What actually happens to travelers here.
Major cities typically treat water, but rural areas and older infrastructure can be unreliable. Bottled water is a cheap insurance policy.
The system.
System: Universal public healthcare funded by social insurance. EU/EEA citizens covered with EHIC for emergency care. Private healthcare is growing rapidly and preferred by many travelers.
Quality: β β β ββ Good
Private hospitals in Bucharest and major cities offer good care. Public hospitals can be underfunded and overcrowded. English is widely spoken by younger doctors. Private clinics are recommended for tourists.
Romania is a growing medical tourism destination, especially for dental care, cosmetic surgery, and eye surgery. Costs are 50-70% lower than Western Europe.
Where to actually go.
Leading private hospital chain. Modern facilities, English-speaking staff.
Major private healthcare network. Walk-in and appointments available.
Major public hospital in Transylvania. English-speaking doctors available.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies (farmacie) generally open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-2pm. Some 24/7 pharmacies in Bucharest and major cities.
Prescription rules: Many medications available OTC in Romania that require prescriptions elsewhere. Antibiotics officially require a prescription but enforcement varies. EU prescriptions may be accepted.
Pharmacies are marked with a green cross. Major chains include Catena, Sensiblu, and HelpNet. Pharmacists often speak English in cities. Prices are significantly lower than Western Europe.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- paracetamol (Panadol, Efferalgan)
- cold remedies (Coldrex, Theraflu)
- stomach remedies (Smecta)
- antihistamines
- band-aids and first aid supplies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Am nevoie de medicamente pentru durere de cap
- MΔ doare stomacul
- Sunt alergic la...
- Unde este cea mai apropiatΔ farmacie?
- Am nevoie de un doctor
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen β Paracetamol generic or Panadol
Generic 'paracetamol' is the most common name in pharmacies. - ibuprofen β Ibuprom or Nurofen
Both are widely available. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) β Imodium or Loperamid
Available OTC at any pharmacy.
What you can't bring in.
EU/EEA travelers should carry a Schengen certificate for controlled substances. Non-EU travelers should bring a doctor's letter in English. Keep medications in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Sudafed Β· CBD Β· Xanax Β· Opioids
Require prescription and documentation. Carry a doctor's letter.
Controlled substance. Bring documentation and original packaging.
Cannabis is illegal in Romania. CBD products with THC are prohibited.
Available only from behind the pharmacy counter with ID.
If something breaks.
Availability: Excellent dental care at very affordable prices. Romania is a top dental tourism destination.
Cost range: β¬20-50 for a consultation; β¬30-150 for fillings; β¬50-200 for extractions
Many dental clinics in Bucharest and Cluj cater specifically to international patients. Quality is on par with Western Europe at a fraction of the cost.
What you actually need.
π‘οΈ Recommended
Average cost: $25-50/week
Healthcare is affordable but private facilities preferred for tourists. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for access to private hospitals and medical evacuation if needed.
Filing a claim
Private clinics accept payment by card and provide detailed receipts and medical reports in English on request. Public hospitals may require cash. Keep all documentation for insurance claims. File within 30 days of treatment.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $25-60 |
| ER visit | $80-300 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $150-500 |
| Ambulance | $30-150 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Vienna or Munich
Secondary destination: Berlin or Frankfurt
Typical cost band: $15,000-60,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Vienna and Munich are the standard regional referral hubs for Central and Eastern European travelers.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Tick-borne Encephalitis (for rural/forested areas)
- Rabies (for extended rural stays)
No mandatory vaccinations. Romania has had measles outbreaks β ensure MMR vaccination is current.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Use caution β Tap water is generally safe in major cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, TimiΘoara) but quality varies in rural areas. Bottled water is cheap and widely available. When in doubt, drink bottled water.
Food safety
Romanian food is generally safe. Eat at busy, popular restaurants. Traditional dishes are hearty and well-cooked. Be cautious with dairy products in rural areas during hot weather.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: 112 for psychiatric emergencies
English-speaking therapists: Available in Bucharest through private practice. Expect β¬40-80 per session.
Mental health services are developing. English-speaking therapists available in major cities. Online therapy options are growing.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com β crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility is improving but remains a challenge. Newer buildings meet EU standards but older infrastructure has barriers.
Hospital accessibility: Private hospitals are generally wheelchair accessible. Older public hospitals may have limited accessibility.
Accessible transport: Bucharest metro is partially accessible. Newer buses and trams have low floors. Accessible taxis available with advance booking.
Cobblestone streets in historic areas can be difficult for wheelchairs. Newer attractions and shopping centers are well-adapted. Contact hotels in advance about accessibility.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask requirements.
Testing availability: Tests available at pharmacies and clinics.
Romania has lifted all COVID restrictions.
Romania travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State β travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Bucharest
- Romanian Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health