How can foreign tourists go to a hospital in Ukraine?

Medical care is a basic necessity that both Ukrainians and foreigners need. However, the latter may face a number of difficulties, as they do not always know how medical care is provided for tourists in Ukraine. Find out how to visit a doctor in Ukraine and how medical insurance for foreigners can help.

Take care of reliable insurance for safe entry and stay in Ukraine

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Hospital care for foreigners in Ukraine is open and accessible. However, there are a number of nuances that you need to know. In particular, we are talking about the need for insurance for tourists in Ukraine, because in its absence, all medical expenses will have to be paid from your own funds (or from other sources not prohibited by law). In the context of possible unforeseen situations, it is also worth mentioning that there are currently no 100% safe places in Ukraine. Therefore, to cover the costs caused by active and passive war risks, you need to take care of the appropriate type of insurance.

How does the medical system in Ukraine work?

All foreign nationals are provided with medical services, regardless of how long they stay in the country. Another issue is that in most cases, such services are provided by private institutions (except for emergency medical care - the victim is sent to the nearest institution regardless of ownership). Prices in the healthcare market are generally stable, but each hospital sets its own prices. A medical policy is especially relevant because it eliminates unnecessary worries, and the insurer is responsible for reimbursement.

Where to go if you need a doctor?

Immediately contact the insurance company (within 24 hours) and provide details of the insured event. The insurance company will provide information on further steps.

Emergency - how to call an ambulance?

To call an ambulance, you should call the following numbers:

- 103 (a single telephone number for calling an ambulance);

- 112 (a single telephone number for calling an ambulance).

Please note! Calls to emergency numbers are free of charge.

Public hospitals - peculiarities of treatment

Public healthcare in Ukraine is a healthcare system financed from the state budget and providing medical services to the population. It covers a wide range of services, from primary healthcare to highly specialised treatment.

Prices in public hospitals in Ukraine are based on several factors, which are regulated by the legislation and policies of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

The bulk of medical services in state hospitals are financed through the Medical Guarantee Programme (MGP), which is administered by the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU). The NHSU contracts with hospitals to provide medical services and sets tariffs for payment. The tariff includes the cost of services, medicines, equipment and other expenses. Accordingly, patients receiving services under the PGP do not have to pay for them directly.

According to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which came into force on 1 January 2025, state and municipal medical institutions may introduce paid medical services. Importantly, payment for such services must be made exclusively by bank transfer, and tariffs must be made available to patients. Prices for paid services are set by hospitals themselves, but they must be reasonable and transparent.

Private clinics - fast service without queues

Private medicine in Ukraine is a healthcare sector that provides medical services on a paid basis. It includes private clinics, medical centres, doctors' offices, laboratories and other facilities.

Private healthcare facilities are financed by patients, insurance companies and other sources. They often offer a higher level of service, modern equipment and qualified staff. In addition, the waiting time for a doctor's appointment or examination in private clinics is usually much shorter than in public ones.

Private medical facilities can specialise in certain areas of medicine, such as dentistry, cosmetology, reproductive medicine, etc. Clinics can provide services that are not included in the guaranteed package. In this case, the prices are set by the institution independently, based on market analysis.

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What documents are required to visit a doctor?

- An identity document;

- health insurance policy;

- documents confirming the legality of your stay in Ukraine.

Health insurance: why is it worth taking out a policy before travelling?

For foreigners, an insurance policy in Ukraine is not a recommended but a necessary document that plays a key role in various aspects of their stay in the country. First and foremost, having an insurance policy is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa to Ukraine, especially if you are planning a long-term stay, for example, for study, work or family reunification. When crossing the border of Ukraine, border guards may check the existence of an insurance policy to make sure that the foreigner has a financial guarantee in case of need for medical care. In addition, an insurance policy is a required document for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit in Ukraine, as it confirms that a foreigner has adequate medical coverage in the country.

Standard health insurance covers expenses incurred as a result of illness or accident, while insurance with war risk coverage provides medical coverage and additionally covers accidents that may occur as a result of active hostilities, passive war risks or terrorist acts.

We talked about whether foreign insurance policies are accepted in Ukraine earlier.

What to do if you don't have insurance?

If a foreigner stays in Ukraine without a health insurance policy, he or she may face difficulties in obtaining medical care. In addition, they will have to pay for the services of the institution on their own.

First of all, it is recommended that you obtain a health insurance policy as soon as possible. This can be done on the Visit Ukraine portal in just a few clicks while you are already in Ukraine. When applying for a policy, you should pay attention to the list of services it covers, as well as the amount of the sum insured.

Take out health insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal and feel confident in Ukraine!

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We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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