In Romania, the private healthcare sector has grown considerably in recent years, offering an attractive alternative to the public healthcare system. With the promise of superior conditions, shorter waiting times and personalized attention for each patient, private clinics and hospitals have become a tempting option. However, access to these services is not uniform and high costs mean that a large proportion of the population cannot afford the luxury.

Private healthcare: benefits and costs

For many Romanians, private healthcare services are attractive because of the obvious benefits: quick consultations, access to state-of-the-art technology, renowned doctors and superior hospitalization conditions. However, all this comes at a price. The costs of consultations, investigations and treatments in the private sector are much higher than in the public system, making these services inaccessible for a significant part of the population.

In Romania, prices for private medical services can vary significantly depending on the type of consultation, investigation or treatment. For example, a general consultation with a specialist doctor in a private clinic in Bucharest can cost between 200 and 600 lei, while an imaging investigation, such as an ultrasound scan, can cost 300-800 lei. Complex surgery or specialized treatments can cost thousands of euros. 

Private healthcare: Who can access it?

Access to the private medical system is generally reserved for middle and high income earners. People who can access these services usually have a well-paid job (over €1000/month), corporate benefits including private health insurance, or are willing to pay out-of-pocket. Private sector employers often offer health packages as part of employee benefits, facilitating access to quality health care.

Also expatriates and Romanians who have lived abroad and returned home are frequent clients of the private system. They are accustomed to high standards of care and prefer to pay for private services, thus avoiding the potential problems of the public system.

On the other hand, a large part of Romania's population, especially those on low incomes or living in rural areas, cannot afford private healthcare. They remain dependent on the public health system, which, while offering free or low-cost services, is often plagued by problems such as staff shortages, poor infrastructure, long waiting times and limited resources.

For these groups, access to private healthcare is extremely limited and many people delay or avoid necessary consultations and treatment because of the cost. The public health system is the only option for those who do not have access to private insurance, a benefit not yet widely available in Romania.

Impact on public health

Disparities in access to private healthcare contribute to significant health inequality. Those who can afford to turn to the private sector are generally in better health, due to rapid diagnosis and treatment. In contrast, those who rely on the public system are at greater risk of untreated or delayed treatment of untreated conditions, which can lead to severe complications and additional costs for the health system.

We can conclude that access to private health services in Romania is still marked by inequalities, with significant differences between those who can afford these services and those who cannot. Although the private system offers clear advantages, it remains inaccessible for many Romanians. To ensure a more equitable health system, it is crucial to develop policies that guarantee access to quality health care for everyone, regardless of their income.