How Does Health Insurance Work for International Students in Romania?
Romania offers international students two main healthcare pathways: the public CNAS system (Casa Nationala de Asigurari de Sanatate) and private health insurance. Students under 26 enrolled at a Romanian university get free public healthcare by law. Students over 26 can join CNAS voluntarily for approximately 2,490 lei per year (~€500). EU/EEA students with a valid EHIC card access the public system at no extra cost. Romania is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe — a GP visit costs €5-15, a specialist consultation €20-50, and private clinics like MedLife and Regina Maria charge a fraction of Western European prices.
This guide covers everything you need: CNAS registration, EHIC rules, private insurance options, dental care, mental health services, emergency procedures, and a city-by-city overview of healthcare in Romania’s top student cities. Whether you are studying medicine in Cluj-Napoca, engineering in Bucharest, or doing an Erasmus semester in Timisoara, this is your step-by-step roadmap to healthcare access in Romania.
Romania’s Public Healthcare System: CNAS Explained
CNAS (Casa Nationala de Asigurari de Sanatate) is Romania’s national health insurance authority. It manages the public healthcare system through regional branches called CAS (Casa de Asigurari de Sanatate) in each county. The system covers GP consultations, specialist referrals, hospital treatment, emergency care, and subsidized prescriptions.
Key Facts About Romanian Public Healthcare
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual health budget per capita | ~€600 (lowest in the EU) |
| Public hospitals | 370+ nationwide |
| GP practices | 11,000+ family doctors |
| Emergency response number | 112 (free, multilingual) |
| Prescription coverage (students under 26) | Free for most essential medications |
| Mental health | Basic: yes. Extended therapy: limited |
| Dental coverage | Emergency only in public system |
What CNAS Covers
- Primary care: GP consultations at your assigned family doctor (medic de familie). Free for insured persons.
- Specialist care: Referral-based access to cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, and other specialists. Small co-payments may apply.
- Hospital care: Full inpatient treatment, surgery, intensive care, maternity care at public hospitals.
- Emergency care: Free for everyone at any public hospital, regardless of insurance status.
- Prescription medications: Students under 26 receive most essential medications free. Others pay co-payments of 10-50% depending on the drug category.
- Preventive care: Vaccinations, screenings, prenatal care.
- Lab tests and diagnostics: Blood work, X-rays, ultrasound — covered with a GP referral.
What CNAS Does NOT Cover
- Dental care (adults): Only emergency extractions. No cleanings, fillings, crowns, or orthodontics.
- Optical care: No eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses.
- Extended mental health therapy: Public system offers limited sessions. Long waiting lists for psychologists.
- Cosmetic procedures: Not covered.
- Private hospital rooms: Public hospitals use shared wards.
- Short waiting times: Non-urgent specialist appointments can take 2-8 weeks through the public system.
Who Qualifies for Free Public Healthcare?
Romania’s health insurance law creates clear categories for students:
Students Under 26 (Enrolled at a Romanian University)
You are automatically insured under CNAS at no cost. This is a legal entitlement under Romanian law. You do not need to pay any contribution. You need:
- A valid student ID (legitimatie de student)
- Enrollment certificate from your university
- A CNP (Cod Numeric Personal) — your Romanian personal identification number
Your university’s international student office will typically help you obtain the CNP and register with a local family doctor.
Students Over 26
You must voluntarily enroll in CNAS by filing a Single Declaration (Declaratie Unica) with the Romanian tax authority (ANAF) and paying the health insurance contribution (CASS).
CASS voluntary contribution for 2026:
| Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| January-December 2025 (annual) | 607.5 lei (~€122) |
| January-December 2026 (annual) | 1,882.5 lei (~€378) |
| Total for a full academic year | |
| Approximate monthly cost | ~€42/month |
Payment can be made in installments: 25% upfront (607.5 lei), with the remainder due by May 25, 2026.
Non-EU Students Without CNAS
If you choose not to register with CNAS, you must have private health insurance that meets Romania’s visa requirements: minimum €30,000 coverage, including hospitalization, emergency treatment, and medical repatriation.
EU/EEA Students: Using Your EHIC in Romania
If you hold citizenship from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is your primary healthcare tool in Romania.
What the EHIC Covers
Your EHIC entitles you to the same public healthcare access as Romanian citizens at CNAS-contracted facilities:
- Free GP visits at a CNAS-contracted family doctor
- Free emergency care at any public hospital
- Free hospital treatment when medically necessary
- Subsidized prescriptions (same co-payment rates as locals)
- Specialist consultations via GP referral
How to Use Your EHIC in Romania
- Bring your EHIC card from your home country (physical or digital version)
- Register with a family doctor (medic de familie) near your university — present your EHIC, passport, and proof of enrollment
- Present your EHIC at each visit to a public healthcare facility
- For emergencies: Go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department (UPU/CPU). Present your EHIC afterward for billing.
EHIC Limitations in Romania
- Only covers public facilities: Private clinics (MedLife, Regina Maria, Sanador) do not accept EHIC
- Only medically necessary care: Does not cover treatments that can wait until you return home
- No repatriation: Does not cover medical transport back to your home country
- No dental (adults): Same limitations as CNAS
- Waiting times: Public system wait times apply — you cannot use EHIC to skip queues
Do EU Students Need Additional Insurance?
For stays under 12 months, the EHIC is legally sufficient. However, many EU students purchase supplementary private insurance (€20-40/month) for:
- Access to private clinics with shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors
- Dental coverage
- Medical repatriation
- Private hospital rooms
Non-EU Students: Your Insurance Options
Non-EU students need health insurance for their Romanian student visa application and throughout their studies. You have two options:
Option 1: CNAS Registration (Recommended for Long Stays)
Best for: Students staying 1+ years, especially those under 26 (free coverage).
Process:
- Arrive in Romania and obtain your residence permit (permis de sedere)
- Get a CNP from the local evidence office (Directia de Evidenta a Persoanelor)
- Register at a local CNAS office with your residence permit, student ID, and CNP
- Get assigned a family doctor (medic de familie)
- If over 26: file the Single Declaration with ANAF and pay CASS
Pros: Full access to the Romanian public healthcare system, very affordable, accepted for residence permit renewals.
Cons: Longer wait times, limited English availability at public facilities, no dental coverage.
Option 2: Private Health Insurance
Best for: Visa applications, short stays, students wanting private clinic access.
Requirements for Romanian student visa:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | €30,000 |
| Scope | Must cover entire Schengen Zone |
| Includes | Emergency treatment, hospitalization, repatriation |
| Maximum deductible | €500 per incident |
| Validity | Must cover entire study period |
| Format | PDF with stamp and signature, color printout |
Popular international insurers for Romania: Allianz, Euroins, Generali Romania, Cigna, and Swisscare all offer plans that meet Romanian visa requirements. Prices start from €30-60/month depending on coverage level, age, and duration.
Use our insurance comparison tool to find plans that meet Romanian consulate requirements.
Healthcare Costs in Romania: What You’ll Actually Pay
Romania is one of the most affordable healthcare destinations in Europe. Even without insurance, out-of-pocket costs are remarkably low compared to Western Europe.
Medical Costs With CNAS/EHIC (Public System)
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| GP consultation | Free |
| Specialist consultation (with referral) | Free or small co-pay (5-15 lei) |
| Emergency room visit | Free |
| Hospital stay (per night) | Free |
| Blood tests, X-rays (with referral) | Free |
| Prescription medications (students under 26) | Free |
| Prescription medications (others, essential list) | 10-50% co-payment |
Medical Costs Without Insurance (Private Clinics)
| Service | Cost (RON) | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| GP consultation | 150-250 lei | €30-50 |
| Specialist consultation | 200-350 lei | €40-70 |
| Blood panel (standard) | 100-300 lei | €20-60 |
| Ultrasound | 150-300 lei | €30-60 |
| MRI scan | 600-1,200 lei | €120-240 |
| Emergency room (private) | 300-500 lei | €60-100 |
Dental Costs (Private, Out-of-Pocket)
| Treatment | Cost (RON) | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Routine cleaning | 150-250 lei | €30-50 |
| Filling (composite) | 150-400 lei | €30-80 |
| Root canal | 400-800 lei | €80-160 |
| Crown (ceramic) | 800-1,500 lei | €160-300 |
| Wisdom tooth extraction | 350-600 lei | €70-120 |
| Dental implant | 2,500-4,000 lei | €500-800 |
Even without insurance, dental work in Romania costs 50-70% less than in Germany, France, or the UK.
Private Clinics in Romania: MedLife, Regina Maria, Sanador
Romania has a well-developed private healthcare sector, especially in major cities. The three largest networks are:
MedLife
- Network: Largest private medical operator in Romania. 400+ clinics and hospitals nationwide.
- Cities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Brasov, and 30+ other cities.
- Strengths: Wide network, online booking, lab results via app, English-speaking doctors in major branches.
- GP consultation: ~200-250 lei (€40-50)
- Subscription plans: From 70-150 lei/month (€14-30) for students. Includes GP visits, basic lab work, and discounts on specialists.
Regina Maria
- Network: Second largest. 200+ clinics and hospitals.
- Cities: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, Constanta, and 20+ other cities.
- Strengths: Highest-rated patient satisfaction, modern facilities, strong specialist departments (oncology, cardiology, cosmetic surgery).
- GP consultation: ~200-300 lei (€40-60)
- Subscription plans: From 80-160 lei/month (€16-32) for unlimited GP access and discounts.
Sanador
- Network: One hospital + outpatient clinics, primarily Bucharest.
- Strengths: Bucharest’s most modern private hospital. Strong surgical departments, maternity ward, and post-operative care.
- GP consultation: ~200-350 lei (€40-70)
- Best for: Students in Bucharest needing hospital-level care.
Should Students Get a Private Subscription?
If you plan to use private healthcare regularly, a monthly subscription (abonament medical) from MedLife or Regina Maria saves money versus paying per visit. For 70-160 lei/month (€14-32), you get unlimited GP visits, basic lab work, and 10-30% off specialists. This is popular among international students who prefer English-speaking doctors and shorter wait times.
Dental Care in Romania
Public Dental Coverage
CNAS dental coverage is minimal for adults: emergency extractions and treatment of acute infections only. No cleanings, fillings, crowns, or orthodontics are covered through the public system.
Children and students under 18 receive broader dental coverage, including preventive treatments.
Private Dental Clinics
Romania is a well-known dental tourism destination. Prices are 50-70% lower than in Western Europe, and quality is high. Major cities have hundreds of modern dental clinics.
Recommended approach for students:
- Routine cleanings: Book at a private dental clinic 1-2 times per year (€30-50 per cleaning)
- Fillings and basic work: Very affordable — €30-80 per filling
- Orthodontics: Braces from €800-1,500 (vs. €3,000-6,000 in Germany or the UK)
- Dental insurance add-on: Some private health insurance plans offer dental riders for €10-20/month extra
Best Dental Clinics for Students
Look for clinics near your university. In Bucharest: Dr. Leahu, Dental Premier, SORIdent. In Cluj: Dental Concept, Dr. Sanu. Most accept online booking and offer consultations in English.
Mental Health Services
University Counseling
Most Romanian universities offer free psychological counseling for enrolled students:
- University of Bucharest: Free counseling center (Centrul de Consiliere Psihologica) — individual sessions, stress management, exam anxiety support
- Babes-Bolyai University (Cluj): Department of Clinical Psychology offers student counseling
- UPB (Politehnica Bucharest): Counseling center with cognitive-behavioral therapy, group sessions
Services typically include 5-10 free sessions per academic year. Available in Romanian and sometimes English.
Public Mental Health
CNAS covers psychiatric consultations and some psychotherapy via referral. However, waiting times are long (1-3 months) and sessions are limited. Most public mental health services are available only in Romanian.
Private Mental Health
Private therapy sessions in Romania cost €30-60 per session (significantly cheaper than Western Europe). Many therapists in Bucharest and Cluj speak English. Online therapy platforms are also growing — from €25-40 per session.
For a detailed look at mental health coverage options for international students, see our dedicated guide.
Emergency Care in Romania
The 112 Emergency Number
Romania uses the European emergency number 112 for all emergencies (medical, fire, police). Key facts:
- Free to call from any phone, even without a SIM card or with an unpaid bill
- Multilingual: Operators answer in Romanian, English, German, French, Italian, and Hungarian
- Average answer time: 4 seconds
- Ambulance service: SMURD (Serviciul Mobil de Urgenta, Reanimare si Descarcerare) — Romania’s well-regarded emergency response system
Emergency Room Access
- Public hospitals: Emergency treatment is free for everyone, regardless of insurance status or nationality. You will be treated first; paperwork comes later.
- Private hospitals: Emergency care available at Sanador, MedLife Hospital, and Regina Maria Hospital in Bucharest. Costs €60-100+ per visit.
- What to bring: Passport or ID, insurance card (EHIC or private policy), student ID.
Key Emergency Hospitals by City
| City | Hospital | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bucharest | Spitalul Universitar de Urgenta | Public, largest emergency hospital |
| Bucharest | Spitalul Floreasca | Public, major trauma center |
| Cluj-Napoca | Spitalul Clinic Judetean de Urgenta | Public, main emergency hospital |
| Timisoara | Spitalul Clinic Judetean de Urgenta | Public, regional hub |
| Iasi | Spitalul Clinic de Urgenta “Prof. Dr. N. Oblu” | Public, neurosurgery center |
Healthcare by City: Romania’s Top Student Destinations
Bucharest
- International students: 15,000+ at UMFCD, University of Bucharest, ASE, Politehnica
- Healthcare: Best infrastructure in Romania. All three major private networks (MedLife, Regina Maria, Sanador) have flagship locations.
- English-speaking doctors: Widely available at private clinics. Less common at public hospitals.
- Pharmacies: 24-hour pharmacies available (Farmacia Tei, Catena, Sensiblu). One every few blocks in central areas.
Cluj-Napoca
- International students: 8,000+ at UMF Cluj (medicine), UBB (humanities/sciences), UTCluj (engineering)
- Healthcare: Strong private sector. MedLife and Regina Maria have major branches. Known for excellent medical faculty and teaching hospitals.
- English-speaking doctors: Good availability, especially near UMF Cluj.
- Living costs: 15-20% lower than Bucharest.
Timisoara
- International students: 5,000+ at UMFT (medicine), UPT (engineering), UVT (sciences)
- Healthcare: Growing private clinic presence. MedLife and Regina Maria available. Proximity to Western Europe (200 km from Budapest).
- English-speaking doctors: Moderate availability. German-speaking doctors also common due to the city’s multicultural heritage.
Iasi
- International students: 6,000+ at UMF Iasi (medicine), UAIC (oldest Romanian university), TUIasi (engineering)
- Healthcare: Largest medical hub in Moldova region. Major public teaching hospitals. Private clinics growing.
- English-speaking doctors: Available at private clinics. French also useful (strong Francophone academic tradition).
- Living costs: Lowest among major student cities. Rent €150-250/month.
Step-by-Step: Getting Set Up with Healthcare in Romania
Before You Arrive
- EU students: Apply for an EHIC card in your home country (free, takes 1-2 weeks)
- Non-EU students: Purchase private health insurance that meets Romanian visa requirements (€30,000 minimum coverage)
- Download: Google Translate with offline Romanian language pack
- Research: Identify private clinics near your university
First Two Weeks in Romania
- Register at your university and get your student ID
- Obtain your CNP — your university’s international office will guide you. Required for CNAS registration.
- EU students: Register with a family doctor (medic de familie) near your accommodation. Present EHIC + passport + enrollment certificate.
- Non-EU students under 26: Visit the local CAS office with your CNP, residence permit, and student ID. Registration is free.
- Non-EU students over 26: File the Single Declaration with ANAF and pay the CASS contribution.
- Find a pharmacy: Locate the nearest Farmacia Tei, Catena, or Sensiblu. Save their 24-hour pharmacy address.
Ongoing
- GP appointments: Call or visit your family doctor’s office. Many now offer online booking.
- Specialist referrals: Ask your GP for a referral letter (bilet de trimitere). Valid for 60 days.
- Prescriptions: Take your prescription to any CNAS-contracted pharmacy.
- Private clinic visits: Book online via MedLife or Regina Maria apps. No referral needed.
- Renew insurance: If on private insurance, renew before your current policy expires. Gaps in coverage can affect your residence permit.
EHIC vs. CNAS vs. Private Insurance: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | EHIC Only | CNAS (Public) | Private Insurance | CNAS + Private Top-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | EU/EEA citizens | All enrolled students | Anyone | Any enrolled student |
| Monthly cost | Free | Free (under 26) / ~€42 (over 26) | €30-60 | €42 + €20-40 |
| GP access | Public only | Public only | Private network | Both |
| Specialist wait time | 2-8 weeks | 2-8 weeks | 1-3 days | 1-3 days |
| Dental | Emergency only | Emergency only | Included or add-on | Via private |
| Mental health | Limited | Limited | 10-20 sessions/yr | Via private |
| Visa accepted | No (for non-EU) | For residence permit renewal | Yes | Yes |
| English-speaking doctors | Rare | Rare | Common | Common |
| Best for | Budget EU students | Long-stay students under 26 | Visa + quality care | Best of both worlds |
Our Recommendation
- EU students staying 1 semester: EHIC alone covers your basics. Add private insurance (€20-40/month) if you want dental, private clinics, or English-speaking doctors.
- EU students staying 1+ year: EHIC + private top-up is the best combination. You get free public care plus private clinic access.
- Non-EU students under 26: Register with CNAS (free) as soon as you have your CNP. Keep your private visa insurance active until CNAS registration is confirmed.
- Non-EU students over 26: CNAS voluntary enrollment (~€42/month) plus a private top-up (€20-40/month) gives comprehensive coverage for under €80/month total.
For a broader comparison, our guide on how to choose health insurance as an international student covers decision frameworks across all countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does student health insurance cost in Romania?
Students under 26 enrolled at a Romanian university pay nothing — CNAS coverage is free by law. Students over 26 pay approximately 2,490 lei per year (~€500, or ~€42/month) through voluntary CASS contributions to ANAF. Private insurance plans for international students start from €30-60 per month depending on coverage level and provider.
Can I use my EHIC card at private clinics in Romania?
No. The EHIC is only accepted at CNAS-contracted public healthcare facilities — public hospitals, public polyclinics, and CNAS-contracted family doctors. Private clinics like MedLife, Regina Maria, and Sanador do not accept the EHIC. You must pay out of pocket or have private insurance for private clinic visits.
What is a CNP and how do I get one?
The CNP (Cod Numeric Personal) is Romania’s 13-digit personal identification number. Every person registered in Romania receives one. International students obtain their CNP through their university’s international student office or by visiting the local Directia de Evidenta a Persoanelor (Population Records Office) with their passport and residence permit. The CNP is required for CNAS registration, opening a bank account, and signing a rental contract.
Is emergency care really free for everyone in Romania?
Yes. Romanian law guarantees free emergency medical treatment at public hospitals for all persons, regardless of nationality, insurance status, or ability to pay. Call 112 for an ambulance. At the emergency department (UPU/CPU), you will be treated based on medical urgency. You may be asked for insurance details afterward for billing, but treatment is never refused or delayed.
What documents do I need for a Romanian student visa health insurance?
Your health insurance policy must provide minimum coverage of €30,000, be valid across the entire Schengen Zone, cover emergency treatment, hospitalization, and medical repatriation, have a maximum deductible of no more than €500 per incident, and cover your entire study period. Submit a color PDF printout with the insurer’s stamp and signature to the consulate.
How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Romania?
Private clinics are your best option. MedLife and Regina Maria both list English-speaking doctors on their booking platforms. In Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, most private clinic doctors speak at least basic English. At public hospitals, English availability is less consistent — bringing a Romanian-speaking friend or using a translation app is helpful. University health centers often have staff experienced with international students.
Does Romanian health insurance cover dental care?
CNAS covers only emergency dental extractions for adults. For any routine dental care (cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontics), you need to visit a private dentist and pay out of pocket or have private insurance with a dental rider. The good news: dental care in Romania is very affordable. A filling costs €30-80, a cleaning €30-50, and even a dental implant costs €500-800 — far less than in Western Europe.
Can I keep my home country’s insurance and use it in Romania?
It depends on your insurer. Some international health insurance policies cover care in Romania. Check whether your policy specifically includes Romania or the EU/Schengen Zone, and whether it covers routine care or only emergencies. For your visa application, the Romanian consulate will only accept policies that explicitly name Romania/Schengen coverage with the required €30,000 minimum.
What happens if my insurance lapses during my studies?
A gap in health insurance coverage can have serious consequences: your residence permit renewal may be rejected, you will have to pay full out-of-pocket costs for any medical care, and you may face difficulties re-enrolling in CNAS. Always renew your insurance before the current policy expires. Set a reminder 30 days before your policy end date.
Is Romania a good place to study medicine as an international student?
Romania is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for English-taught medicine. Four major medical universities — Carol Davila (Bucharest), UMF Cluj, UMF Iasi, and UMFT (Timisoara) — offer 6-year MD programs in English. Tuition ranges from €5,000-9,000 per year. Degrees are EU-recognized and eligible for USMLE, PLAB, and other international licensing exams. Living costs of €400-700/month make Romania significantly more affordable than studying medicine in the UK, Germany, or the Netherlands.
Need health insurance for studying in Romania? Use our insurance comparison tool to find plans that meet Romanian consulate requirements. Compare international providers, check coverage levels, and get insured before your visa appointment.
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