals as their staff and services cater to international patients’ needs.

Top private hospitals in Albania for expats include:

• American Hospital Tirana: This private hospital in Tirana is known for providing high-quality medical services and modern facilities, catering to both local and international patients.
• Hygeia Hospital Albania: The Hygeia Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art medical equipment and comprehensive services.
• German Hospital Tirana: The German Hospital is located in Tirana and offers expats a wide range of medical services and specialized treatments from cardiology to orthopedics.

Health Insurance Options in Albania for Expats

It’s strongly advised for anyone traveling to Albania to secure comprehensive travel insurance. Those planning on staying longer should secure an expat health insurance plan.

When securing health insurance, make sure that your insurance policy covers emergency evacuations.

Public Insurance in Albania

If you are an expat in Albania, then you are required to contribute to the public healthcare system through payroll taxes or other means. This also makes you eligible for Albania’s universal healthcare.

Private Insurance in Albania

Health insurance is crucial for any expat who wants to access quality treatment at private facilities without having to pay out of pocket. While local insurance is available to residents in employment, most expats prefer an international insurance policy to ensure comprehensive coverage.

In addition to providing access to medical care within the country, international health insurance ensures policyholders can access treatment no matter where they are in the world.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Albania

Some of the best international health insurance providers for expats living in Albania include Allianz, AXA, Cigna, Bupa Global, and MSH International. Expats can expect comprehensive coverage from these insurers when staying in Albania.

Allianz International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Albania

Allianz is a world-leading health insurance provider with a network of over 1.9 million medical providers. Expats in Albania can choose from three tiers of coverage for their international health insurance plans: Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro.

AXA International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Albania

With over five decades of experience offering insurance solutions to clients across 50 countries, AXA understands what expats want. Their international insurance plan includes five tiers: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.

Bupa Global International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Albania

Bupa Global offers four tiers in their international health insurance plan for expats in Albania: Major Medical, Selet, Premier, and Elite. What makes Bupa shine is their Global Virtual care platform that offers policyholders 24/7 medical support and telehealth services.

Cigna International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Albania

For expats in Albania, Cigna’s international health insurance plans offer 24/7 customer support and access to their renowned network of hospitals and doctors. The three tiers—Silver Gold, and Platinum—offer expats in Albania coverage based on their needs and requirements.

IMG International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Albania

IMG offers four different tiers for their international health insurance plan: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Expats in Albania can also select from a wide variety of riders such as dental, vision, maternity, and even sports coverage depending on the tier selected.

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Albania

When picking a health insurance plan for your stay in Albania, first consider the coverage you need then premiums and payments, customization, and exclusions.

Premiums and Payment Options

Premiums are an important factor you need to consider when finding the right plan for you in Albania. Choosing a plan with flexible payment options such as deductibles and copayments will give you a compromise between coverage and premiums.

Plan Customization

Customization is another important factor to consider when picking an insurance plan for Albania. The ability to add or drop benefits from a plan will allow you to tailor a plan that covers you the way you need it to.

Exclusions

While it is important to look at benefits, it is also equally important that you look at a plan’s exclusions when picking insurance in Albania. This is particularly important for those with chronic conditions and pre-existing conditions.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Albania

Healthcare facilities in Albania are poor by Western standards, though more private clinics and hospitals are available than in the past. The newer medical facilities boast modern equipment, making them a better option for treatment. Always consider travel insurance when visiting Albania.

Visitors who need medical treatment must incur all the costs, except for emergency A&E visits at public hospitals. Most hospitals and doctors accept cash.

While Albania is generally a safe country for travelers, exercise normal precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and public transport.

Travelers should also consider carrying basic medications and health supplies in case you start feeling ill during your stay. Tap water in major cities like Tirana is generally safe to drink. You will also find that bottled water is widely available.

In cases of emergencies, be sure to note down the emergency service numbers:

• Ambulance: 127
• Fire Brigade: 128
• Rescue Police: 129
• Traffic Police: 126
• Rescue Police: 129
• Traffic Police: 126

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need health insurance in Albania as an expat?

Health insurance is highly recommended for expats in Albania as the country’s public healthcare is generally considered poorer than other countries in the West. Having private health insurance also gives you access to public hospitals without having to pay out of pocket.

How do I choose a reliable insurance provider in Albania?

Employ the help of insurance brokers like Pacific Prime to give you professional advice to choose the best option for you.You can also find a reliable insurance provider for your stay in Albania by conducting your own research on insurers and insurance plans.

What is the cost of living in Albania?

The estimated cost of living for a single person in Albania is approximately USD $688 a month, excluding rent. For families of four, the estimated cost of living is approximately USD $2,472, excluding rent.

Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Looking to stay secure with an international health insurance plan while you are in Albania? Our experts can provide you with a personalized quote based on your needs and requirements.

Pacific Prime provides a wide selection of health insurance plans and travel insurance policies with benefit package options for inpatient, outpatient, maternity, dental, and specialist consultations. Contact our expert advisors today to receive a free quote.