This information is for general orientation only and does not constitute legal, tax or medical advice. Always verify with the official sources cited.
Healthcare roadmap
Before visa (policy) → After entry (CNAS or private) → Family doctor → Specialists
Student health checklist
- Before visa (non-EU): policy with cover ≥ 30,000 EUR for the full visa period — bring a paper copy to IGI.
- EU short stay: active EHIC; for courses > 3 months plan CNAS or a private GP.
- After arrival: save 112, nearest emergency department, insurance PDF, and campus nurse contact in your phone.
- With part-time work: check CASS on payslip → then register with a medic de familie.
- Non-urgent without a GP: private clinic (80–200 RON) or university clinic if available.
University clinic
- Many universities run a student medical service (basic visits, sports certificates, vaccines) — ask the international office.
- Does not replace insurance required by IGI for non-EU students; use it for minor issues and internal paperwork.
- For serious emergencies use 112 or a public hospital emergency department.
How to access care
- Public system — Run by CNAS (National Health Insurance House); access via contributions and a family doctor (medic de familie).
- Temporary EU student — EHIC covers medically necessary care during a short stay; for long residence consider local registration.
- Non-EU student — Private policy required for visa/permit; then CNAS if you work legally or through permitted routes.
- Private clinics — Paid visits (50–150+ RON) if you do not yet have a GP.
Mandatory insurance and costs
| Situation | Coverage | Indicative cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa / permit (non-EU) | Valid travel/study insurance in RO | Often 30,000 EUR cover — 150–400 EUR/year by insurer |
| Part-time work with contract | CASS contributions on payslip | Approx. 10.5% health side (simplified) |
| Student without work | Private policy + optional voluntary CNAS | Check university / CNAS forms |
| Private visit without cover | Direct payment | Private GP approx. 80–200 RON; public ER in emergency |
Last updated: May 2026 — CNAS; visa requirements: IGI
EHIC: what it covers and what it does not
- Generally covers: medically necessary care during a temporary stay, as an EU citizen in the host country.
- Does not cover: permanent relocation, planned treatment abroad, non-urgent dental, repatriation.
- Stay > 3 months (EU): Register with IGI and consider CNAS or S1 form if applicable.
Registering with a family doctor
- Obtain drept de asigurare (insurance right) — via work, student enrolment, or converted policy per CNAS rules.
- Find a medic de familie with an open list on CNAS or via the university office.
- Bring passport, permit, CNP (if assigned), university enrolment certificate.
- Sign the registration form; the doctor issues prescriptions and referrals to specialists.
- Collect your health card when available.
Emergencies
- 112 — EU single emergency number (ambulance, fire, police).
- SMURD — Mobile emergency medical service in many areas.
- Always carry passport, insurance, and university emergency contact.
Mental health (English-friendly resources)
- University services — Campus counselling (ask the international office; often free or included).
- Private psychologists — Bucharest/Cluj: sessions approx. 150–300 RON; search for English-speaking profiles on local platforms.
- Acute crisis — 112 or psychiatric ER at a university hospital (confirm current address with your university).
- International helplines — Do not replace local services; useful for support in your language from abroad.
Copayments and medicines
The public system uses coplată (co-payment) on visits, tests, and medicines per CNAS lists. Keep prescriptions (rețetă) and receipts for private insurance reimbursement if applicable.
Last updated: May 2026 — Ministry of Health
Next step: bank account and taxes — Finance guide.
Sources
Public hospital may have waits — bring translator if necessary.
Quick reference
CAS if you work legally. EU: Initial EHIC. Variable public hospitals; private clinic for paid speed.
How healthcare works
Access
With medical CAS assigned. Without: private or university clinic.
Mandatory insurance
Work activates CAS. Students without work: private economic or EU EHIC.
Mental health
Growing university counseling. Public Psychology Services Limited.
Student support
Campus
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Health insurance & CNAS
Mandatory cover
Enrolment with the National Health Insurance House (CNAS) via employer or eligible student/non-salary routes.
Family doctor
Choose from the open list; gatekeeping to specialists and prescriptions.
Health card & EHIC
Electronic health card for contracted services; temporary EU visitors may use EHIC—confirm validity.
Co-payments & emergency care
Co-pays
User charges for drugs and services depend on CNAS lists.
Emergency
112 single emergency number.
Electronic records
Regional portals and hospital electronic records—availability varies.
Mental health (orientation)
For acute crises, call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.