Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ukraine
Summary: Digital Nomads in Ukraine share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Ukraine, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
What are healthcare services like in Ukraine?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ukraine, they replied:
"If you travel in Ukraine make sure you have real good international health insurance. I had a kidney stone attack and had to fly to New York for my surgery at the V.A. (Veterans Hospital) which the service is totally free. I am receiving 100% disability from the V.A. so all my medicals costs are paid by the V.A. including medicines," said one digital nomad in Kiev.
"Healthcare services in Ukraine are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens of Ukraine. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Ukraine typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and of a higher quality. However, some expats may choose to use the public healthcare system if they are unable to afford private healthcare," commented a person living in Ukraine.

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What is the quality of medical care in Ukraine like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Ukraine, they replied:
"Pharmacies are everywhere in a city, on every corner. Which is great, but i suggest not to end up in a hospital. They stink. Literally as well," said one foreigner in Kiev.
"Ukraine has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services. The country has a network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of treatments and procedures. Ukraine also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions. In addition, Ukraine has a number of private medical facilities that offer a range of services, including cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and other medical treatments. Ukraine also has a number of pharmacies that provide medications and other medical supplies," remarked one member in Ukraine.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ukraine?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Ukraine can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, public healthcare is free or low-cost, but the quality of care may not be as high as in private clinics. Private health insurance can be expensive, but it can provide access to better quality care and more specialized services. Additionally, many employers offer health insurance plans for their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of healthcare," explained one expat living in Ukraine.
"I was extremely surprised when the administrator at IMP clinic contacted the insurance company herself, and I didn't have to call and deal with it. I was suggested to pay myself and then make the reimbursement of the expenses. I was given all the necessary documents and didn't have any trouble with my insurance company. From my viewpoint any other public clinic will render such services," said one digital nomad in Kiev.
What are emergency services like in Ukraine?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Ukraine wrote:
"Emergency services in Ukraine are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the emergency number 112. This number is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will ask for the caller's location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch an ambulance to the scene," explained one expat living in Ukraine.
"In Kiev, there are several hospitals, but one must pay "before" any service is granted! You need to have a good medical interpreter to help you with the doctors and nurses. I was lucky since my friend is an American/Ukrainian and did all of the translation for me," said one digital nomad in Kiev.
"I have visited the IMP clinic in Kyiv and was surprised by that fact, that all the staff spoke English! This clinic is private and I think this is the reason why the quality of the services was high. The doctor who examined me was very experienced in her job and I was treated very well. I was extremely surprised when the administrator contacted the insurance company herself, and I didn't have to call and deal with it. I was suggested to pay myself and then make the reimbursement of the expenses. I was given all the necessary documents and didn't have any trouble with my insurance company. From my viewpoint any other public clinic will render such services," commented a person living in Kiev, Ukraine.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"I went to a clinic which serves Americans and Europeans, but I had to pay a lot of money for simple services. I don't remember my total cost of the MRI and other procedures. They found a 9mm kidney stone which was confirmed by the doctors at the V.A. hospital in New York," said one digital nomad in Kiev.
"Ukraine is home to a wide variety of medical specialists, with some of the best selection located in the cities of Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa. In Kyiv, the capital city, there is a large selection of medical specialists, ranging from general practitioners to specialists in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Lviv is also home to a wide range of medical specialists, including those specializing in orthopedics, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. Odesa is known for its selection of specialists in dermatology, urology, and ophthalmology. Additionally, many of the larger cities in Ukraine, such as Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia, also have a wide selection of medical specialists," commented a person living in Ukraine.
Are common prescription medications available in Ukraine?
"Yes, they are but I always take my own!! I never buy from a local pharmacy and usually buy a German prescription. I don't trust a Ukrainian pharmacy," commented a person living in Kiev, Ukraine.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Ukraine?
"Medical facilities and medical care in Ukraine are generally of a high quality. The country has a well-developed healthcare system, with a wide range of medical services available. Doctors and nurses are highly trained and experienced, and the quality of care is comparable to that of other European countries. Ukraine also has a number of modern hospitals and clinics, equipped with the latest medical technology. In addition, the cost of medical care in Ukraine is generally lower than in other European countries," said a member in Ukraine.
As a foreigner living in Ukraine, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, as a foreigner living in Ukraine, you will have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals. The cost of care is usually quite affordable, and there are a variety of services available, including primary care, emergency care, and specialist care," said one member in Ukraine.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Ukraine if they have access to public healthcare in Ukraine. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Ukraine. Many hospitals have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and limited access to medical care. The government has implemented a number of measures to help alleviate the strain on the healthcare system, including providing additional funding for medical personnel and equipment, as well as expanding access to telemedicine services. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Ukraine is still struggling to cope with the pandemic, and many people are still unable to access the care they need," explained one person living in Ukraine.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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Digital Nomads in Ukraine offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Ukraine.

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