Bucharest - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
It seems like every household had a medevac to London for diagnostic care, to see a specialist, or to get treatment. You'll be medevac'ed for anything that requires an incision and I would not treat a broken bone here. I tried physical therapy and it was so far off the mark from what I experienced in US and Western Europe. For years Romania has struggled with doctor brain drain to Western Europe for better pay. Coupled with a grossly underfunded healthcare system and options are few in country. The healthcare unit at the embassy is good but they can only do so much. Dental care is plentiful and cheap, including cosmetic dentistry, though I hated the machine used by a dentist for a teeth cleaning. Really think twice about your medical needs before bidding Bucharest. - Jun 2023
Medical care seems to be okay, but you'll be medevac'ed for anything that requires an incision. Dental care is plentiful and cheap, including cosmetic dentistry. - Mar 2019
Not that I've seen. - Jun 2018
We were advised to not drink the water due to high levels of lead and arsenic. Many people drink bottled water for that very reason. Medical care can be found- there are state run hospitals and private hospitals who are capable of X-rays, MRIs etc. My son needed stitches and we took him to the local pediatric hospital. They stitched him up, took an X-ray and provided follow up care for no money. It was great. I have had prenatal care there without major issue. My husband had an MRI for the cost of 200 RON (US$60). The big stuff is available, though it's still an intimidating system to figure out. - Feb 2014
Poor. Get invasive medical care in Western Europe. - Jan 2013
Don't use the medical system here unless it's an absolute emergency. Expect to be asked for a bribe. - May 2011
Medical care is absolutely terrible. Avoid public hospitals at all costs. Bribes must often be paid at every step of the process. Private facilities have better equipment, but I have heard numerous stories of doctors misreading/misdiagnosing test results. Other health concerns include allergies and respiratory problems, which tend to be common - Jul 2010
This is a hard one. There are a couple of international clinics. I am not confident of the health care system here. I did have a MRI here, and even though the building and facility were disgusting, the technology was new and good. The cost of medical care is fairly cheap. An appointment at the Euro Clinic is less than $35. Prescription meds are cheap as well. If you are an embassy employee, there is a med unit. This will be more convenient for families once the new embassy is completed. For now, it can be a hassle to get in town for an appointment. - Dec 2009
Health care is just mediocre, though we were provided really good care for the few emergencies we had. - Dec 2009
Healthcare isn't good, but at least it's cheap. Make sure you have insurance that will evacuate you for major work. The new Euroclinic is a step in the right direction, but it's hard to find really good healthcare here. Dentists are good. Prescription medications are cheap. - Dec 2008
Medical care is decent but not up to EU standards. - Feb 2008
There is some decent medical care here for minor issues but anything major and your outta here. - Jan 2008
