Ukraine's healthcare system is currently undergoing significant reforms, transitioning from a Soviet-era model focused on capacity to one aiming for improved quality and patient-centered care. The National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) was established in 2018 to implement state policy and manage the Program of Medical Guarantees (PMG), which defines publicly funded services. However, the system remains a blend of public and private institutions. The ongoing full-scale war has placed immense strain on the healthcare infrastructure, leading to damaged facilities, staff shortages, and challenges in accessing even basic medical services, particularly near conflict zones. For foreigners and expats, navigating this system often involves a mix of public and private solutions, with a strong emphasis on private healthcare due to its generally higher standards and better accessibility. Mandatory health insurance is a critical requirement for entry and stay in Ukraine.

The public healthcare system in Ukraine is primarily managed by the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) and operates under the Program of Medical Guarantees (PMG). This program aims to provide a defined package of medical services free of charge to Ukrainian citizens and foreigners permanently residing in the country. Services covered typically include primary care, specialist consultations (with a referral), examinations, inpatient treatment, childbirth, and treatment for conditions like heart attacks and strokes. To access these services, permanent residents must sign a declaration with a family doctor, requiring a permanent residence permit and residence registration.

However, for foreigners temporarily in Ukraine, most public medical services are provided on a paid basis, with costs determined by the medical institution itself. Even for citizens, the public system has historically faced issues such as underfunding, resource shortages, and variable service quality, often leading to informal payments. Since January 1, 2025, state and municipal medical institutions are permitted to provide paid medical services for those not covered by the PMG or for additional services. While efforts are being made to improve primary healthcare quality and integrate all public institutions into the PMG by 2025, the impact of the conflict continues to affect service delivery and accessibility.

Private healthcare in Ukraine is generally preferred by expats due to its higher standards of care, modern equipment, and often English-speaking staff. These facilities are predominantly found in major cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Kharkiv. Many skilled medical professionals have moved from the public to the private sector due to better pay and working conditions, contributing to the high quality of private care.

Reputable private hospital networks and clinics include Boris Medical Center, Oberig Clinic, Medical Center Universum Clinic, Dobrobut, and Medikom, particularly in Kyiv. These clinics offer a wide range of specialties, from cardiology and surgery to diagnostics and family medicine. The quality of private dental care and cosmetic surgery is also noted to be on par with developed European nations, often at lower costs, attracting medical tourism. While private care offers significant advantages, it is important to confirm current services, hours, and language support directly with clinics, as availability can change during the conflict.

Access to healthcare for foreigners in Ukraine depends significantly on their legal status. Health insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals planning to enter Ukraine, regardless of their purpose of travel (tourist, business, volunteer, student, etc.). Border officials may request proof of insurance, and failure to provide it can lead to entry refusal. The insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of the stay, cover emergency medical treatment, illness, accidental injuries, hospitalization, outpatient care, emergency medical evacuation, and medical repatriation, with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000 (approximately 100,000 UAH).

For temporary residents, most medical services in public institutions are provided on a paid basis. It is highly recommended that temporary residents rely on private healthcare facilities, covered by their international or Ukraine-specific health insurance.

Foreigners permanently residing in Ukraine have similar healthcare rights to Ukrainian citizens and can receive some medical services at the expense of public funds. To access these, they need to sign a declaration with a family doctor, which requires a permanent residence permit and a certificate of residence registration. However, even for permanent residents, many choose private clinics for convenience and higher quality.

Securing appropriate health insurance is paramount for foreigners in Ukraine. It is a mandatory requirement for entry for nearly all foreign nationals, with border authorities verifying coverage. Standard travel insurance or existing home country policies (e.g., US, UK GHIC, EU EHIC) typically do not provide sufficient coverage or exclude active conflict zones, making a Ukraine-specific policy often necessary.

Key requirements for insurance policies include:

• Coverage valid for the entire stay in Ukraine.
• Inclusion of emergency medical treatment, illness, and accidental injuries.
• Hospitalization and outpatient care.
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
• A minimum coverage amount of €30,000.

International health insurance plans are highly recommended for expats, often providing access to private clinics with better facilities and English-speaking staff. Some international providers, like Cigna Global and Allianz Care, offer plans that can cover Ukraine, though regional restrictions or exclusions may apply due to the conflict. Employer-provided plans may also be an option for those working in Ukraine. Typical monthly premiums for comprehensive health plans in Ukraine can range from UAH 1,695 to UAH 4,506. For short-term visitors, Ukraine-specific travel medical insurance can cost less than $100 on average.

Healthcare costs for foreigners in Ukraine can vary significantly depending on whether public or private facilities are utilized, with private options being considerably more expensive but offering higher quality. Foreigners are generally expected to pay for most medical services out-of-pocket unless covered by insurance.

Typical costs (in Ukrainian Hryvnia, UAH, with approximate EUR/USD conversion based on €30,000 ≈ 100,000 UAH):

• Doctor's Consultation:
  • Public clinics: 300-500 UAH (€7-€12 / $8-$14)
  • Private clinics: 600-1,200 UAH (€15-€30 / $16-$33)
• Hospitalization (per day):
  • Public hospitals: 300-1,000 UAH (€7-€25 / $8-$27)
  • Private clinics: 1,500-5,000 UAH (€37-€125 / $40-$135)
• Private Ambulance Call: Up to 5,000-6,000 UAH (€125-€150 / $135-$160), or 50-150 USD
• Diagnostics:
  • MRI scan: 1,000-4,000 UAH (€25-€100 / $27-$108)
  • CT scan: 800-20,000 UAH (€20-€500 / $22-$540)
  • X-ray: 150-500 UAH (€4-€12 / $4-$14)
  • Laboratory analyses: 100-1,500 UAH (€2.5-€37 / $2.7-$40)
• Childbirth:
  • Public clinics: 5,000-10,000 UAH (€125-€250 / $135-$270)
  • Private clinics: 15,000-30,000 UAH (€375-€750 / $405-$810)

Prescription medications are an additional cost, though some may be reimbursed under the 'Affordable Medicines' program for citizens and permanent residents. Dental and vision care are typically not covered by public funds and must be paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. It's crucial to keep all receipts and documentation for insurance reimbursement.

In Ukraine, emergency medical care for conditions that pose a threat to life is provided free of charge to everyone, regardless of citizenship or insurance status. The primary emergency number for an ambulance is 103, and the single general emergency number is 112. When calling, be prepared to provide your name, nationality, address or a nearby landmark, and a clear description of what happened and your symptoms.

Public ambulance services are state-run and will transport you to the nearest public hospital capable of treating your condition. While emergency treatment is free, subsequent hospitalization and inpatient care for foreigners are typically paid services. Private ambulance services are available in some cities, often through private clinics like Dobrobut or Oxford Medical, and can be called directly or arranged via your insurance provider, with costs ranging from 50-150 USD.

Due to the ongoing conflict, response times for emergency services may be delayed in certain areas, and for serious conditions, insured patients should confirm ambulance and hospital provisions with their insurer or clinic beforehand. It is highly recommended to save emergency numbers and your insurance company's 24/7 assistance number in your phone, and carry a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

The quality of healthcare in Ukraine presents a notable contrast between the public and private sectors. The public system, a legacy of the Soviet era, often struggles with underfunding, outdated equipment, and staff shortages, particularly outside major urban centers. This can lead to variable standards of care and longer waiting times for non-critical services.

Conversely, the private healthcare sector, especially in cities like Kyiv and Lviv, offers significantly higher quality care, modern facilities, and often boasts internationally trained, English-speaking medical professionals. This has led to a growing medical tourism industry, particularly for cosmetic surgery and dental care, where quality is comparable to Western countries but costs are lower.

However, the ongoing full-scale war has severely impacted the overall healthcare landscape. Over 1,600 attacks on health infrastructure have been documented between 2024 and February 2026, leading to damaged hospitals, clinics, and ambulances. This has resulted in a degradation of healthcare quality and access, especially in frontline regions, with staff shortages and logistical challenges. While resilience is evident, the system operates under immense strain, affecting timely care. For complex or critical cases, medical evacuation to a neighboring EU country might be necessary, underscoring the importance of comprehensive insurance with evacuation coverage.