This guide breaks down everything you need to know: who needs what kind of insurance, how the Romanian healthcare system works, and how to actually use it once you’re on campus.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for International Students?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for the entire duration of your studies in Romania. You’ll need to show proof of valid coverage at three key moments:
- When applying for your Romanian student visa (Type D long-stay visa) – your insurance certificate is a required document.
- When applying for or renewing your temporary residence permit in Romania.
- When enrolling at your university – every accredited Romanian institution requires proof of valid health insurance before you can finalize registration.
So this isn’t optional paperwork – it’s part of how you get into the country and stay legally as a student. Our How to Apply guide walks through exactly where insurance documents fit into the wider application process.
Insurance Rules for EU/EEA Students
If you’re a citizen of an EU or EEA country (or Switzerland), your situation is fairly simple:
- You can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by your home country.
- The EHIC gives you access to state-provided healthcare in Romania under the same conditions as Romanian citizens.
- It’s free to obtain through your home country’s national health authority.
Important note: the EHIC is designed for medically necessary state healthcare, not full coverage for every scenario. It doesn’t cover private clinics, planned treatments, or repatriation back to your home country. For these reasons, many EU students take out a complementary private insurance policy to make sure they’re fully protected during their stay.
Insurance Rules for Non-EU/EEA Students
If you’re coming from outside the EU/EEA – for example, from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, or any other non-EU country – the rules are a little different:
- You must purchase private international health insurance before you arrive. This is required to obtain your student visa.
- Students under 26 years old who are not employed are generally entitled to free state-hospital care in Romania, but private international health insurance is still strongly recommended (and often required by universities) for broader coverage.
- Students over 26 years old typically need to register with the National Health Insurance House (Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate – CNAS) to access state healthcare.
- Non-EU students applying for a residence permit must show proof of valid health coverage as part of the application.
If you’re applying from Nepal, you’ll find country-specific documentation guidance on our blog post about Requirements to Study in Romania for Nepali Students.
Understanding the Romanian Healthcare System
Romania has a mixed public–private healthcare system, and as a student you can use both depending on your needs.
Public Healthcare (CNAS)
The public system is run by the Casa Națională de Asigurări de Sănătate (CNAS). Through CNAS, you can access:
- General practitioner (GP) visits
- Hospital treatment and inpatient care
- Emergency care
- Specialist consultations (usually with a referral)
- Prescription medication, often with small co-payments
Public hospitals are widely available in every major university city – Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Brașov, Constanța, and others – and many are well-equipped, especially in larger urban centers.
Private Healthcare
Romania also has a strong network of private clinics and hospitals, particularly in major cities. Private healthcare is popular among international students because it offers:
- Shorter waiting times for appointments
- More English-speaking doctors and staff
- Modern facilities and equipment
- Easier access to specialist care without referrals
Well-known private healthcare networks in Romania include Regina Maria, MedLife, Sanador, and Medicover. Many private clinics accept international student insurance with direct billing arrangements, which saves you from paying upfront and waiting for reimbursement.
What Does Student Health Insurance Typically Cover?
A good international student insurance plan will usually include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Visits to general practitioners and specialists
- Diagnostic tests, lab work, and imaging
- Prescription medication
- Maternity care (depending on the plan)
- Mental health support
- Medical repatriation back to your home country in serious cases
- Personal liability and sometimes travel-related cover
Coverage details vary from provider to provider, so always read the policy carefully before signing. Popular insurance providers operating in Romania include Allianz, Euroins, Generali Romania, and several international student-specific insurers.
How to Access Healthcare Once You Arrive
Here’s the practical, step-by-step picture of what using healthcare in Romania actually looks like:
1. Register with a Family Doctor (Medic de Familie)
For routine care, every patient in the public system is assigned to a family doctor. They are your first point of contact for general health concerns, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.
2. For Non-Urgent Specialist Care
You’ll usually need a referral from your family doctor, unless you’re using private insurance – in which case you can typically book directly with the specialist.
3. For Hospital Treatment
Both public hospitals (spital) and private hospitals are available. Public hospital admission is covered by CNAS or EHIC; private hospital stays are covered through your private insurance plan.
4. For Emergencies
Romania’s emergency number is 112 – the same as the rest of the EU. It connects you to ambulance, fire, and police services. Emergency rooms in public hospitals operate 24/7, and EU students can access them using their EHIC card.
5. For Pharmacies (Farmacie)
Pharmacies are widely available in every Romanian city. Many medications require a prescription, but a good number of common over-the-counter medicines are easily accessible. Larger cities have 24-hour pharmacies (farmacie non-stop).
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Studying abroad can be exciting, but it can also be stressful – adjusting to a new culture, language, and academic environment takes time. Many Romanian universities now offer psychological counseling services for students, sometimes free of charge through the student support office.
Most modern private insurance plans also cover therapy sessions and mental health consultations. At Conachi Academy, we make sure your transition is as smooth as possible – our Support & Guidance page explains the ongoing help available to students after they arrive.
Practical Tips for Staying Healthy in Romania
Beyond paperwork, here are a few practical habits that make life easier:
- Carry your insurance card and ID at all times. You’ll need them at every appointment, pharmacy, and emergency visit.
- Save key numbers in your phone: 112 for emergencies, your insurance provider’s hotline, and your family doctor’s number.
- Learn a few Romanian medical words – farmacie (pharmacy), spital (hospital), doctor, urgență (emergency). In larger cities, English is widely understood in private clinics.
- Get a basic health check-up when you first arrive, especially before classes start.
- Bring a small starter supply of any regular medications you take, along with a copy of your prescription.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations – your university may ask for a basic medical certificate as part of enrollment.
What Documents You’ll Need
For visa, residence permit, and university enrollment, prepare the following insurance-related documents:
- Valid health insurance certificate (EHIC for EU students, private international health insurance for non-EU students)
- Medical certificate confirming you’re in good health, with no contagious or chronic conditions that contraindicate study
- Vaccination records, if requested
- Copies of your passport and other identification documents
You can find the complete document list and timing on our Dates & Deadlines page.
Final Thoughts
Healthcare in Romania for international students is well-regulated, accessible, and easier to navigate than many students expect. With the right insurance in place from day one, you’ll have full access to the country’s modern healthcare network and the peace of mind to focus on what really matters – your studies, your friendships, and your future.
You can read more about life as an international student in Romania, explore the Campus Experience, or browse our list of accredited Romanian universities to find the right fit for you.
Get Personalized Guidance from Conachi Academy
Sorting through visa requirements, insurance policies, and university paperwork on your own can be overwhelming. That’s exactly why we exist.
At Conachi Academy, we help you:
- Understand exactly what health insurance documents your specific situation requires
- Prepare visa and residence permit applications correctly the first time
- Connect with accredited Romanian universities through trusted partnerships
- Settle into student life with ongoing support, even after you arrive
Ready to take the next step? Request more information or apply through our quick online form – and let’s make your Romanian study journey safe, smooth, and successful.