Health Tourism in Moldova

Hai Noroc! (toasting wine custom)

One of the best European wine destinations in the last couple of years, Moldova is the country that is looking forward to having you as its guest. Choosing Moldova as your vacation spot is going to be an unique experience - you’ll meet wonderful people, you'll visit the top vineyards of the country, certain rural festivals and beautiful natural reservations.

Is Moldova Good for Medical Tourism?

Health tourism in Moldova is not very popular in the country, nevertheless, there are some hospitals and private clinics that also receive foreign patients. The dental medical tourism is quite popular among foreigners. Some private clinics can offer one a medical plan, built in up to three business days upon the information received by the patient - medical history, a panoramic X-ray of the teeth, description of the dental problems they face. Dental services in Moldova appear to be less expensive than in any other European country, even though some of the private clinics might double the prices if you are a foreigner.

Prices for top stomatology services Moldova:

Moldova can be easily consdered one of the cheapest country in Europe for dentistry.

- The restoration of frontal tooth - EUR 63
- Ceramic crown - EUR 180
- Tooth whitening/ bleaching - EUR 73
- Dental implant - up to EUR 300.

These are the usual prices at private dentists. In state clinics, prices are significantly lower. For e.g., visiting a dentist to repair a dental cavity might cost you from EUR 12.

For physical and spiritual growth, many tourists choose to spend their holidays at Moldova sanatoria complexes. They can profit from a various range of services, such as massages, acupuncture, baths, oxygen cocktails, apitherapy or leech therapy. Generally, a vacation at a sanatoria complex lasts from 10 to 12 days and starts from EUR 195.

Moldova health care system.

Thanks to advances in health sector and academical education in time when Moldova was part of USSR medicine has reasonably better standarts comparatively to many countries. But in present Republic of Moldova suffers from a low interest from the government and not many state funds are invested in the health sector, the state healthcare system is not that enticing. Every person, including representatives of vulnerable groups, has the right to a limited number of free medical services. For the rest, such as prescription medicine, dental care, detailed lab investigations, - citizens need to pay by themselves. Thus, one third of the health funds comes from the pockets of Moldovan and foreign citizens.

It seems quite popular to use services of non-traditional doctors in order to cure broken hearts and pregnancy issues. When walking through Moldovan streets of its Capital city, you will receive many flyers with the information of those ladies with magical powers that can help you cure all kinds of diseases. But unless you are looking for mysterious ways to treat your illnesses, it is highly advisable to check upon the services the local hospitals can provide.

There are private hospitals and clinics, but they are mainly used by people with a higher income, as some of the services are quite expensive for people that have salaries and pensions way below the average. For e.g. a professional face clean-up starts from EUR 23, a visit to a speech therapist costs around EUR 7, a consultation to an allergist expert is around EUR 11.

Details to keep in mind:

- There are hospitals, clinics and polyclinics in all major cities from the country. There's a total of 100 hospitals across Moldova;
- Hospitals in rural areas have limited services and are staffed by a feldscher, a general assistant and a midwife. They do provide a basic package of medical services, but if there's the need for a higher specialist, they will give the case for further analysis at city or Municipal hospital;
-- Some of the waiting lists are long. Don't get any hope in having, for e.g., a heart surgery in a Moldovan state hospitals, as even the locals will wait for months, even up to two years, in order to get such an operation. There is only one state medical facility that can offer such services for only up to 25 patients. Private hospitals claim to have the cutting-edge equipment and professional staff, some of the doctors being declared as one of the bests in Eastern Europe when providing heart care services.
Remember - sometimes, the 903 Ambulance service may drop your call, because they want so. So, in case you visit Moldova, check ahead where are the emergency departments of various hospitals, so you can go there by your own.

The State University of Medicine & Pharmacy "N. Testimițeanu" is very popular among foreign students, as even if they have to study on a self-financed basis, it is much cheaper than in any other European country. For e.g., the undergraduate studies cost among EUR 2900-3500. Fees for preparatory language courses and other materials needed for training are separately foreseen.

What is Moldova best known for?

Placed at "Heaven’s doorsill", Republic of Moldova is known for its beautiful sights and panoramas, great wine and mamaliga. The country is one of the poorest in Europe, but its population is bi-, and even trilingual, it has two of the world's largest wine cellars and it lived for a couple of years without a president.

Even though, there are some nice things to do when visiting Moldova.

Spiritual journey

As it's Christian-Orthodox, many people in the area decide to visit monasteries, join spiritual hikings or adhere to other rituals, that will heal their minds and souls.

Natural complexes

There's the archaeological landscape Orheiul Vechi that is described by UNESCO as "dramatic and beautiful" and is under review to be taken in its protection. Other beautiful sites that should be visited are the Struve Geodetic Arc in Soroca or the "Princely Forest" scientific reservation.

Northern wonders

The "Emil Racovita" cave, which is located in the highest geographical point of the country, is one of the biggest caves in the world, seventh to be exact, formed from gypsum and rocks. Unfortunately, it is not yet explored from a touristic point of view.

Wine jaunt

The world's largest cellar is located just right outside the capital city. Mileștii Mici wines are highly appreciated at an international level - the wine collections encompass nearly 2 mln bottles, the prices varying from a few dozen to a few hundreds of Euros. The Mileștii Mici winery stretches 200 km, while the second largest winery in the world, Cricova, stretches a humble 70 km space, with a 1,2 mln bottles in its collections.

Staying safe in Moldova.

Even though Moldova is considered a quite safe country, it's better to avoid crowded places that you don't know and hang out at night with people you've just met.

Minor theft, such as pickpocketing and street scams are popular. Avoid talking to strangers, especially with beggar kids and Roma people, as they have a bad popularity among Moldovan citizens. Don't buy perfumes and cosmetics outside shops, especially if they're "sold" in crowded places.

Take care at the exchange rate, as some exchange points don't place their commission rate. Better change your money in safe banks - some of them work up until 7p.m.

Avoid drinking tap water in rural areas.

Unfortunately, the behavior of the 90s still persists in law enforcement in Moldova - some policemen still practice bribe and tourists might feel insecure when having arguments with the representatives of public order. And if you plan a trip to Transnistria, a self-proclaimed state with well-marked Soviet influence, bear in mind that you should respect and behave in the region, as some of the embassies that are placed in Moldova have no power and, sometimes, no chance to get representatives in the area and might not get you help when you need. That's why certain international study programs might not be popular in there, many important international public figures or their representatives might not have access and border officers, unfortunately, in the majority of cases, mess with the tourists. There are visiting laws that should bestrictly  followed.

When visiting Republic of Moldova, you can ask for more information at The Moldova Tourist Information Center, that was open in the autumn of 2017. There's a similar information center working in Transnistria.

Moldova quiz

Languages: As the Constitution says, Moldovans speak the Moldovan language, which is, more or less, the Romanian language mixed with some intrusive Russian words. Russian is the second most popular spoken language. English, as a rule, is popular among people that hold international businesses, work in the IT field or are future translators.
Capital: Chișinău
Population: 3,5 millions
Major infectious diseases: Hepatitis A/B, Rabies, Influenza, Adenovirus infection, Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection, Respiratory syncytial virus, Rhino Viral infection, Reovirus infection.
Degree of risk: If the necessary precaution measures are taken, it's low.
Passport validity: For at least six months before the due date.
Mandatory Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations, such as MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Varicella, Polio and regular flu vaccines. It is highly recommended for travelers to get Hepatitis A/B and Rabies vaccines.
Currency restrictions for entry: Sums equivalent and above EUR 10.000 must be declared at the border.
Emergency Telephone Numbers:
Fire - 901
Police - 902
Ambulance - 903