Ukraine International Health Insurance for Expats
Expats living in Ukraine will need to secure a private international medical insurance plan because the public insurance plan is unreliable. International insurance, also, is designed specifically for the unique circumstances of living abroad.
These global health plans can cover you in every country, offer services in most languages, and be customized to your unique budget and needs. International health insurance plans can include coverage for:
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Vision
- Dental
- Maternity
- Preventative care
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Ukraine
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
- Access to Cigna's trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- Numerous Deductible Options
- 24/7 Customer Support
- 4 Core Insurance Plans
Allianz Care Health Insurance
- World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
- Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
- Quick and Efficient Claims Process
- Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $4,000,000
- Flexible deductibles for inpatient and outpatient plans
Expats will get to choose their own 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.
In this Pacific Prime article, we'll explain what health insurance options are available to expats, how Ukraine's healthcare system is set up, what expats should consider when picking their insurance policy, and what health and safety tips travelers should know before departure.
The Healthcare System in Ukraine
Ukraine has a public healthcare system funded by the government which by law should provide free basic medical services to citizens and residents; in practice, however, patients often have to pay for much of their care. Also, the quality and availability of care can vary.
This is especially true in rural areas and public facilities that are often under-resourced. For that reason, many locals and expats choose private healthcare which offers better service, shorter wait times, and English-speaking doctors.
Expats living in Ukraine can access public healthcare if they’re a legal resident, though services may be limited. To access care, they should choose a clinic, make an appointment directly (no referral system), and pay out of pocket or use insurance.
Emergency services are available via the national 103 hotline.
Ukraine Public Sector and Hospitals
The public healthcare system in Ukraine provides free or low-cost services funded by the government. While reforms have been underway since 2017 to improve efficiency and accessibility, challenges still persist—particularly in infrastructure, staffing, and equipment.
The quality of care can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Some of the most commonly used public hospitals are National Children’s Specialized Hospital “Okhmatdyt”, Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 17, and Lviv Regional Clinical Hospital.
Here are some pros and cons expats should consider about the public sector.
Pros
- Low or no cost for many services if you’re a legal resident
- Access to essential and emergency care across the country
- Large network of hospitals and clinics
- Government-supported reforms improving digital records and doctor selection
Cons
- Limited English-speaking staff
- Outdated facilities and equipment in many locations
- Long wait times for non-emergency services
- Patients may need to buy their own medical supplies or medications
- Bureaucracy and unclear procedures can frustrate foreigners
- Variable quality of care, especially in rural areas
Ukraine Private Sector and Hospitals
The private healthcare sector in Ukraine is generally modern, efficient, and patient-focused, offering a significantly higher standard of care than the public system. Clinics and hospitals often have state-of-the-art equipment, well-trained doctors, and multilingual staff, especially in big cities.
Appointments are easy to book, wait times are minimal, and services range from basic care to advanced diagnostics and surgery.
Most private facilities operate on a fee-for-service basis, and costs are much lower than in Western Europe or North America, though still higher than the public system. Many expats choose private health insurance (local or international) to cover these expenses.
Some of the most commonly used private hospitals are Dobrobut Medical Network, Medikom Medical Center, and Adonis Medical Group.
Here are some pros and cons expats should consider about the private sector.
Pros
- High-quality care and facilities compared to public options
- English-speaking doctors and support staff (especially in large cities)
- Modern equipment and clean, comfortable environments
- Faster service and easier scheduling with little to no wait times
- Wide range of medical services under one roof
- Options for international insurance billing and medical tourism
Cons
- Costs can add up quickly if you don’t have insurance, especially for surgeries or hospital stays
- Quality may vary between providers, especially outside major cities
- Not all private clinics are licensed for complex procedures like transplants or advanced oncology
- Emergency services may not be available at smaller private clinics
- Some facilities may require payment upfront, even in emergencies
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Health Insurance Options in Ukraine for Expats
Most expats in Ukraine opt for private health insurance, either from a local provider or an international plan, to cover private hospitals and clinics. While the public insurance option is more affordable, it is also less reliable, and often it is not enforced and applied by public facilities.
Public Insurance in Ukraine
Ukraine operates a state-funded healthcare system based on the principle of universal access to basic medical services. Since 2017, reforms have aimed to modernize the system by shifting toward a “money follows the patient” model, managed by the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU).
Under this model, the government pays healthcare providers directly for services delivered to registered patients. Residents who are registered with the NHSU through a family doctor can access many primary and emergency care services for free, including:
- General practitioner and pediatric services
- Emergency care
- Pregnancy monitoring
- Basic diagnostics (e.g., blood tests, X-rays)
- Some chronic disease management
- Palliative care
In reality, even registered patients sometimes have to pay for these services, even if they qualify for coverage. More specialized services or procedures may also require copayments or must be obtained through private providers.
Expats may access public healthcare if they meet the following residency and legal criteria:
- Legal residence in Ukraine (temporary or permanent residence permit)
- Official registration with the NHSU through a family doctor
- Must have a Ukrainian tax identification number (TIN)
Most expats, however, do not choose to rely on public coverage.
Private Insurance in Ukraine
The vast majority of expatriates in Ukraine choose to secure a private health insurance plan either through a local provider or an international provider. Private insurance gives expats access to the more expensive and higher quality care available in the private healthcare sector.
Private insurance also provides coverage for more services than the public coverage typically covers. An international health insurance plan in Ukraine in particular would grant an expat the following benefits no matter what country they are in:
- Inpatient and day-patient care
- Outpatient and specialist visits
- Emergency medical care and transportation
- Vision care
- Dental care
- Maternity and infertility treatments
- Preventative care
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- A wider range of prescriptive medications
- Mental health care and various therapy modalities
- 24/7 virtual doctor appointments
- 24/7 support from insurance experts
- Some travel insurance benefits
With private international insurance, expats can build their own plan by selecting their tier of coverage, deductible/copay contributions, add-on packages, medical provider, and more.
This freedom of choice enables expats to get coverage for what they need to protect their health and wellbeing. Learn how a broker can help expats pick the right insurance plan for their time in Ukraine. The advantages are incredible!
Best Private Insurance for Expats in Ukraine
Morgan Price, NOW Health International, Allianz Care, BUPA, and VUMI are the best private international health insurance providers for expatriates living and/or working in Ukraine.
Let’s learn a little more about each provider below. Feel free to read our article detailing the top 10 international health insurance providers for more suggestions.
Morgan Price
Morgan Price has been an international insurance provider for over 25 years, and they sell expats health, dental, vision, inpatient, and outpatient insurance. Morgan Price can insure individuals, families, groups, and corporations, and they cover newly diagnosed medical conditions.
Here are some Morgan Price highlights:
- 24-hour helpline
- Flexible deductibles and premiums
- Cutting-edge claims processes
- Five private insurance plans for expats
NOW Health International
NOW Health International offers coverage in over 200 territories, and expats choose NOW Health because of their customer-focused services and extensive worldwide provider network. SimpleCare plans are designed to be cost-effective for expats, and Worldcare plans offer more comprehensive coverage.
Here are some NOW Health International highlights:
- In-patient and day-patient care
- Organ transplant
- Evacuation and repatriation
- Cancer treatment
- Rehabilitation
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 over 58 languages.
Here are some more Allianz highlights:
- Inpatient costs
- Diagnostics and laboratory tests
- Surgeries
- Ambulances transport
- Cancer treatment
BUPA
Bupa Global is a top choice for expats in Ukraine because it offers an extensive medical network, a wide range of benefit levels, and coverage for a limited number of children at no additional cost. Bupa offers the Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite plans.
Here are some more Bupa Global highlights:
- Inpatient treatment
- Cancer treatment
- Private hospital room coverage
- Medical evacuation coverage
- Health checks and screenings
VUMI
VUMI has over 35 years of experience providing international health insurance to expats. Their Global Flex VIP plans come in five tiers of coverage with an annual benefit limit of USD $3,000,000–$5,000,000. VUMI’s expat maternity coverage is popular because its waiting period is only 12 months.
Here are some more VUMI highlights:
- Five flexible plans
- Declared pre-existing conditions may be covered
- Maternity coverage includes IVF and infertility treatments
- Various coverage regions available
Consider This When Picking Health Insurance in Ukraine
Expats who are weighing which health insurance policy they want in Ukraine need to decide if they will need pre-existing medical coverage, maternity care, English-speaking language support, and/or coverage outside of Ukraine. Their health needs will affect which plan they should choose.
To get their mind rolling, here are 10 topics expats in Ukraine need to consider when selecting their medical coverage abroad:
- Local vs International Coverage: Expats should decide whether they want local Ukrainian insurance, which is cheaper but limited to local providers, or international plans that offer broader coverage, including treatment abroad.
- Network of Clinics and Hospitals: Check which hospitals and clinics are included in the insurance network, especially if you prefer international standards or English-speaking doctors.
- Emergency Services and Evacuation: Ensure the policy includes emergency medical evacuation, especially if you live far from major cities or prefer treatment in another country during serious illness.
- Language Support: Choose an insurer that provides English-speaking customer service, as navigating claims or medical terminology can be challenging in Ukrainian or Russian.
- Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: Verify whether the plan covers pre-existing medical conditions, as many insurers exclude them or require a waiting period before coverage starts.
- Prescription Medication: Make sure the insurance covers prescription drugs, particularly if you rely on specific medications that may be expensive or hard to find locally.
- Maternity and Family Planning: If you're planning to have children while in Ukraine, check that your policy includes maternity care, prenatal checkups, and delivery costs.
- Length and Flexibility of the Policy: Consider how long you’ll stay in Ukraine and whether your policy allows for extensions or cancellations without heavy penalties.
- Direct Billing Options: Look for plans that offer direct billing with hospitals to avoid paying large sums out of pocket and dealing with reimbursements later.
- Legal Compliance and Residency Requirements: Some types of visas or residency permits in Ukraine may require proof of local health insurance, so make sure your plan satisfies legal requirements.
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Health & Safety Tips for Travelers in Ukraine
Travelers in Ukraine first and foremost need to remain updated on regional travel advisories to make sure it is safe to travel in Ukraine. When it is clear to visit, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, only drink from bottled or filtered water, and carry proof of health insurance.
Here are some more health and safety tips for travelers in Ukraine:
- Stay Informed About Regional Safety: Before and during your trip, monitor travel advisories and local news, especially regarding any conflict zones or political unrest, as the security situation can change quickly.
- Register with Your Embassy: Registering with your embassy helps them contact you in case of emergencies and keeps you informed of local safety updates or evacuation protocols.
- Use Reputable Transportation: Stick to official taxis, rideshare apps, or trusted transportation services, as unlicensed taxis may overcharge or pose safety risks, especially at airports or train stations.
- Be Cautious with Night Travel: Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, particularly in major cities, where petty crime like pickpocketing can occur.
- Protect Against Pickpocketing: Stay alert in crowded areas such as markets, public transit, or tourist attractions, and keep your valuables in secure, hard-to-reach places.
- Drink Bottled or Filtered Water: Tap water in Ukraine is not consistently safe to drink, so use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
- Avoid Political Gatherings: Stay clear of demonstrations or rallies, even if they seem peaceful, as they can escalate unpredictably and lead to police involvement.
- Follow Food Safety Practices: Eat at well-reviewed or busy restaurants, and avoid street food that looks poorly prepared or exposed to the elements to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
- Have Medical Insurance and Contacts: Carry proof of health insurance and keep a list of local hospitals or clinics that accept international patients in case of illness or injury.
- Be Weather-Prepared: Ukraine’s climate can be extreme, with hot summers and harsh winters, so pack appropriate clothing and be aware of risks like icy sidewalks or heat exhaustion depending on the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do expats in Ukraine pay for health insurance?
International health insurance for expats in Ukraine can start as low as USD $35 a month from providers like Morgan Price and NOW Health International. On average, expats spend between USD $100–$300 a month on medical coverage, though it depends on your plan, deductible, and other factors.
Do expats need to have insurance to live in Ukraine?
Expats need health insurance to live in Ukraine, especially for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit. Proof of valid medical insurance is typically required during the visa or residency application process, so it is vital for expats to find a qualifying plan.
Can expats get free healthcare in Ukraine?
Expats cannot access free healthcare in Ukraine unless they hold permanent residency and officially register with the state system. After this they can receive primary and emergency care without charge. Tourists or those on temporary visas must pay for services out of pocket, even emergency care.
Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now
Since it can feel overwhelming to know which provider and plan to go with, consulting with a professional who knows the market and the options can simplify and speed up the process. There are many benefits for using a broker when getting insurance, including saving money and time!
As a broker with over 25 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime offers a wide spectrum of health insurance policies. From family insurance and maternity coverage to travel insurance, we are more than capable of finding the perfect plan that balances your budget with your needs.
Get a free quote now with our online comparison tool that features over 50,000 insurance plans. For tailored, impartial advice, contact our team of expert insurance advisors today!
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