Moldova Health Insurance for Expats

Expatriates and their families in Moldova can choose to get insurance through the public universal insurance plan run by the government or to get a private international insurance plan. A private plan will grant access to the higher quality private facilities and cover evacuation costs if needed.

Interested in moving to Moldova? You will no doubt be curious about the healthcare system there! The Republic of Moldova only became independent from the Soviet Union recently in 1991. Their healthcare system has been reformed since, providing universal healthcare to all citizens.

Read on for an overview of the healthcare system in Moldova and your healthcare options as an expat there! You can also find our guides for other European countries here.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Moldova

International Health Insurance Coverage for Expats in Moldova

Expats living in Moldova should consider an international medical insurance plan because these packages are designed specifically for the unique circumstances of living abroad. Global health plans can cover you in every country, offer services in most languages, and be customized to your needs.

International health insurance plans can include coverage for:

• Inpatient
• Outpatient
• Vision
• Dental
• Maternity
• Preventative Care

You get to choose your insurance provider, level of coverage, and add-on benefits. Unlike a public insurance plan that is handed to you, with a private international plan you get to customize it to your needs and budget.

The Healthcare System in Moldova: Explained for Expats

Moldova provides universal healthcare for all of their residents, taking after the Semashko healthcare system from the Soviet-era. Moldova has an oversupply of medical facilities and healthcare workers, though their medical facilities are nowhere near the Western standard many expats may be used to.

For years, their entire healthcare system has gone through rapid changes for the better. Here is the Moldova healthcare system in a nutshell.

Moldova’s Unique Mix of Public and Private Sectors

The Moldovan healthcare system is a curious mix of public and private medical facilities. The Ministry of Health (MHI) of the Republic of Moldova offers certain primary and secondary care services for free. This is along with universal emergency care and dental care.

However, they only cover an extremely limited range of pharmaceuticals. Expats and residents will have to pay out-of-pocket for their prescriptions most of the time.

All public medical facilities are non-profit organizations contracted by The National Insurance Company (NHIC, or Compania Națională de Asigurări în Medicină) to provide healthcare services under the MHI. The NHIC is the sole purchaser of medical services in Moldova.

Some private health service providers entered into similar contracts with the MHI.

Where can Expats Access Medical Facilities in Moldova?

Expats will likely find clinics peppered throughout their Moldova community. Primary and secondary level public medical facilities belong to local authorities and serve their community. On the other hand, tertiary level institutions provide specialized medical care for the whole population.

Unfortunately, almost all tertiary facilities are in Chisinau, the capital city. This makes it essential that you live in the city. Alternatively, you should secure a private health insurance plan that covers the repatriation costs so you can relocate to receive the best care for your condition.

Informal Payments: Customary in Moldova

Informal payments occur at almost all levels of the Moldova healthcare system. This is especially true for inpatient care. The more serious your medical condition is, the more you have to pay your medical staff under the table. This is one of the ongoing problems the MHI has been trying to solve.

Pharmaceuticals are definitely the biggest perpetrator of informal payments. Remember to bring extra money when you visit one! Your out-of-pocket payment should include both informal payment and direct fee-for-service payment.

Moldova’s Quality of Healthcare

There is an oversupply of medical institutions and healthcare personnel in Moldova, most of which are in Chisinau. Hospitals in Moldova are definitely capable of dealing with minor ailments and illnesses. However, high-technology equipment is only available in Chisinau.

Expats living in rural areas shouldn’t expect to find many clinics and hospitals nearby. Occasionally, there may be shortages of medications and other supplies in the country.

It’s worth noting that most doctors and nurses have left Moldova for better pay and opportunities elsewhere.

Health Insurance Options in Moldova for Expats

Most residents are enrolled in the Mandatory Health Insurance scheme in Moldova. Still, a percentage prefers a private health insurance plan, particularly if they are expats. In this section, we will give a rundown of the two options.

Mandatory Health Insurance: Moldova’s Public Insurance

The Mandatory Health Insurance (MHI) scheme in Moldova is funded by the payroll contributions from both employee and employer alike. Employees pay 4.5% of their salary while employers pay 4.5%. The non-working population, such as pensioners, students, and children, are all covered by the NHIC.

Self-employed individuals are expected to purchase their own insurance cover every year at a fixed price. It’s important to note that despite the name of MHI, you can opt-out or purchase your own insurance plan.

Do you have a local labor agreement in Moldova? You’re in luck! You too can contribute to the MHI and enjoy the same health benefits as the average Moldovan.

Private Health Insurance for Expats Living in Moldova

Whether you are eligible for Moldova’s Mandatory Health Insurance or simply prefer an alternative, expats can secure an international private health insurance plan. The healthcare system in Moldova is nowhere near comprehensive. This is especially the case if you live outside of Chisinau.

We recommend an insurance plan that covers your repatriation costs. If you are injured, you would want to receive the best care for your condition outside of the country. Sometimes, the cost to transfer you back home can be incredibly steep! We also recommend a plan that covers theft and loss.

Pacific Prime has over two decades of experience as brokers in the insurance industry. We are committed to finding the perfect health insurance plan to suit your budget and needs.

Most importantly, our highly-trained experts provide free quotations, leverage our close partnerships with all major insurers, and have an extensive portfolio that consists of all the best plans.

Contact us today so we can help or begin comparing plans on your own!

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Moldova

Among the very best private health insurance providers for expats in Moldova are the international plans offered by Cigna, AXA, Bupa, Allianz Care, and VUMI. We will introduce you to each insurer below.

To read the full list of top providers, read our blog post The Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global offers international health insurance to expats living in more than 200 markets and territories around the world. Cigna has 1.5 million health professionals and 24/7 customer support workers who speak more than 50 languages. Individuals, families, and businesses can get Cigna coverage.

Here are some more Cigna highlights:

AXA

AXA Global, also known as AXA Group or simply AXA, has more than 55 years of experience. They serve more than 95 million expats, digital nomads, businesses, and others in over 50 countries. Standard in AXA plans are their second medical opinion service and evacuation and repatriation coverage.

Here are some more AXA highlights:

Allianz Care

Allianz Care is a world-leading health insurance provider for expats living globally. As the international health brand of the larger Allianz Partners, Allianz Care offers health, life, critical illness, and disability insurance around the globe in 75 countries and in over 58 languages

Here are some more Allianz highlights:

VUMI

VIP Universal Medical Insurance Group (VUMI) sells international health, life, and travel insurance policies for individuals and corporations. VUMI is well-known for its high quality expat maternity insurance, which is included in three of its Global Flex plans. VUMI has 35 years in the industry.

Here are some more VUMI highlights:

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Moldova

While trying to figure out what insurance to get for your excursions in Moldova, expats should consider travel insurance requirements, the quality of public vs. private facilities, costs, and where they will be living.

• Travel insurance: Moldova requires international travelers to have travel health insurance. This insurance can cover a range of things, including hospitalization, flight delays, hotel cancellations, and lost luggage.
• Healthcare System: Moldova's state medical facilities are generally poor, while private clinics and hospitals offer a better standard of care. Expats looking for care that most closely reflects the standards of Western medicine will want access to private facilities through a private insurance plan.
• Health Insurance Costs: In 2023, the mandatory health insurance program cost was about RON 12,600 (USD $2,700). The 2023 average for international health insurance in Moldova was about RON 22,000 (USD $4,800).
• Out-of-Pocket Payments: In 2019, out-of-pocket payments accounted for 36% of health spending.
• Access to Health Services: Outmigration of health workers has reduced access to health services, especially in rural areas. If you live rural, you’ll have a harder time accessing care. If you live in Chisinau, you’ll have easy access.

Health and Safety Tips for Expats in Moldova

Expats living in Moldova should pack their own prescriptions, get proper evacuation and theft coverage, get the proper vaccinations, and avoid tick-borne diseases and other illnesses transferable through unsanitary food and drink.

1. Prescriptions. We recommend bringing your own prescriptions. Most prescriptions are not covered by the state and the same brands you are accustomed to back at home can be difficult to find.
2. Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage. It is a must to get a health insurance plan that includes evacuation and repatriation coverage. It can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to over USD $300,000 to transfer a patient to the nearest country for care.
3. Theft and Loss Coverage. We also recommend a health or travel insurance plan that covers theft and loss. You’ll want your belongings insured just in case they are stolen.
4. Prevent Against Tick-Borne Diseases. Moldova has a risk of transferring tick-borne diseases to expats and travelers. Learn how to protect yourself from these infectious diseases.
5. Get Vaccinated. Be up to date on all your vaccinations and learn about these common diseases in Moldova and how to prevent them: hepatitis a, hepatitis b, lyme disease, pneumococcal disease, tuberculosis, typhoid, and whooping cough.
6. Follow Food and Drink Hygiene Guidelines. To avoid contamination in Moldova, follow proper food and drink hygiene. This can include washing fruit and vegetables, washing your hands before eating and after going to the restroom, and only drinking purified water.

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

If you’re not sure if Moldova’s limited public insurance scheme is right for you, learn more about global insurance plans that can include comprehensive coverage for foreign residents in Moldova.

Begin comparing plans and quotes for these flexible, customized plans for expats today! Our insurance quote generator is a free resource with no strings attached that includes details about over 50,000 insurance plans.

You can also speak to one of our Pacific Prime insurance brokers online or over the phone by calling 1-800-868-1451. We have over 20 years of experience helping over a million expats secure the right insurance plan for their health needs and budget. Let us help you at no cost to you!

Learn more about how a health insurance broker can benefit expats in this blog post.

Recommended Reads:

• Expat Health Insurance
• International Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
• Dental Health Insurance Abroad
• Maternity Insurance: Pregnancy While Living Abroad