In Romania, the public healthcare system provides a wide range of free healthcare services designed to ensure equitable access to health care for all citizens. This system is structured to meet essential health care needs, given limited resources and diverse requirements. Free services include medical consultations, investigations, treatments and medicines, all of which are covered by contributions to the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAS) and the state budget. These services are essential to maintain public health and to prevent and treat conditions that could affect citizens' quality of life.

Here are the free health services available in Romania and the categories of people who can access them:

1. Medical consultations

Consultations with family doctors and specialist doctors in the public health system are free of charge for people who are insured with the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAS). These consultations include health assessment, diagnosis of illnesses and recommendations for the necessary treatments.

Beneficiaries:

•     Persons insured under the public health system.
•     Uninsured persons who fall into certain categories of risk or vulnerability (e.g. very low-income persons, persons with disabilities).

2. Basic examinations and investigations

Basic examinations and investigations such as blood tests, X-rays and ultrasound scans carried out in the public system are free of charge for insured persons. These investigations are essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions.

Beneficiaries:

•     Insured persons, on the basis of a referral note from the family doctor or specialist.
•     In certain cases, uninsured persons may benefit from free investigations as an emergency or through special public health programs.

3. Treatment and medicines

Treatment in public hospitals and medicines prescribed on the basis of compensable prescriptions are free of charge for insured persons, in accordance with CNAS regulations. This includes treatment for acute and chronic conditions and necessary surgery.

Beneficiaries:

•     Insured persons.
•     Uninsured persons may benefit from emergency treatment and compensated medicines under certain conditions, in accordance with the legislation in force.

4. Emergency care

Emergency services are free for all citizens, whether insured or not. They include treatment in emergency units and emergency surgery.

Beneficiaries:

•     All citizens, regardless of insurance status.

5. Maternity - Neonatology health services

Prenatal and postnatal consultations and care, as well as immunizations for children, are free of charge within the public health system. Basic care for pregnant women and newborns is also covered by CNAS.

Beneficiaries:

•     Insured persons.
•     Mothers and children from low-income families can benefit from maternal and child health services and other national health programs.

6. Services for elderly and disabled people

For the elderly and people with disabilities, free services are available, including medical consultations, treatment and care in public health institutions. There are also special programs to monitor and manage chronic conditions.

Beneficiaries:

•     Elderly (retired) persons.
•     Persons with disabilities, according to CNAS regulations and national legislation.

7. Immunizations

Compulsory vaccinations and those included in national vaccination programs are free of charge for all citizens. They include vaccinations for children and basic vaccines for the adult population, according to the national immunization schedule.

Beneficiaries:

•     All citizens, including children, adults and the elderly.