Private health insurance is an increasingly popular option in Romania, offering access to fast and quality medical services without having to depend on the public health system, where medical processes are more laborious and of lower quality.

Private health insurance covers a wide range of medical services, from consultations and tests to hospitalization and surgery, thus offering additional protection for the health of you and your family.

What is private health insurance?

Private health insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company whereby the latter agrees to cover the costs of certain medical services in return for a monthly or annual premium. Unlike state health insurance, private private private health insurance allows you to access medical services in private networks, with shorter waiting times and better treatment conditions.

What does private health insurance cover?

Private health insurance coverage can vary depending on the package you choose and the insurance provider. In general, the most common services covered include: medical consultations with specialists, laboratory tests and imaging investigations (MRI, CT, ultrasound), hospitalization and surgery, ambulance services and medical transport, access to prevention programs and regular check-ups, coverage for chronic or pre-existing conditions (in some cases), specialist treatment (including for serious conditions such as cancer).

Advantages and disadvantages of private health insurance

Advantages:

• Quick access to medical services: avoid waiting lists in public hospitals.
• Quality of care: access to private clinics and hospitals with modern facilities and qualified medical staff.
• Flexibility: choice of doctors and clinics from an extensive network.
• International coverage: some policies include treatment abroad.

Disadvantages:

• Additional costs: in addition to the premiums paid, there may be costs that are not fully covered by the insurance, such as co-payments or certain special treatments.
• Exclusions: certain conditions or procedures may be excluded from policy cover, and pre-existing conditions may result in higher premiums or exclusion of cover for them.

How much does private health insurance cost?

The cost of private health insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as:

• age and health: younger and healthier people usually have lower premiums.
• service package: basic packages are cheaper, while those that include additional services, such as complex treatments or extended hospitalization, can be considerably more expensive.
• length of contract: some insurers offer discounts for long-term contracts.
• insurance provider: prices can vary between companies depending on the network of partners and the level of cover offered.

In general, monthly premiums can start from around £50-100 for basic packages and can go up to £300-500 or more for premium packages covering a wide range of medical services. Some companies also offer family or employee discounts on group policies, which can significantly reduce costs.â

How do you choose the best private health insurance?

Choosing the right private health insurance for you depends on your medical needs and available budget. It's important to compare different offers and carefully analyze what services are included, what are the exclusions and what is the network of partner clinics and hospitals. It's also useful to speak to an insurance adviser who can help you better understand the options available and help you choose the best option.

Private health insurance can be an important investment in the health of you and your family, giving you access to quality healthcare when you need it. While the costs may seem high, the long-term benefits, such as quick access to treatment and peace of mind, can justify the expense. Before making your decision, be well-informed and choose the package that gives you the best value for money for your specific needs.

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