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.

Variable quality

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.

112 emergency
Pharmacies (pharmacies) open with shifts
Family medicine after CAS
Private clinics €20–40 visit

How healthcare works

Access

Moderate

With medical CAS assigned. Without: private or university clinic.

Mandatory insurance

National rule

Work activates CAS. Students without work: private economic or EU EHIC.

Mental health

Moderate

Growing university counseling. Public Psychology Services Limited.

Student support

Campus

International office
Erasmus mentoring programs

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.

CNAS

Family doctor

Choose from the open list; gatekeeping to specialists and prescriptions.

CNAS — insured services

Health card & EHIC

Electronic health card for contracted services; temporary EU visitors may use EHIC—confirm validity.

Ministry of Health

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.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Health and insurance in Romania